Thursday

January 15, 2026

    So, it's been a week of doctor appointments and procedures, only one which was tangentially connected to my cancer. Tuesday, I had a blood draw for my hematologist checking my iron and ferritin levels and my iron saturation level. Because of my ulcerative colitis, I've had my blood checked on a regular basis for 20 years. I never had a problem until 2015. I started having trouble breathing, running out of breath just from talking. They did a blood test and I was anemic.  My blood count was only 7.2. My doctor wondered how I was still going to work every day. I had a blood transfusion and then started having regular iron infusions.  I hit another low point in 2017 (6.2) and had another blood transfusion. It was all from blood loss from the colitis. Thankfully, the new medication my doctor prescribed in 2019 has been the answer. I have basically been in remission for the past 5 years and I haven't needed to have an iron infusion for the past 3 years. The test results are in, and all of my levels are in the green (good) zone. You may not believe me, but living through a colitis flare is worse than anything that has happened with my cancer so having it under control is definitely a gift from God, through some very good doctors. 

Psalm 103:2-3... "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

    Wednesday was MRI day. The MRI was ordered by the ENT who checked out my "tonsilitis." As I shared, even though he didn't find anything, the decided to double check with an MRI of my neck area. MRIs are interesting procedures. You are placed in a tube, not good for someone claustrophobic.  They give you earplugs because it is very, very loud. I was in the tube for 10-15 minutes and then they pulled me out just long enough to inject a contrast dye into my veins for the next 10-15 minutes. I'm sure there are many techniques to get through the procedure.  I have two favorites.  I like to play golf in my head. I have 5-6 courses that I have played enough to have the holes memorized and I work my way through as many of them as I can.  The second thing I do is pray.  I pray for myself, and as many other people as possible. It's a great place to practice Matthew 6:6...But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

and

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Today was a two-fer. First an ultrasound this morning to check for kidney stones.  I had an issue last June and this was a six-month follow-up. No results yet.  I then had my 4-month dermatology check-up this afternoon. He froze a variety of spots but found nothing problematic, and he said we could go back to 6-month check-ups. 

Isaiah 12:2... "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation."

Still waiting to hear about the cancer blood test. A few more appointments, check-ups, and procedures in February and March. I am anticipating nothing but good news in the days ahead. Probably no Thursday Thoughts next week, it's my birthday.  Cathy and I are going away for a few days to celebrate. I am beyond grateful to God that I've lived another year and I want to make the best of every day yet to come. 

Jeremiah 29:11... "F\or I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

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