Well, we’ve been home from Houston for about a week now. So far, so good. It’s funny how the routine and realities of life settle-in so easily. We are extremely grateful for the clear scans and we continue our prayers as we anticipate the repeat of our doctors’ appointments and scans at the end of January. Every clear check-up points me in the right direction of one day being declared, “cured”. As one of my doctors summed it up, “One year is excellent. Three years is cured.”
As much as we want to be jubilant and energized from our wonderful news, Jonathan and I find ourselves in a place of exhaustion. For months we have been living on adrenaline – going from test to test, one appointment after another and one complicated treatment after another. Now we are coming to the surface. The numbness that enabled us to pursue a diagnosis and treatment with full gusto has now worn off into a state of shock. I can’t put it into words. I imagine it is completely normal and I think it is a matter of time to adjust.
During our appointments last week, we addressed eye, skin & hair side effects with the doctors. Since radiation is ever-evolving long after the actual treatment has ended, many things will take time to see how they resolve. Most of it will be treatable. Some of my fatigue I mentioned above can be attributed to anemia – my blood counts will go up and down for some time as my body recovers from the stem cell transplant.
God has carried us through the scariest days of this trial, and we will continue to lean on Him as we anticipate scans every few months and experience the aftermath of my treatments. Thank you for your prayers. I can’t imagine what this would be like without our faith and the prayers of my family, friends and others who have been willing to pray. God has not taken away all of my pain or fear or difficulties, but He has blessed me with an awareness of His love, comfort, peace and ultimate use of this hardship for good.
On a lighter note, here is a link to some amazing photography/filmography of the majestic nature in Wyoming – amazing this is only one small geographic area. I can’t watch it enough – it is a wonderful display of God’s power and beauty. I hope you enjoy it too.
Scheele family, you deserve this news to enjoy the coming holidays. You have all sacrificed so much this past year, we are so glad you all get to rest from all of your hard work. It sounds like everyone in the family has done their part to be patient, supportive, and faithful, even the kiddos! April, we will continue to pray for you to gain strength each day and for sustained healing. Thank you for sharing your journey. We pray for future posts to continue to read that you are healthy and well.
Hi April!
I’ve still been praying for you and am so very happy to have learned from Judith about the clear scans! I meant to comment on your earlier post about Dr. Stanley and Andy Stanley, I was so interested to see you’d been encouraged by Andy’s messages on walking through difficult times… I go to North Point and thought about you often during that series, wondering how those messages would sound to you. I’m glad to know they helped! Take care, Judith’s friend, Shirley
So glad you are home again, sending hugs and prayers as you all continue to navigate this new “normal” and get some much-needed rest!
Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help your transition. We’ve been there. Our oncologist said if Isaac’s cancer were to return it’d be in the first 2 1/2 years. After five years appointments are optional (for our peace of mind only). Love you and praying for you. Angie