Where to begin?

The last time the Can Opener posted was all about Cheeto finding a forever home. A lot has happened since then, and Twilight and I have been telling her to get on her computer and post updates. But she says it was hard for her to do with a splint on her wrist (she’s not cleared by the doctor to stop using it yet)- then things happened when she went to the doctor with her sister- and then she got sick- (and is finally starting to feel and sound like herself again). Thank God.

(Can Opener): “Well, see Sushi- That’s why I don’t give you coffee. You get grumpy.”

Since Sushi was gracious enough to start things off for me, I suppose it is easier to take over myself- especially since I can’t live with her if she misses her grooming, nap, or mealtimes. This may be a long post…

Cheeto is still spoiled and loving his new home. His brother- (who the neighbor’s called “Buddy”)- has also been adopted since my last post- but more on that later.

At my last postings, my sister had been having problems with bruising popping up all her body for no apparent reason, and other strange things were happening. I told her she needed to let her doctor know, and she did. At the visit with her Primary care doctor, he didn’t really answer her questions, he did some blood work, then had her come back for a follow-up after the blood results came in. (Writing with her permission).

When she went back to him for the follow up, she was confused and frightened, because he mentioned things about her blood platelets being too high, and then he referred her to the Cancer Institute. She didn’t understand why he would send her there, and asked me to accompany her to her appointment when it was time. So I did.

I went with her to take notes, ask the questions of the Doctor that she wasn’t likely to think of (especially since her nerves were shot just at the prospect of being referred to the Cancer Institute), and to help her understand whatever information she was given. The Doctor explained that “we also treat blood disorders, too”- when she asked him why she had been referred there. So that calmed her a little because a blood disorder doesn’t sound as scary as cancer. So he also did some blood work, explaining that he was looking to rule out two things by testing for two specific genes.

But three days later he called her and a few minutes later, she called me, crying so hard I could barely understand her so I decided my dinner could wait, turned off the stove, and flew over to her house to see what was wrong.

She had tested positive for one of the two things the Doctor had hoped to rule out. One of those things was CML – (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia), (the other was ET– Essential Thrombocythemia). Both are types of cancer.

She had heard the Doctor say she had tested positive- but had gotten so upset and afraid, that she didn’t catch which of the two she had tested positive for. So he scheduled another appointment for her to clarify things for her and I went with her for the appointment. Meanwhile, my priorities immediately shifted to prayer, and research. So for this last month, any spare moment I have had has gone to one or the other when I am not busy with my grand-daughters, and my own normal routine. I have spent more time with my sister to help her stay positive, encourage her in her faith, and finding ways to help her avoid inflammatory foods, and find foods to help naturally heal her (as much as is possible through diet, that is).

I realize this post is long -so thank you for taking the time to read it. I apologize to all of my followers for dropping out for so long- but it wasn’t intentional. It was necessary to care for my sister and help her get through the last month without being completely overtaken with fear.

I went with her to her next appointment at the Cancer Institute, where the Doctor clarified what she had tested positive for- which thankfully, was NOT CML (Leukemia)- it is Essential Thrombocythemia, which he explained, is still a cancer, but one that is “completely treatable,” and isn’t aggressive like CML, and “doesn’t usually’ shorten life expectancy.” We both left there feeling a lot of relief, and knowing that she is in excellent hands. We are relieved that she doesn’t need chemo or radiation- it is being managed by a single pill that she takes every day -(while being monitored closely for her platelet levels).

Last week she had a bone marrow biopsy to determine the stage and to get a better idea of her prognosis down the road. We have not yet heard back about the results of the biopsy. This is still a serious condition (one of a group of blood cancers)- but compared to the aggressive nature of the leukemia (we thought she had), and the prospect of the eventual necessity of a bone marrow transplant down the road- (as the Doctor had mentioned at the first visit could have eventually been needed)- we are thrilled to find that it is ET instead. This, considering the other possibility is a blessing – knowing it is treatable without chemo or radiation and is “not aggressive” like the other.

We are thankful for even the smallest blessing- as though any blessing is ‘small.’ God is good to us- and our faith is strong. He hasn’t let us down, and He never will. So we are standing on His Word and promises, and receiving His peace, which we would not possibly be able to have otherwise.

Thank you for your patience with me as it has taken me so long to post. And thank you for your prayers.