Nick's doctors (they come in packs around here) just came in. The blood clot in his arm that they thought was in a deep vein, and therefore potentially dangerous, was in a smaller surface vein. Therefore, it is just a nuisance. They took him off the blood thinners and it will dissolve on it's own. They did an MRI yesterday to see if he had any other blood clots: NONE! He was surprised when they told him he had a normal brain. (insert giggle) The imbalance in his blood that probably caused the original clot is completely back to normal. He is having an early diagnostic bone marrow biopsy tomorrow because they think that he is already in remission, and he hasn't lost any hair. Again....Now we do the dance of joy!!
If you haven't read my earlier post where I wrote about 44 being a special thing to us this might not make sense to you. So, if you so desire, take a look at the post called "Day 2 of Formal Protocol" before you read on.
I have a book called Understanding the Dreams you Dream by Ira Milligan. It is a dream interpretation book that lists symbolism that is used the Bible. It is a useful tool for figuring out the meaning behind God given dreams, visions, etc. Let me just say that I realize that God is not limited in any way to using the symbolism in this book. However, it is Biblically based, and He knows that it is a tool that I have. So, it seems reasonable to me that when my Heavenly Father wants to get a point across to me, He might use: 1. Symbolism that He used in the Word 2. Symbolism that He knows that I could eventually figure out given the resources to which I have access. He says over and over again that He wants us to seek Him, but He also makes sure that He is findable.
With all that said, I looked up the number, 44, in my dream book. I don't recall having looked it up before now. It literally means a test or trial through which we can either accept or reject God's reign, rule, and kingdom in heaven and on earth. Let me just tell ya... We ACCEPT His reign, rule, and kingdom!! ...In heaven, on earth, in our bodies, in our lives, in your lives... we accept and acknowledge that He is God, and that we are not. How much more clearly could He express His love than to say, "I have this completely covered. You just have to accept it." Enough said.. It is well!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Lead or Follow
This has been a full day! Nick is doing well. He has had a little problem with his PICC line and they are going to have to redo that. He is not excited about that at all!! I am doing well. I went home to Jackson for the night, and Amanda came to stay with Nick. I had a biopsy done today. My doctor is almost certain that it will be nothing of concern. I should know for sure in a few days. Glenn is having some tests done tomorrow...nothing big and serious, but I would appreciate your praying for him as well. Of course we will always need prayer, but it will be fine with me when we don't have to ask for quite so much! (Can I get a witness!)
As Nick and I were walking a couple of days ago we began talking about how this adventure felt. I know that I have expressed how much peace we are experiencing, but this time we were talking about the emotions. The fact is that there has been almost a complete lack of emotions. Yes, I had my short bouts of tears when he was first diagnosed, but since then each day has just been very matter-of-fact. We have actually laughed and just enjoyed each other's company more in the last couple of weeks than we have in years.
There is certainly nothing wrong with emotions. God created us as emotional beings. Jesus wept. In the garden of Gethsemane He was in such anguish that He sweated drops of blood. He was obviously a bit put out with His Mom when she suggested that He turn the water into wine. When He saw the money changers He plaited a whip and showed those guys an emotion or two. He was obviously frustrated and got a bit sarcastic with the chosen 12 when they just didn't get what He was saying about the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees. Just think about the compassion and love that must have been on His face as he looked at the little children who just wanted to be near Him.
I heard something on the radio a couple of days ago that has stuck with me. It was a quote from the the movie Fireproof: "Don't follow your heart. Instead, lead your heart." This was so profound to me. Emotions certainly are part of our God designed makeup. They give life flavor, variety, and even trigger physiological responses, but they, like so many other things in life have an element of choice. After the initial elation, sadness, or anger, life still needs to go on. Let's lead our hearts and follow Jesus. He provides the balance and stability that our hearts just can not give. It is well.
As Nick and I were walking a couple of days ago we began talking about how this adventure felt. I know that I have expressed how much peace we are experiencing, but this time we were talking about the emotions. The fact is that there has been almost a complete lack of emotions. Yes, I had my short bouts of tears when he was first diagnosed, but since then each day has just been very matter-of-fact. We have actually laughed and just enjoyed each other's company more in the last couple of weeks than we have in years.
