Once more, this morning, our responsible graduating senior daughter Abigail stepped into our room and announced “Mom and Dad! It’s 6:53!” Mark and I guiltily stumbled out into the kitchen, as I shoved my feet into warm slippers and sinched my bathrobe shut, convicted that I must start setting my alarm!!! That is a praise in and of itself– I am sleeping so well, I need an alarm clock!!! Thankfully, I had already started lunches the night before, and as Mark -fully awake now- led family devotions on Christ’s ministry here on earth, I stuffed lunchbags full, then sank into my chair as the kidos slung backpacks over their shoulders and headed out to the car and off to school. It was then that I remembered that today marked 100 days since stem cell transplant! Yay! This called for celebration and so Mark and I headed out to splurge on Starbucks Americanos–a fitting way to begin the day. Since my first battery of post-treatment scans was Monday, and admittedly, I’ve jumped every time the phone rang–it’s been a long three days. A full PET scan shows any active cancer cells, and two full-body CT scans reveal amazing detail. I’m kind of out of the habit of spending lots of time at Froedtert Hospital, and so I wasn’t really prepared mentally and emotionally for it all, but once I kissed hubby goodbye the large metal doors closed, and the procedures began. Thankfully, God was already there, holding my entire being safe and secure, and the long day unfolded smoothly. Tuesday was a day of intentional busyness– new recipes, vacuuming, and lots of time spent with the Lord- Bible on Ipod, prayer, and His music. Today the sky was gray here on Keup Road, but as the day unfolded, I thought of how much has unfolded in the 100 days since transplant. I’ve gained so much strength, and stayed healthy with the exception of one small sinus infection. I can now scamper up and down the stairs without then needing a nap! I can even help with taxiing busy children around and enjoy basketball games! But the energy is limited, and so tonite, I slept peacefully while Awana and prayer meeting convened across the parking lot. After church, while the family hung out in our room, I saw there was an email from Froedtert, and like a chicken, passed the laptop to Mark. Sure enough there was a note from my doctor, telling me that, “Good news!!The scans look good!” So, 100 days out, we have much to celebrate. I have been privileged to meet many remarkable people on this blog, and am delighted to share my experiences, and the Kindness of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. True, cancer is an insidious enemy–the closest to a demon I will ever meet– but there is always hope in Christ. Walking this road, with our hands in His, our focus has sharpened, and the desire to leave a legacy of faithfulness is ever stronger. Thank you, friends for your company along this road, and for the prayer invested, hearts shared. I look forward to tomorrow, and the grace promised for it. Tomorrow we meet to discuss the scans with my Oncologist, and the next step. There are many scans, labs, and appointments ahead, but tonite, I celebrate!
Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the LORD O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed lke the eagle’s.
