On Tuesday, April 16, Mark and I drove the very familiar road to Froedtert, and I had my six-month CT scan. Wow! It’s been six whole months since the stem cell transplant! In some ways it seems like just yesterday, and in others, it seems ages ago. This one caused a bit more of a pit in our stomachs– perhaps because it HAS been six months since treatment, and the demon cancer so infamous for its return has had ample opportunity. Nontheless, we would meet two days later with Dr Fenske to get the results. On that day, before we left the house, we prayed together, and agreed that no matter what we learned, we would affirm the Goodness of God– to ourselves and all who would listen. I tried to not read anything into the smiles of our Nurse Practitioner Julie when she bustled into the room where we waited–Mark reading Genesis commentaries– LOL!– and I writing thank you notes. When she asked me how I was, I replied, “I was kinda thinking you were gonna tell me how I am!” And her next words have rung in my ears ever since and I am confident I shall never forget them….”Oh your scan? (and with a wave of her hand) Oh, it is spectacular!!!” And I couldn’t laugh OR cry. Mark’s and my eyes met across the room, and we just smiled. At that point, the good Doctor Fenske unassumingly walked in–as is his manner– and he explained to us amidst other things, that he will pass on the nine month mark scan– too much radiation, and with no solid proof that these scans are always necessary at this point. Also, he explained to me why it seems this far out, I am still falling prey to annoying upper respiratory infections of sorts. The very potent R-Hyper CVAD chemo did a number on my immunoglobulins and healthy lymphocytes, as well as the demon cancer cells. And they still feel the sting. I still need to be careful, on guard against germs. and give my precious immune system all the support I can give. But, we are cautiously optimistic as we plan our days, weeks, and months–full well knowing that each hour, day, week, and month are in God’s Loving Hands and plans.
As we drove home, calling Nowacks, Brooksies, and dear friends with the happy news, I found myself putting mental ink on the kitchen calendar. Abbie’s high school graduation, Kenny and Jill’s wedding, a much longed for trip to Squam Lake– conplete with a stop in Pennsylvania to meet a new friend who has traveled much the same path as I in this Double Hit Lymphoma fight —Ahhhhh! It sure seems as though God has put His blessing on my attendance at each event. One peice of music the Brooks violin trio looks forward to playing for the wedding prelude is “As Long as I Have Breath, I Will Praise You Lord.” This will be our sweet testimony as we “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14”
Days around the Brooks home on Keup Road are busy busy busy. Our church, Herigtage Baptist, continues to be the nerve center of our lives, and the joy of our hearts. God has blessed my little cleaning business, Sparkle & Shine, with a few new commercial clients, and slowly, as I continue to gain strength, our lives look more and more “normal”– whatever that means. Markie soon finishes up his first successful year at Maranatha Baptist Bible College as Abbie looks forward to graduation and her freshman year at Maranatha in the nursing program. Wesley has landed his first job at Dairy Queen for the summer, and Gilana dreams of the upcoming wedding and her pretty purple dress. My dearest Mark continues to be busier than even I can imagine–faithfully caring for the needs of so many. He continues to be the warm and necessary sun which my little earth revolves around. He is kind to have once more allowed me to turn our lovely picture window into a mini greenhouse, where lots of little seedlings thrive till they can take their place in the garden. In summary, God is Good, and oh so Kind. If you, my reader friend, are in or facing a cancer fight, recognizing God Himself as your maker, His Son Christ Jesus as the only way to peace with God and forgiveness from sin through His death on the cross of Calvary, and His victory over Death in His Resurrection, can give you the calm heart, peace of mind, and confidence as you enter or continue this journey. I know I could not have faced this battle without Him as my Everything. It is hard emotionally, physically, and mentally, but God Himself walked through each day and night with our family. Peace with God in the midst of this storm of epic proportions gave me the freedom to fight like never before and have abiding joy along the way. Only He knows what tomorrow holds–its okay–He is trustworthy of holding that knowledge. And there is much of life to live!