There is certainly nothing wrong with emotions. God created us as emotional beings. Jesus wept. In the garden of Gethsemane He was in such anguish that He sweated drops of blood. He was obviously a bit put out with His Mom when she suggested that He turn the water into wine. When He saw the money changers He plaited a whip and showed those guys an emotion or two. He was obviously frustrated and got a bit sarcastic with the chosen 12 when they just didn't get what He was saying about the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees. Just think about the compassion and love that must have been on His face as he looked at the little children who just wanted to be near Him.
I heard something on the radio a couple of days ago that has stuck with me. It was a quote from the the movie Fireproof: "Don't follow your heart. Instead, lead your heart." This was so profound to me. Emotions certainly are part of our God designed makeup. They give life flavor, variety, and even trigger physiological responses, but they, like so many other things in life have an element of choice. After the initial elation, sadness, or anger, life still needs to go on. Let's lead our hearts and follow Jesus. He provides the balance and stability that our hearts just can not give. It is well.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Ham & Cheese Lunchables are a Good Sign
We had a pretty rough night, but this too has passed. Nick awoke in the middle of the night with violent nausea. It was really the first that he had experienced, and hopefully the last. He was promptly given some medication; went back to sleep; and it happened again. So, they gave him some stronger meds that knocked his dauber in the dirt. I had to really kind of tick him off to get him awake enough to take his regular morning medications, but the nurse said that it was very important that the intervals for the meds not get thrown off of schedule. I think that he will forgive me.
When Glenn arrived at the hospital, from having slept at the condo, I left for Jackson. I have an appointment in the morning that I need to keep. Amanda is coming up to spend the night tonight, and Glenn is coming home later. So, Nick is covered. I called about an hour ago and Nick was eating a ham & cheese lunchable. I think that he is doing well now. The first couple days after Friday chemo are just a bit rough. It is well.
When Glenn arrived at the hospital, from having slept at the condo, I left for Jackson. I have an appointment in the morning that I need to keep. Amanda is coming up to spend the night tonight, and Glenn is coming home later. So, Nick is covered. I called about an hour ago and Nick was eating a ham & cheese lunchable. I think that he is doing well now. The first couple days after Friday chemo are just a bit rough. It is well.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
God's Face Scrunches
Nick is doing great this morning: no pain, no nausea. His first words were, "I slept like a rock." That's kind of hard to do when people are checking and poking on you regularly. However, the nursing staff has been so careful, and so kind to check and poke with the least possible amount of interruption. They really have been amazing!
My first act of the morning was to spill about 8oz of Sprite into every drawer in the bedside table and onto the floor. Let me just tell ya....a little bit of Sprite goes a long way. It covered i- phones, computer chargers, my glasses, magazines, assorted snacks, and filled my only pair of shoes. (I have more shoes at the condo) Then I proceeded to spill waffle syrup from Nick's breakfast tray, and my cup of coffee. Now, I know that these were simply random acts of ineptitude on my part, but when out of the ordinary things happen over and over again my antennas go up. God knows exactly how each of us think (Duh....He created our brains.) I love to solve mysteries and puzzles. So, after the third occurrence I started asking, "O.K. God, what is it that you want me to drop, or that I have dropped that needs to be picked up?" I don't have an answer yet, but I assume that it will be the pondering point for the day. Either way...It's so great to know that God is not done with me yet.
This also makes me think about how each of us perceives our individual relationships with God. In Christian circles we say, "It's definitely not religion...It's relationship." I totally believe that that statement is true. However, so many times we think that God has to talk to us through a Prophet, or ONLY through His Word, or only if a burning bush or a budded staff appears. I know that the last statement was kind of extreme, but don't we all discount His still small voice at times? Think about someone with whom you have a relationship. It could be a husband, wife, child, best friend, mom, dad, etc. Now think, "what does this person have to do to communicate with me?" My husband or kids can just barely scrunch up their faces and I know exactly what they are thinking. We have all kinds of verbal and non-verbal communication that we use with one another because we have developed relationship over time. It's no different with God. We may not be able to see His face scrunches with our physical eyes, but He is scrunching none-the-less. Don't get me wrong. I do believe that He does speak through Prophets, His Word, miraculous signs and wonders, and numerous other ways, but I also believe that the day to day communication is much more subtle and therefore much more personal to each of us individually. Please listen and watch for Him today. I hear people say so often that they just can't hear from God. I really believe that it's a matter of "If you think you can...or you think you can't....you're right." What have you got to lose? Go ahead and believe that this wonderful Guy with whom you have a relationship is communicating with you. You'll be amazed at the guidance, gentle correction, peace, and love that comes your way...even in the midst of some of the most difficult situations in your life. It is well.
