Ground Hog Day...

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

            Well, let’s try this again.  A week ago tomorrow I sat in Dr K’s office with Dr K and Becca (his awesome PA) while Dr K struggled with does he let me take the chemo or not.  Who knew my arm hurting would turn into what I call a free week?  Well, the not taking chemo won out.  I understood; the chemo I am taking is strong and he did not want to give me chemo when I was potentially fighting an infection in my arm.  I swear, the arm hurt, but was fine when I left home.  By the time I got to the exam room, it was red and hot when Becca looked.  Figures. 

            Looking at the positive:

1.      I can drink Root Beer!!!  Yay and a big shout out to my “sissy” Christine for not only delivering STEWARTS Root Beer—but ice cream as well.  Ahhh…

2.      Portia did her job yet again!  I pray no one reading this will ever need a port, but if it happens to be in God’s plans, get it—they are worth their weight in gold.

3.      I can have mushrooms—cooked when the counts are down and some fresh during the week before chemo when my counts are up.  This also includes salads and other unpeelable veggies.  Sadly, this makes me happy.  Never, ever thought I would say I miss salad and veggies.  Croutons, yes; cheese yes; but salad? 

4.      Sugar:  while there have been studies and people have strong views either way; Becca said there is nothing concrete and if I want it, go for it.  I am trying to figure out if I should get a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake from Coastal Cupcakes tomorrow.  Might have to save that for another Monday—I certainly don’t want to get sick from it and then never want another one again.  Now that would kill me….

5.      I worked 32.25 hours this week and felt good doing it.  My goal on Friday was to make it 10 -4:30. (Gaye thought 5, but I was humoring her as I thought I was getting tired) And then somehow I got a second wind and the next thing I knew I was happily doing the deposit and locking the door with Gaye at 6:00pm.  It was great.  (Note to Estell—don’t get too excited, it will not last.  My goal for this week is 10 hours.)

6.      Although Dr K did not like my free week, I did.  I felt good this week and almost normal.  I dog sat for Turner and Hooch, something I had planned for months and was so glad it all worked out.  (Note to those questioning that decision: A) I had back up if I went to the hospital or got sick. B) The house is comfy and feels like home. C) Not far from home.)

7.      I got to teach my Sunday School class today.  And they did not disappoint.  Keep in mind they all know I am sick and most of them know I have lost my hair.  So Kaleb asks if they can see my head and I say no--- if I ever let them, they will have to earn the privilege.  Meanwhile, Sam, just stares at me, his mouth drops and he says” you mean you have been wearing a wig the entire time I have known you?!”  The look on his face was priceless and I could not stop laughing—luckily Josie set Sam straight “Of course not Sam, just since the CANCER!!!”  Sam: “Oh good. I was worried.”   I lost it even more when Lily—quiet Lily—just looked at me, rolled her eyes (she is good!) and said “boys.”   I know the time is coming in which I am not going to be able to teach them as much as I would like, but I will take every morsel until I reach that point.

I have taken my pills and am ready to get this started yet again.   I admit to dreading the side effects and what will happen this time around.  I have my strong stuff for the leg aches/cramps.  I have the stuff for nausea and I am looking forward to napping in my own bed.  Yet, I am also curious to see what God’s plans are for me this time around.  I know Dr K would prefer me to glide through gracefully and it would be nice, but even when I was supposedly healthy grace was not really a word to describe me.  So I guess I will have to set the good doctor straight.  And, if something out of the ordinary happens, I will remind myself I am not the one in charge, everything happens for a reason, there is a lesson in everything I have been given and I will prevail.   James 4:6.