Cycle Three is Historeeeeeeee!!

I have now had three treatments in a row with no breaks!  Praise the Lord!  My counts were all good again today.  I am doing four injections a week to keep my white count up.  The insurance approved us to give those at home. Last week the nurse taught me how to do it and I'm giving the injections to myself.  I have to say I am so impressed with myself! :-)  I only wish Mother were here.  She wouldn't believe it until she saw it and she would be impressed as well!

The Dr. said I am starting a build-up of mild anemia which he expects might become "unmild"! :-)  If that happens he will give me a transfusion of red blood cells - which he said "is not the end of the world".  He said they often give an injection to boost red blood cells but in "projects where the goal is to cure", they give red blood cells.  I guess I'm a project! :-)  And I'm so grateful the goal is to cure.  Steve asked him about that statement.  He explained that some types of chemo (my type) might be compromised by the introduction of the injections to boost red blood cells. Once again I thank God for His mercy to me, that this tumor was found at such an early stage that a cure is expected.

I have ample opportunity to see people who are dealing with advanced cancer or who have complications from the chemo.  As I was waiting to see the Dr. I sat in the waiting room with two different men who were practically groaning every time they moved.  It was heart-wrenching.   Then today a lady had a reaction to the drugs while we were getting chemo.  All "hands were on deck" to give her what she needed to counteract the reaction. Very scary.  I am so blessed and I remember that every day  

I'll share a couple of things the Lord provided for me this morning as I was preparing to go for chemo.  When I awakened I had an email from one of my childhood friends.  She was sharing the devotional she had read this morning. (She obviously gets up earlier than I do!)  She said she thought of me when she read it, then she remembered it was Tuesday, so decided to share it with me.  The devotional said, if we did God-centered thinking..."we'd see our suffering differently. 'My pain proves God's absence' would be replaced with 'My pain expands God's purpose'".  Then she referenced Ephesians 1:11&12 "...having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory."  What a wonderful way to approach this day - and every day - knowing God is sovereign and my purpose is to bring praise to Him!  I pray that I will be more consistent in that daily approach!

About an hour before my chemo appointment,  the phone rang.  I saw from the I.D. that it was a business acquaintance who is also a  friend, from St. Louis.  When he calls he calls to talk to Steve so I let the phone ring, thinking Steve would answer.  I didn't know he had gone outside so I grabbed the phone at the last minute.  Our friend was shocked that I answered.  He said of all the times he's called, this is the first time I've answered!  It was providential.  God wanted me to talk to him I'm sure!  He said he was just calling to see how I was doing and to let me know that he prays for me every morning!  Wow!  That was a huge encouragement!  He usually calls to let Steve know that he has a deal that Steve can't pass up! :-)  Today his call was just on time - to remind me of the many prayers that are being lifted to the Throne of God on my behalf.  Once again, I went to chemo encouraged and strengthened!

The email and the phone call didn't come yesterday.  They came today - just when I needed them!  God takes such good care of me and I am grateful!

If all continues to go well, next Tuesday (May 3) will begin Cycle Four.  I'm so grateful that we've had no delays recently.  The same God Who has helped me through these three cycles will help me through the last three!!! (My iPhone app countdown says "8 weeks, 6 days, 18 hours until the last treatment!) Your prayers and support are invaluable.  Thanks again!