My first act of the morning was to spill about 8oz of Sprite into every drawer in the bedside table and onto the floor. Let me just tell ya....a little bit of Sprite goes a long way. It covered i- phones, computer chargers, my glasses, magazines, assorted snacks, and filled my only pair of shoes. (I have more shoes at the condo) Then I proceeded to spill waffle syrup from Nick's breakfast tray, and my cup of coffee. Now, I know that these were simply random acts of ineptitude on my part, but when out of the ordinary things happen over and over again my antennas go up. God knows exactly how each of us think (Duh....He created our brains.) I love to solve mysteries and puzzles. So, after the third occurrence I started asking, "O.K. God, what is it that you want me to drop, or that I have dropped that needs to be picked up?" I don't have an answer yet, but I assume that it will be the pondering point for the day. Either way...It's so great to know that God is not done with me yet.
This also makes me think about how each of us perceives our individual relationships with God. In Christian circles we say, "It's definitely not religion...It's relationship." I totally believe that that statement is true. However, so many times we think that God has to talk to us through a Prophet, or ONLY through His Word, or only if a burning bush or a budded staff appears. I know that the last statement was kind of extreme, but don't we all discount His still small voice at times? Think about someone with whom you have a relationship. It could be a husband, wife, child, best friend, mom, dad, etc. Now think, "what does this person have to do to communicate with me?" My husband or kids can just barely scrunch up their faces and I know exactly what they are thinking. We have all kinds of verbal and non-verbal communication that we use with one another because we have developed relationship over time. It's no different with God. We may not be able to see His face scrunches with our physical eyes, but He is scrunching none-the-less. Don't get me wrong. I do believe that He does speak through Prophets, His Word, miraculous signs and wonders, and numerous other ways, but I also believe that the day to day communication is much more subtle and therefore much more personal to each of us individually. Please listen and watch for Him today. I hear people say so often that they just can't hear from God. I really believe that it's a matter of "If you think you can...or you think you can't....you're right." What have you got to lose? Go ahead and believe that this wonderful Guy with whom you have a relationship is communicating with you. You'll be amazed at the guidance, gentle correction, peace, and love that comes your way...even in the midst of some of the most difficult situations in your life. It is well.
Friday, June 24, 2011
2 Fridays down...2 to go
Friday is chemo day, and he handled it all like a champ! Two different IV pushed chemo drugs, one lumbar puncture and intrathecal chemo, and cryoprecipitate. He did have a little bit of nausea late tonight, but 15 minutes after some anti-nausea meds he was eating two helping of pasta alfredo with broccoli and a full sized Butter-Finger for dessert. I am amazed at his strength and attitude! Keep praying. Whether you realize it or not, you are making a difference in our lives. It is well!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Mail Call
What a fun thing for Nick! Today and yesterday he has gotten several surprises throughout the day...everything from cards to boxes full of fun. One friend sent a box with various snacks, super-hero band aids and party straws (Thanks Holly!) Another sent him a Mario beanie hat with 1up mushrooms on it. (Thanks J.T.) In the Mario Nintendo games a mushroom gives your character another "life." The note said that as long as he had the hat he would have an extra life. He loved it!
Today is the last day for awhile that he can go outside. Tomorrow is a big chemo day. We are also told that hair-loss will probably begin this weekend (So the beanie came just in time.) It really makes a positive difference when we know what to expect.
When our kids were little we always tried to prepare them for things in life that they didn't expect. Whenever they needed a shot at the doctor I would tell them that it was going to hurt, but only for a moment...and if they would choose to be calm it would not hurt as much. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't. Choices, choices, choices...All of life is about choices. We are anxiously awaiting and expecting God's intervention in Nick's body. However, we are also making the choice to be at peace and remain calm as we wait. It doesn't hurt as much that way. It is well.
Today is the last day for awhile that he can go outside. Tomorrow is a big chemo day. We are also told that hair-loss will probably begin this weekend (So the beanie came just in time.) It really makes a positive difference when we know what to expect.
When our kids were little we always tried to prepare them for things in life that they didn't expect. Whenever they needed a shot at the doctor I would tell them that it was going to hurt, but only for a moment...and if they would choose to be calm it would not hurt as much. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't. Choices, choices, choices...All of life is about choices. We are anxiously awaiting and expecting God's intervention in Nick's body. However, we are also making the choice to be at peace and remain calm as we wait. It doesn't hurt as much that way. It is well.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Where is Wal-Mart?
