Tuesday, October 3, 2017

An Overdue Update on Russ



I have been wanting to write an update for a while now but the timing hasn't been right. Russ is nearing the end of his treatments. He had his last chemo treatment last Wednesday and he will have his last radiation treatment on next Tuesday, October 10th. This has been anything but an easy road. The treatments have been harsh and have made Russ feel really bad. Like I have said before, we would not wish this on our worst enemy, (if we had enemies). Yesterday, Russ started showing signs of pneumonia. Pray that this passes quickly.

The good news is the tumor has shrunk considerably and has broken apart. The tumor will continue to die several months after treatment has ended. We are still believing that in the end, Russ will be cancer free. Through all of this, the doctors continue to be amazed at how well Russ is doing and at his lab results. His body and organs and immune system have remained in great health despite the treatments. I have no doubt that it is because of the healthy supplements we have been taking throughout this ordeal. There are some things Russ will stop taking when this is over and other things we will take for the rest of our lives. We want to prevent this from happening again in our family.

The season of treatments has almost come to an end. Next comes the season of recovery. Russ has lost all of his body fat and muscle mass. He will have to build up his muscle mass and strength. He will also have to have therapy to get his throat and swallowing working again. It will not be fast or easy. But we see light at the end of the tunnel.

It is like we have been in a long, dark winter that lasted way longer than it should. It is not over yet but we are beginning to see the early signs of spring. We are looking forward to warmer, sunnier days ahead.

4 comments:

  1. Am so glad to see your update - have been wondering how Russ treatments have been going. As always, Diane, your perspective is positive and encouraging. Am keeping on praying for all of you and for God's most wonderful blessings for you as you enter greener pastures ;) Love you

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    1. Thank you Jan! Continued prayers are always welcome through the whole journey. Even the recovery.

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  2. Thought a and prayers still. If people don't see God through his journey,..... Thank you Russ for being such a vessel and warrior for Jesus through all this. Prayers still

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    1. Thank you JoAnn! Yes, it has been amazing to watch the changes taking place in Russ through all of this. I always new he was a strong man but this has proved just what a fighter he really is. God has definitely blessed us through this ordeal.

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