Carol's note 06/11/09

Dear friends,
How are you recently? Hope you have a relaxing half term and the friends at Lancaster will enjoy the yearly firework this Saturday. It’s about three months after my previous note. You might be wondering what’s up with me. Sorry I didn’t update earlier because my life is quite plain – a typical normal daily life at home. But I’m enjoyable to read your replies and to know some of you had wonderful summer vacation, some of you continue devoting yourselves to our international students, and some of you have made great achievement at your study, job, and faith. Your kind greetings are so warm.

My journey between the hospital and home keeps going, so does the journey between God’s words and my heart. (Praise the Lord!) Recently I have to go to hospital more often because of lymphoedema. Only 5 to 10% breast cancer patients get lymphoedema after their surgery. Unfortunately, I’m one of them. My right arm and hand have been wrapped for weeks – it’s anther reason for my late reply. Physiotherapists told me that my lymphoedema could be resulted from chemo. If it’s medical effect, I’ll be recovered; otherwise, I have to wear the stress glove for my rest whole life. We’ll test it before I finish the radiation therapy at least. May God give me hope. My treatment was delayed for three weeks due to high liver indexes (GOT, GPT), so I only finished 3 chemos after the surgery. It’s impossible to complete another 5 chemos before the Chinese New Year. What a shame! But thank God, I’m able to recover from the vomit side effect and go out for a walk in one week after the chemo.

Good news is that the physical condition doesn’t depress me. I realize the down side is part of our normal lives. I’m already very blessed because my dearest family and you, my dearest friends, are always there supporting me. What I can do is simply let go and keep moving on. There are still so many options in life and so many ways to grow. The journey between the hospital and home will enlarge to somewhere I never expected. It’s God’s love and engagement, I know. Attached some outing photos. I believe the photos can tell you more than my words.

The autumn is coming. Take care and no cold.

Much love,
Carol