This has been a good, long, regular, slightly frustrating day. I realize that "good" could have been the only adjective that I used, but it would not have been accurate. Isn't that like most of our lives at times? I can certainly recognize that Nick & I have had a good day, but somehow I have let the numerous little frustrations over-shadow the large fact that the report for the day is good.
The day started with Nick's doctor telling us to get out of the room and go outside. That is not the norm. He had to wear a mask, but we actually walked outside, sat in the breeze, and he ordered and bought his own food in the food court. That was a great thing. He was actually feeling better that he had in months.
Then two cute physical therapists came to assign him some exercises. He worked out a bit and got very tired. All of the patients on the oncology floor are encouraged to walk the circular hallway. There are posters that detail how many laps around the floor are equivalent to having walked to the Ryman Audtorium, the Opryland Hotel, the zoo, and other city landmarks. It's a fun way to set exercise goals. He moved more today than he has in quite a while. So, it was nap time.
I then left to go to the condo to shower, change, and wash some clothes. I also needed to go to Wal-Mart for various and as-sundered items. (I am really appreciating the Vann Drive area in good ole Jackson, TN as I remember my day.) Let's just say that I made quite a tour of our state's capital city simply looking for one of the numerous savings outlets. I found everything that we needed and returned before the Free Vandy Valet service closed for the day. That, in itself, was quite a blessing.
I am realizing as I write this that it has not just been a good day; it's been a great day. I really have nothing about which to complain. We are being cared for very well, and God is still God. Nick is handling this situation with such grace and peace. However, it seems so easy to let small things outweigh great, big, wonderful things. You might want to add "clear vision and attitude" to the prayer list. It is well.
The day started with Nick's doctor telling us to get out of the room and go outside. That is not the norm. He had to wear a mask, but we actually walked outside, sat in the breeze, and he ordered and bought his own food in the food court. That was a great thing. He was actually feeling better that he had in months.
Then two cute physical therapists came to assign him some exercises. He worked out a bit and got very tired. All of the patients on the oncology floor are encouraged to walk the circular hallway. There are posters that detail how many laps around the floor are equivalent to having walked to the Ryman Audtorium, the Opryland Hotel, the zoo, and other city landmarks. It's a fun way to set exercise goals. He moved more today than he has in quite a while. So, it was nap time.
I then left to go to the condo to shower, change, and wash some clothes. I also needed to go to Wal-Mart for various and as-sundered items. (I am really appreciating the Vann Drive area in good ole Jackson, TN as I remember my day.) Let's just say that I made quite a tour of our state's capital city simply looking for one of the numerous savings outlets. I found everything that we needed and returned before the Free Vandy Valet service closed for the day. That, in itself, was quite a blessing.
I am realizing as I write this that it has not just been a good day; it's been a great day. I really have nothing about which to complain. We are being cared for very well, and God is still God. Nick is handling this situation with such grace and peace. However, it seems so easy to let small things outweigh great, big, wonderful things. You might want to add "clear vision and attitude" to the prayer list. It is well.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
4th day...The Pegasaurus has landed
This is our 5th day at Vanderbilt, but the 4th day of treatment. When we were first being educated about the chemo therapy drugs that Nick would receive, Nick's nurse said, "...And on the 4th day you will get the Pegasaurus...no, no, no...that's a dinosaur. It's Pegaspargase." It was one of those silly moments that broke the tension and put us more at ease. Well, he got the "Pegasaurus" today, and it was completely uneventful. That's exactly how we want all of it to go!
Glenn and I went home (to Jackson) yesterday because we both had doctor's appointments today. Megan came up on Sunday, and stayed until this afternoon. So, he was in great hands. I'm back with him now, and he is doing just dandy. Keep praying. It is well.
Glenn and I went home (to Jackson) yesterday because we both had doctor's appointments today. Megan came up on Sunday, and stayed until this afternoon. So, he was in great hands. I'm back with him now, and he is doing just dandy. Keep praying. It is well.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Now we do the dance of JOY!!!
