Thank you all for reaching out and telling me you love me and are praying for me. Several of you had me in tears with your encouraging words and sweet thoughts. And I am not a crier! Ask anyone who knows me. Outside of my brother Mike almost ripping my arm out of socket, general anger to the point of meltdown, and the classic sad moments – it can sometimes take a lot to make we well up with tears. Your words mean a lot to me and do give me encouragement and make me smile. And for that…I thank you!
Now…on to me…
I have officially had 2 weeks of treatment and am on my off week right now. I can say for sure that the pain is better. It is not gone – but overall – it is better. It appears to be tugging on me less and less throughout the week and not as intensely as it was. It still rears its little ugly head though from time to time. My interpretation is that the chemo is working. When I went last week for my treatment, my labs looked good. The blood counts actually looked better than they had in quite some time. The only ones that were still out of whack were my liver enzymes. Damn liver. The counts had not increased a ton like they had been each time I was getting my blood drawn – but they were still up. Higher than I would have liked. But – it has only been 2 weeks and there is a good chance they are stabilizing and next time they will be lower. Fingers crossed and prayers to the Man above.
My fatigue is still present. That is a really weird symptom. It’s beyond being tired. I remember being tired after a long day at work or from running all over creation – or even after a good workout. This is totally different. It’s like being tired from being tired. It really makes no sense. And I do not care how much you relax or have down time – you still get tired. I feel like I could do an entire stand up routine on the absurdity of fatigue. But I’m too tired (haha) so I will have to do that another time.
I do not go back for scans for another month or 2. My Doc wanted to get at least 2, if not 3 cycles of this medicine in me before taking pictures of my innards again. So we will sit and wait on that one. I think I can predict the scans before they happen – so I am ok with that.
The biggest side effect of this medication was the risk of constipation. We were told to invest in some senna and be ready! Not that you need to hear about my BMs (nor will I give you details) – but I would like to thank my mother and father for the most amazing colon. The Morrell gene is strong like that. I was told laxatives would be in my future. Maybe they are —but right now–I am holding my own. Not literally —you know what I mean. The nausea seems to be better as well.
Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers. I cannot tell you how many times I pray to God, thanking Him for all of you. You make my days easier and my smile bigger. I am one blessed woman and I know it. Have an amazing day.
Much Love,
Tracey
Fighting For Foo 
Tracey,
Your journal is written so eloquently and I can completely understand your logical brain thinking and your heart feelings from the way that you write about your journey. Chuck and I are in awe of your attitude and inner strength and even though your days are sometimes painful, we are happy the pain is better. You go girl. You have an amazing medical team, a beautiful and strong family and a fighting spirit like I have never seen. Much love. 😘
Ah yes, the good old Morrell colon. You crack me up (pun intended)! And you know we are all waiting for the Fatique monologue. You are constantly in our prayers, Trae, and we love you so much. If there is any right way to fight this battle you are certainly an example of it. Fighting For Foo blog inspires living each moment to its fullest and I always drop everything and read it when it makes its way through the web, taking my time with each line – so thank you for that reminder. Lots of love, a big hug, and a shot of prune juice.😘
Tracey,
You are amazing! You have our hearts and support always. Stay strong knowing prayers for you are bring said constantly. And as your dear friend taught you and I, ‘have a great day on purpose’.
We love you,
Pat & Larry
So glad things seem a little better. We will continue praying for brighter days We love you and with your strength and our love and prayers things can only get brighter
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Having a fantastic colon is a huge plus. Your parents are amazing! Love you tons my friend. Sending excellent vibes, prayers, and angels your way.
We love you and knowyou will beat this cancer you have.
So glad to hear you are responding to the chemo. I know you feel tired. I am sorry about that.
Another fiasco on the water at the coast today – this time – I guess You may have heard Chase had a seizure and left him unconscious for 45 min.
They were on my cousin’s boat – and they went to the Coast Guard who EMS’d them to the hospital. I am not sure if he has come out of the E. R. or not. He was so excited to be fishing and Hopefully he can do the BARTA, but – I do not know.
I guess now they will put him on seizure medicine for sure.
You take care.
Rachel
I know you are glad that Ed is finished with Tax season. He has more time for you and Anson!!
Tracey, so glad your pain is better. We pray for continued improvement in the coming weeks. Maybe some of the fatigue related to the hot weather!!
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are not ours…His ways and thoughts are GREATER than ours. He is sovereign and has more special plans for you,Ed and Anson! We praise Him for the great things He has done and will do ! God bless you!! Fondly , Emma and Bob
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I was just thinking of you so I am thrilled to read this update! You are, as always, an inspiration to me. I love your attitude and consider myself blessed to call you friend. Keep fighting the good fight!
You are such an amazing and inspiring woman! Sending you love and big hugs! 😘