2025: The Journey Continues

At the end of 2024, I had Oral Surgery for an area affected by a bone-strengthening shot. In chemotherapy the intended area of treatment can also cause problems with other parts of the body and this was the case with me. Prior to surgery I was told one tooth would have to be removed with up to four needing removal. I had a lot of infection and a section of dead bone in my jaw. The surgery went well; he only needed to remove one tooth. He cleaned out the infected area and removed the bone. As a precaution he sent the bone and tissue to Chapel Hill to be sure there was no sign of cancer. I went home that day in excruciating pain, liquids for a couple of days plus antibiotics. I had a mouth full of stitches that went from my back tooth on the affected side all around to the front at my chin. I would see him again in two weeks for the results and to follow up on how well I was healing. I had labs and chemotherapy on January 2nd and the monthly hip injections. I still say these are the needles used by veterinarians. My labs were good, blood count good, kidneys good. Labs are taken every time I have an appointment, and they check for a large variety of things. Once this appointment was finished, I left for home to endure the side effects of the next couple of days. Thank God nausea normally is not a problem, but explosive diarrhea is. Too much information, I know.

January 7th rolled around and I was a little nervous going to this appointment. What do I do if Chapel Hill found something? What will I do? Either way I'm going to keep on going. I am reminded of God's grace and mercy and how far he has brought me. I was also reminded of the great NC State basketball coach, as he was battling cancer and also coaching his guys, "Don't Ever Give Up". As I sat in the dental chair the surgeon entered the room and examined my mouth. He commented that everything looked great, healing nicely. All the stitches had dissolved. The report from Chapel Hill indicated no malignancy in the tissue or the bone. Praise God for such wonderful news! This was certainly an answer to prayer. Aside from the monthly appointments, the next scans will take place in February.

Thank you all for the prayers, cards, and texts as I continue on this journey. Thank you, Lord, for keeping me and blessing me. He has a purpose for all of this, I don't know what, but he knows.

As I reflect on this journey and all the ups and downs I am reminded that the God on the mountain is the God in the valley. He is with me always and for that I am so grateful.