The battle wages on. The cancer is back.

Julie had a PET scan this week and the results were not what we had wanted. We are asking for prayers as we go forward with the news I'm sharing here.

There were 2 masses on the PET scan indicating the cancer has returned. They are in the same location as before. They are not showing on the CTscan, which means they are much smaller than the last 2 times she has battled this, those masses were very large and visible on the CT. The doctor said that there may be other smaller groups inside undetectable by the PETscan, and they will know more when they do surgery. She will meet with the surgeons next week to discuss the plan and to set a date for the surgery. Following her recovery they will begin another course of chemo. We are not sure if it will be the same kind of chemo as before because Dr. Pollock wants to see the pathology first to determine what type is needed. She will continue her treatment at CTCA for surgery, chemo, naturopathic, holistic, spiritual, and emotional support.

As most of you know, Julie stopped her second round of chemo right at the start of November. Her CT was clear and insurance wouldn't pay for a PET scan at that time. Doing the chemo was dangerous if her body was healthy and they felt the best course of action was not to damage her body without proof there were cancerous cells. 3 weeks ago we met with Dr Pollock and expressed our concerns that Julie was worried not knowing if she was truly cancer free. So Dr Pollock pushed for a PET scan and that is what happened this week. Because Julie had 2 clear CT scans, she was fully expecting a good report from the doctor and was blindsided by this unfortunate discovery. However, her spirit is till very much alive and fighting. Yesterday she did not say "if I" do chemo but "when I" do chemo. She is going to fight - again.

Now, these are my own thoughts - I'm not sure if I have ever met someone as strong as Julie. We all say that "so and so" is SO strong, they "made it through this", they "got through that." Many times there's a lot of talk to a lot of people who don't even understand the meaning of strength. I will sit here today and tell you that most of us have never met anyone as amazing and magnificent as Julie Herron. If you haven't had the privilege of knowing her (or knowing her well) then let me inform you that she has been through many struggles and difficulties. She has faced adversity more times than 10 people do in a lifetime. And EVERY time, she has stayed strong, fought, and made it through the stormy weather. She has also been blessed in her life. And while this cancer is no great gift, I feel her healing will be.

Strength is powerful - Grace is amazing. Julie embodies GRACE. Even in the face of a crisis, she has kept her resolve and remained committed to God, faithful to herself, strong for her husband, and a role model for the rest of us. I don't know what kind of person I would be if I were given this diagnosis. I highly doubt I could sing songs and go to lunch and talk to friends about God. I doubt I would be happy, or go to work, want to see or talk to people, or for that matter- even be able to get out of bed. The first time maybe, the second time, probably not, and the THIRD time? Who can imagine? But through all of this she has not faltered. Her character is impeccable. Her outlook optimistic. Her faith stronger than ever. I'm not going to say she's happy with this finding, but it will NOT crush her.

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes as I type this because Julie means more to mean than words can express. I cannot explain to you the anger, pain, fear and frustration I am feeling right now as I watch one of my very best friends going through the painful ordeal for a third time. She was so happy 2 months ago. So relieved, so confident. And now, she has been hit with another major setback. However, because I know her character, her spirit, her drive - I am fully confident she will fight this battle with the same strength, motivation and grace that she has before. And, I know that in the end this will mean a solid victory OVER the cancer and she will be healthy once again.

Please, pray. If you have never prayed before. If you pray daily. If you only pray part of the time. It doesn't matter. Please tell God today, and everyday, that we want her healed. I am asking this as her friend. As her family. I am being selfish and greedy. I am asking you to please pray that this evil disgusting disease is removed from her body. I am asking you to pray that she keeps her strength. And please remember Gerald in your prayers. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to watch a spouse go through this, and so I know it is hard on him. He needs our prayers as well. Julie appreciates all of you. We have had so many conversations where she has expressed her gratitude for so many people who have supported her in prayer. I thank you all so very much. It's time to dig in our heels and do this again. We will be triumphant.

I will keep you posted.

- Tobra