Ringing

The Last In-patient Chemo

Praise the Lord, God got me through my last in-patient chemo treatment.  We arrived on Thursday morning and checked in and was taken to room 713 (happens to be Craig’s birthdate, a God-wink).  It had a beautiful view of the river- the last several stays had views of a dirt lot and I-95.  My nurse for the first shift was so nice- had been in nursing forever and completely put me at ease.  She was very meticulous about cleaning her hands and changing her gloves due to my concern over the PICC line.  She got my chemo started as early as she was able, which made the rest of my stay shorter and much easier than the last.

The night shift nurse was good and one that I had not had before.  She was sweet, even if she had to visit my room way too many times for rest’s sake that night.  The next two days I had the same nurse, which I had at least once before (when you’ve been in-patient as many times as I have over the last several months, it all starts running together).  When I told her it was my last in-patient chemo and I had one more next week, she cried tears of joy, which then made me cry.

This time was so much better than the last in-patient treatment.  I was able to walk the halls to get some exercise in, eat small meals, and not feel as badly as I did last time.  Thank you Jesus!  The hours always seem rather long while I am there, but thankfully, Craig and I had my parents and some visitors to distract us.

On Saturday, after checking my levels, I was able to be discharged.  Since it was my last in-patient chemo treatment, I was able to ring the bell.  For those who may not know, ringing the bell at the end of your chemo treatments is a big deal.  I wasn’t feeling so hot, but was excited to be able to ring the bell with many of the nurses that I have had during my stays there cheering me on.  It was an emotional moment to say the least.  Thank you God for getting me this far!

New Year

2018 brought heartbreak and difficulty beyond comprehension.  Our lives changed in an instant, with so many doctors and a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear.  However, through this God has made Himself known to us in such a real, tangible way.  We truly could not have gotten through one second of the last several months without His strength.  I am so thankful that He will meet you where you are and carry you through the most difficult of times. He has immensely blessed us with our village- those who have brought us meals, helped financially, called/messaged to check-in and give messages of hope, sent cards or small gifts, offered to watch/help with the girls, and so many other things.  We are so grateful to each of you who have literally been the hands and feet of Jesus to us during this difficult time.

God has moved so mightily throughout these last several months.  I know He is good, He can be trusted, and He will bring good from this.  Satan tries to convince me otherwise, but I’m so glad that I have His Word to combat that with and other Christians who speak truth into my life and pray for me.

I am praying hard that God will completely heal me and that 2019 will be the best year yet for our family.  It’ll be one that we will have renewed purpose for Him and that we can reach others for Christ in a way we never have before.

The Last Chemo Treatment

Tomorrow I am scheduled for my last chemo treatment.  I am both apprehensive and happy to see it end. I am so thankful that God has brought me this far and that my tumor markers are normal.  I am so excited to get this PICC line out of my arm tomorrow and that God has protected it every moment it has been in and provided great nurses through Home Health to care for it.  I am excited to ring the bell with my family signifying an end to this difficult step in becoming cancer free.  I am so excited to get through this chemo treatment and be able to go back in public once my numbers are good- I long to worship with my church family.

I am nervous about the scans next week and what those will determine.  I know God is already there.  I know His plan is good and He can be trusted.  I am praying hard that the scans show no signs of cancer- will you join me in praying for that?

I know I say it every time (or it seems like it), but I truly am eternally grateful for your prayers for my healing and for my family.  God is using them mightily.  There is power in prayer- how amazing that we can pray to the God of the universe- the one who spoke it into existence and He listens and answers us.  Wow.  Thank you God!

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.  Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.  Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:13-16

Can I ask you to pray big and ceaselessly for some specific things?

-Will you pray that the lesion remaining in my lung is dead cells and not an active, different cancer?

-Will you pray that my PICC line will remain complication-free, infection-free, and work perfectly tomorrow?

-Will you pray that tomorrow will be set-back free and that I can finish chemo on January 3 as planned?

– Will you pray for my PET scan that is coming up on January 8th- that there will be zero cancer found and my brain MRI on January 7th will be cancer-free?

-Will you pray that the side effects from chemo will be at a minimum and that God will give me the strength, mentally and physically, to get through each day?

– Will you pray for Craig, my girls, and our families that God will give them the strength they need to walk alongside me and carry me when necessary?

– Will you pray for God to protect my mind over the next week from Satan’s lies and from fear?

Thank you so much! God bless each of you!