A Week Off
Overall, this week off of treatment has been a good one! It was nice not to dread my crash days. And I was able to get back in the saddle a little more with work this week, which felt good. I did wake up with a headache on Wednesday and tried some of the homeopathic measures that many of you suggested (thank you!). I wasn't able to entirely relieve the pain, but it took the edge off enough to still be active through the day. And staying away from the pain meds helped my liver mend.
Even on this "off" week, I visited the Asplundh complex daily—it's becoming a home away from home! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I got the Granix injection to increase my white blood cell count and help my immune system. While I’ve experienced bone pain as an unfortunate side effect, the injections seem to be working because my bloodwork numbers look a lot better this week. I'll most likely be able to resume chemo treatment on Monday.
In other good news, on Thursday I had an MRI of my head and neck, and the results came back the same day with no abnormalities! We are praising the Lord for this! While it doesn't help us understand where the headaches are coming from, it does rule out the possibility of anything sinister going on. We don't take for granted any of these good reports!
This week also afforded me some brain space to synthesize life and consider all that has happened to this point (has it really only been six weeks since diagnosis?!?). My reflection brought about such thankfulness for YOU, our dear friends—prayer warriors, cheerleaders, meal makers, house cleaners, budget geniuses, medical navigators, card makers, note writers, texters, needleworkers, A-Z gifters, painters, landscapers, etc.—generous givers of all kinds! It's all very humbling. Your love and care in such tangible, creative, practical ways brings us comfort, courage and often tears of gratitude. You are quite literally the hands and feet of Jesus to us in this valley, and he's shining so brightly through you. Please receive our heartfelt THANK YOU!
The book of James has been meaningful to Anthony and me this week. Our Bible reading plan just so happened to turn our attention there, and it hit the mark. Here are some highlights that stuck out:
Count it all joy, my brothers [and sisters], when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ... Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. —James 1:2-4, 12; 5:7-8