Chemo Continues - Part Five

Last Tuesday's treatment was mostly routine.  The chemo began and ended well.  This time, they started a stronger nausea medicine in the IV before they finished the chemo and put the pump in.  That medication really helped me to not be as nauseated as in the past!  Praise!  I am now struggling with the hand neuropathy.  I tried to make my own turkey sandwich a few minutes ago, but had to have help because it was cold.  I'm learning to use the gloves every time I get in the fridge, not just sometimes like I used to. (They're garden gloves that a sweet friend gave me who has been through this.) My legs cramped quite a bit this time.  I have now developed a metallic taste in my mouth.  I have been warned and expected all of these side effects, it's just one more thing to adjust to!  All this could be so much worse.  I truly praise the Father for sustaining me through this journey.  You know this was FIVE down, and SEVEN to go!  I'm almost halfway there! 

"God has a divine purpose for every challenge that comes into our lives. Trials test our character and help shape our faith."

"He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved." - Psalm 62:6

Chemo - Part Four

This session was not as "nauseating" as the third one.  When I explained to the doctor how the third chemo treatment had gone, he gave me a very powerful nausea medication.  I really don't remember the day I was at the cancer center or the day after.  I was totally out!  That was good in a lot of ways - no pain, I just slept through everything!  It really was better to be sleeping than vomiting.  Each time my throat takes a little longer to feel "normal" again.  Swallowing is an experience!  The neuropathy in my hands has gotten worse - now when I accidentally touch anything cold, it's like a shock or a sting...very strange.  I have to put gloves on if I want to get in the fridge.  I want you to understand that I am not complaining about any of this.  I am writing this so you can understand and know how to pray.  I could be SO much worse!!  I am thankful to the Father for all He has done, and all I am learning on this journey!  I am one third of the way through!!

"I do not know your trials or your frustrations, beloved. I can't know what might be troubling you or making you anxious. But God knows those things. What you don't understand, what you feel unable to cope with can be overcome moment by moment if you will live by faith and walk in communion with Him. When you do so, you'll find yourself able to declare with Habbakkuk, "The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19. When you doubt, when iniquity abounds, when you want to question God, there are two things you need to do. First, run immediately into the ever-open arms of your omnipotent, sovereign Father. In faith, fling yourself into all that He is, into all that He has said. Do not attempt to handle life in your own strength. Instead, live by faith.
Second, rejoice in Him. In a sense, rejoicing activates your faith. When you fling yourself in faith into all that God is and into all His Word says, when you rejoice in Him in the face of every circumstance, then you'll know His strength. It's a strength that will enable you to walk with hinds' feet of faith on high places. Hinds' feet do not slip.
So exult in the Lord, beloved. Rejoice in the God of your salvation. Remember, He is able to deliver you from and through--any difficulty of life. He will be your strength and give you hinds' feet on high places.
Father, You are my strength, the One in whom I trust. Direct my footsteps today. Keep me from slipping or stumbling. Help me to live by faith as I walk in sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Kay Arthur