Matt: Last Monday, May 11th, I went in for my first chest CT scan since my diagnosis. Already having a positive MRI result from last month, this was the first time I felt confident going into a scan. As my lower right lung is likely the origin site, I was eager to see the progress in my chest. The scan was done in less than 10 minutes and I would have the results the following day.
On Tuesday afternoon I dialed into the video call to discuss my CT scan and my oncologist was AMAZED! She referred to the speed of my recovery as a ‘near complete response’. The largest problem areas are now less than half the size they were, and there are no new lesions anywhere. The swollen lymph node likely responsible for my weak voice has shrunk considerably and I am encouraged that my normal speaking voice will return soon. Thank you all for your prayers!
Also, last week I was introduced to a new area of healing involving the mind/body connection. I have wrestled with consistently negative thoughts for a very long time. When I was introduced to the work of Dr. Caroline Leaf and her program for rewiring the brain, I got excited. Dr. Leaf has created a mindfulness app that is built on her decades of research around how the brain creates physical structures in response to our thoughts.
The app is called Switch and is a 21 day guided meditation and journaling program. By finding the origin of your thoughts you can weaken negative thoughts, and build a resilient, positive thought life. The background on brain science and how our thoughts can impact our very DNA is amazing. I did my first session before my CT scan and really enjoy the program.
My next scans will be later this summer. We will keep updating the blog with new learnings and perhaps some recipes. Below on the top row from left to right: the mindfulness app, Annie doing her daily devotional with all THREE pets!, a shot from our hike at nearby Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Bottom row from left to right: vegan mac and cheese, butternut squash ‘steaks’ with homemade vegan ranch sauce, and Annie’s darling princess Denali interrupting her workday.
Matt & Annie - Journey 