Update 2/5/25

     I know it's been a few weeks since I posted...things have been a little hectic. Originally I was supposed to have surgery this week to remove the cancer from my lower neck/upper chest area. After much thought and consideration I have decided not to do the surgery yet. Since this cancer keeps coming back even after multiple surgeries, my doctors and I both agree that we need to try to attack it a different way. Also, even if we remove the cancer spot, there is a chance that it has already spread to other places in my body (since this spot got there through the bloodstream) and we just may not see it yet. 

     I will be starting immunotherapy treatment within the next few weeks. As an addition to the immunotherapy, I am also trying to get approval to participate in a Clinical Trial for a new drug. If I am approved, there is a 2 out of 3 chance that I will get the drug, and a 1 out of 3 chance that I will get a placebo pill. Either way, I will still be receiving the immunotherapy treatment..which would target any cancer in my body, not just that one spot that we know is there. I believe that trying this new approach is worth the risk. My doctor has indicated that if at any point I would like to stop the treatment and have surgery to remove it that is an option. I have prayed that I have made the correct decision and feel good about it. I know that God is with me every step of the way. 

     I know some have been asking as well about my feeding tube--I am still on the feeding tube and still unable to eat by mouth yet. I have been able to drink water and an Ensure through a straw. I am working some with Speech Therapy to try and strengthen muscles in my mouth, try to get my tongue to start moving, and stretching my mouth back out (I have been barely able to open my mouth very wide since the surgery). ..all while working on my speech as well. 

Thank you all for your continued prayers. I will try to update more once treatment starts. 

 Love you! 💗

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28 KJV

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