Immunotherapy underway

Cancer treatment update from Chester:

I received my first dose of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab today at the Calgary Cancer Centre. It’s not cheap, but we’re very blessed to be in Alberta, Canada, where this drug is fully covered under our provincial healthcare.

I’m feeling some pain, but I don’t always know where it’s coming from—surgery aftermath, cancer, the drug, or just an off-day. FYI The drug is NOT chemo. It’s newer and works a completely different way. It pulls the brakes off my immune system and allows my body to better attack the cancer. We’ll know in a couple months if it’s working or not.

I banged the gong at the cancer centre. From the cheers, I think people thought I was finished and healed, but this is just the beginning. I’m going to bang that thing every time I receive a dose. It’s a blast. And I believe feeing joy will be a big part of recovery.

This word of God from the prophet Isaiah has been especially meaningful to me today—

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...”

‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬-‭3‬)

I know God will be with me through this fire.

Thank you all for your love and support.