Hi Friends! Today was our first chemo session. It's the first step in what will be a tough battle but it felt SO good to finally be doing something! We arrived down at Rush around 9:30 and met our chemo nurse who was wonderful! She was a Christian lady who had such a gentle spirit and we really hit it off well! We were given a private room, since it was our first treatment. It was a little disconcerting hearing all the side effects that could happen while receiving the drugs and then to make matters worse, before we began with the chemo drugs a woman nearby had a really bad reaction and things sprung into high gear. The doctor was called, nurses went running....things were pretty tense for a few moments. Thankfully, she was treated quickly and was able to continue her chemo. Not something you want to see when you are waiting to begun. I'm happy to report things went very smoothly for us. We had no problems with any of the meds. We can feel how we are being bathed in prayer!!! Dave and I came prepared to wait because we had been warned. We brought books, magazines, movies, cards, MP3's, blankets, snacks, laptops. It's like we were moving in! Pretty hysterical! We landed up playing cards all day. Dave destroyed me the first game but I came back and beat him the next two. He CLAIMS he let me win, but sorry, I'm not buying that!! :-) We arrived home around 6 pm and enjoyed a great dinner. The nurse doubts I'll have too much stomach problems because they gave me a ton of drugs to curtail that. Tiredness should kick in tomorrow. We'll see how that goes. I had an epiphany early this week because this past weekend, I spent a lot of time worrying. Turns out my ankle was actually fractured so I worried about needing a cast (thankfully, I didn't!). I worried about chemo, I worried about our kids, I worried about long term survival, I worried I won't be able to work due to poor white blood counts, I worried about the cancer coming back, (uh, Cindy....let's get rid of it first!). Thankfully, God hit me over the head with this passage....
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (Comment from CVK: Does this mean I don't need to cook or do laundry? Ha ha!) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-29
Now, I realize, we all have more "worries" ahead....it's just human nature. I don't think God wants us to bury our worries, put on a happy face and say everything is great all the time. He knows that we are frail. But, we do need to carefully examine these verses and realize that we DO need to seek HIS kingdom first. Personally, I love verse 27 that says.. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? What a great statement! Instead, I know I wasted time worrying, rather than enjoying the moment. This will be an ongoing challenge for me!
Well, I've rambled on long enough. We truly can't thank you all enough for your prayers...it's a gift of unmeasurable comfort and strength to all of us! Please pray for minimal side effects, that I will stay healthy to do my job (I love the staff and kids at TC, they make me smile!!), and for health for our family. If we can pray for something for you, please don't hesitate to let us know!!!
Thanks for reading this epic! Have a great weekend!!
In His Strength,
Cindy and the VK's
P.S. I had to take of picture of Dave's shirt! Isn't it great?
6 comments:
I'm so happy everything went well, and we'll continue to pray that the next few days go as well. And Dave, love the shirt!!
And again, love this blog!
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm glad that things started off well. Just remember that we are only a few doors down if anything comes up.
I too love this blog!
Cindy, Dave and the VK's
Love the shirt!! Also love the blog, thanks for keeping us updated so we can pray for any specific needs for you and your family. Also, love the title of this posting, The 70's song from the Carpenters - We've only just begun. . . TO LIVE!!!!!!!!!
Feel Hugged
The Folkerts'
Hi Cindy, Thanks for the update. Did you know that my father-in-law goes to the same place for his chemo - and that his neice's daughter is a nurse there? Did you have Chris as your nurse? Doug's dad goes on Wednesdays so you probably won't see each other, but we have seen Bryon and Deanne Wunderlich there a few times already. My father-in-law commented on how joyful everyone is there (patients included) even though they are in a difficult situation. It's amazing how much peace God can give :) Praying for lots of peace and LOTS of healing for you!!! Love, Sue
Cindy, thanks so much for sharing and keeping us updated. You amaze me!!! Dave, I love the shirt! That's a great picture of both of you. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Nelly
Okay I just lost my whole, really deep, meaningful note because I am still not very computer literate!! What I had send Cindy, was the God understands our worry, like in Hebrews 4 which talks about how He has sent us a High Priest, Jesus, who understand it/us all. Worry doesn't do anything but bring us to our knees, or our chair, or one word while at a stoplight. He knows that we experience fear, worry, anger, and can take it all - and wants us to come to Him about everything. No guilt, no condemnation, He is there. He understands. And He Helps!!! I hope the phrase of chocolate covered prayers doesn't make you nauseous right now... : ) And yes, Dave looks really hunky in his new 'pink' shirt! Hugs to you, girl!!
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