8 more hours!

And I’m done with my treatment for the week.  I’ve got two weeks remaining in this cycle, but just one Tuesdays.  During my first cycle, the next 2-4 days should be the worst of it in terms of headaches, nausea and exhaustion.  My white blood cell count is much lower now that it was during the end of the first full week of chemo (which is completely normal), so my exhaustion might carry on a little longer.

BUT, I’m over the chemotherapy hill!  It’s a downward slide into cancer free freedom from here on out.  Chins up, cancer doesn’t stand a chance.

Today’s Video

Pray and Community

I’m normally a somewhat private person.  I’m a closet introvert to some degree, meaning that I prefer smaller groups of close friends.  But, if you know me at all, then you’ve seen my extrovertedness overflowing in wonderful ways.  I mention all that to say that the level of support I’ve received from all the different communities has been incredible.  Beyond likes on facebooks, I’ve received so many encouraging texts, FB messages, emails, cards, and gifts.  But beyond that, I’ve had so many people comment on how they are praying for our family during this time.

Not to be negative, but there can be a lot of situations where one might say, “I’ll be praying for you” and then not really follow through with that.  I’m guilty of that.  It’s a two part recipe of Christianesse and busyness.  But what’s been so encourage in the midst of waging war on cancer is the continued reminders from people.  And it got me thinking about the importance of being open with what we are experiencing in life.  This came to mind:

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  (James 5:13-17)

So in the midst of my introvertedness, I continue to share about my journey with cancer, not for attention, or because it is my identity, but that others might have a better idea of what life looks like for us right now.  It’s a step beyond my comfort zone, but a step out into a life of community.

So thank you for your prayers, God is still God, and God is still GOOD!

No, I’m not really having eyebrow surgery.

But I do talk about my eyebrows and surgery in today’s video!

How’s today?

Good so far, had a big breakfast, got in early.  Had some blood work to check my white blood cell count and to see how my kidneys are doing.  I’m feeling a little more nauseous today, had to force down a big breakfast.  But I’m already feeling better.  The skin around my port is starting to get irritated from all the adhesives they’d been using to secure the area, so they’re trying some different stuff today.