Praise God for answered prayer!
I am on day eight after chemo, and I am happy to report that I am actually feeling pretty good!  I kept waiting to get slammed, but it really never happened.  The side effects this week were probably only about 30% of what I experienced with the first dose of Taxotier.  I think my biggest complaint this time is extremely dry skin, dry nose and mouth.  I have been a little tired, but nothing like the last time.  I think that my body was shocked at the new medicine and freaked out.  Now it is starting to realize that this is our new normal.  However, I am soooo happy to say that 3 weeks from today I will have my last chemo infusion! June 8!  After that I will need to let my body recover for 3 to 4 weeks, and then go to surgery.
Speaking of surgery...  I had my consultation with the Plastic Surgeon yesterday.  He was so nice--extremely caring, calming, and very patient as he explained each step of my options and answered every one of my 1,000,000 questions. Best of all...he is going to call my surgeon and my oncologist and coordinate my care.  I thought I was going to have to do that, so that news was load off my plate.
As God is carrying me through this trying time in my life, I am blown away at the blessings that He constantly showers me with.  When I contemplate on the blessings, I have tears in my eyes.  These are blessings that give me deep peace and indescribable joy. I would love to share some of the blessings that blow my socks off and leave me in awe of my Creator:
...I have a husband that loves me very much and would do anything in the world for me
...Our three sons, our daughter, our three daughters-in-law, our son-in-law who love us and are constantly there for us.
...A Mother's Day weekend where I got to spend hours and hours with every one of my kids and their beautiful families
...A season of opportunity to slow down my life and evaluate my priorities.  I value my time with God first, my husband second, my family third, and everything else after that.
,..My precious little 7 year old granddaughter, Riley, who couldn't wait to tell me last Thursday morning that she had prayed and asked Jesus into her heart.  Wow! That made me cry!
...My bright eyed darling little 6 year old granddaughter, Karley. As we were on our way to school, I asked her how her day is...she said "I'm on top of the world!".  She gave me a beautiful new perspective on life.
...My sweet 11 year old grandson, Cameron, (the only boy) who is very concerned about how my chemo is going. It really bothered him that my fingertips were numb after my last treatment, so he checks on me and shows me how much he loves me
...My beautiful 15 year old granddaughter, Taryn, whose sweet nature makes her comforting and fun to spend time with. What a blessing she is!
...My precious 13 year old granddaughter, Haley, who always shows her love for me by calling me, coming over to visit, and writing and singing songs.
...My  beautiful 19 year old granddaughter, Shaela, who has grown into a young woman that I am very proud of.  She is a blessing in our lives...and we have fun coffee dates!
...Our newest granddaughter, Amber.  Our 10 year old sweet little girl who is blending into our family beautifully and is starting to get comfortable calling us grandma and papa.
...The opportunity that God has given me to do a bible study each Wednesday morning with some absolutely amazing women--good friends!
...My church family!  I cannot even begin to explain the love, support, and comfort I get from my extended familly--the church.  This family prays diligently for me, brings us meals, sends us encouraging messages.  What would I do without them?
...The opportunity that I had to share Jesus with an old friend.  What an awesome blessing!
...The fact that my body is responding so well to treatment. 
Have a blessed week!
Jane

 
This brings me great joy! It's all about perspective! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey. Your fellowship, friendship and words of inspiration are a blessing! Love you Ms. Jane!!! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Pastor Jane,
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at how well you were doing on Mother's Day weekend. You were able to come to Steve and Terri Kridler's wedding and you came to church Sunday morning. I am so glad you are feeling better now.
Your sister in Christ,
Sarah