When Megan, our middle daughter, was a little girl, about 2 yrs old, she started having temper tantrums. She would get mad and scream and flail and stomp her feet. After a while of enduring these lovely shows of dissatisfaction I started praying about what to do to make them stop. The only thing that I believe that God said, in answering that prayer, was to praise Him. So, whenever she would start ramping up to a tantrum I would start to dance and sing and praise the Lord, which vaguely looked like the motions that she was making. I would tell her, "Oh, I guess it's time to praise. Let's do the dance of joy." This made her so mad that she was not getting the desired response from me, and soon the tantrums stopped. Since then, more than 2 decades, we still use the phrase, "Do the dance of joy," to mean that something has happened for which we want to praise the Lord.
This morning one such thing happened. Nick's heart started into an unhealthy A-fib rhythm yesterday morning about 5:00. He was in serious condition. Heart rate bouncing from 100 to 200. Throughout the day several doctors consulted and several medications were given to try to correct the condition...to no avail. The last resort was to be a procedure today whereby they put him to sleep to shock his heart to get the normal rhythm back. As I prayed for him yesterday I felt like I should lay hands on his heart and command it back to proper rhythm, but one thing after another prevented it from being an opportune time to do so. I should have just busted through the hullabaloo and done what God told me, but I didn't. Megan stayed with Nick last night while I got some sleep at the condo. He had another episode in the night which solidified the plan to go ahead with shock for today.
So about an hour ago God reminded me that I had not done what He had asked. Megan and I laid hands on his heart, prayed, and commanded sinus rhythm. A few seconds later we turned around to the monitor and what did we see? SINUS RHYTHM!!! Normal heart rhythm, normal heart rate. NOW WE DO THE DANCE OF JOY!!!! It is well! Feel free to dance with us!
This morning one such thing happened. Nick's heart started into an unhealthy A-fib rhythm yesterday morning about 5:00. He was in serious condition. Heart rate bouncing from 100 to 200. Throughout the day several doctors consulted and several medications were given to try to correct the condition...to no avail. The last resort was to be a procedure today whereby they put him to sleep to shock his heart to get the normal rhythm back. As I prayed for him yesterday I felt like I should lay hands on his heart and command it back to proper rhythm, but one thing after another prevented it from being an opportune time to do so. I should have just busted through the hullabaloo and done what God told me, but I didn't. Megan stayed with Nick last night while I got some sleep at the condo. He had another episode in the night which solidified the plan to go ahead with shock for today.
So about an hour ago God reminded me that I had not done what He had asked. Megan and I laid hands on his heart, prayed, and commanded sinus rhythm. A few seconds later we turned around to the monitor and what did we see? SINUS RHYTHM!!! Normal heart rhythm, normal heart rate. NOW WE DO THE DANCE OF JOY!!!! It is well! Feel free to dance with us!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Yes Lord, I hear You
We still have the same issues, but hopefully the latest medication will put his rhythm back in line. Otherwise it's been a pretty neat day. After I finished writing the previous post an announcement came over the intercom that a worship service would be held in the chapel. Glenn was here and Nick was stable, so I went. When the preacher began he announced that the worship leader/piano player was unable to attend and that if no one in the room felt comfortable stepping up there would be no music today. So, I lead worship. The songs dictated by the bulletin were "Sweet Hour of Prayer", "Amazing Grace", and "He Touched Me." Then he spoke on trusting God and staying away from fear (2nd time for the day.) After the service I checked my messages and a friend told me that she started the day praying for us that we would not fear (3rd time for the day.) Isn't God sweet!!! Just like the wonderful Father that he is, and on this Father's day.... He has whispered and shouted all day long, "It's o.k. sweetheart. Do not fear."
Then we got some more sweet news. The "best" room on the chemo floor became vacant this afternoon, and the charge nurse decided that we should get it. It's a big corner suite with huge bright windows that have a beautiful view looking out over the city. It's the room where all the nurses want to come and watch Nashville's fireworks on the 4th of July. Unless God intervenes before then, we will have ring side seats for the Nashville Independence Day Festivities. It also contains a brand new flat screen T.V. and a WII gaming system. Those of you who really know Nick will know how great that is.
So, hopefully we have moved for the last time. Once again, if you are keeping up with our address, the RM# has changed to VUH 11026. The nurses assured me that if anything had been sent earlier he would still get it. They would track him down.
I can't express how much it has meant to us that all of you are praying. Please continue. It is well.
Then we got some more sweet news. The "best" room on the chemo floor became vacant this afternoon, and the charge nurse decided that we should get it. It's a big corner suite with huge bright windows that have a beautiful view looking out over the city. It's the room where all the nurses want to come and watch Nashville's fireworks on the 4th of July. Unless God intervenes before then, we will have ring side seats for the Nashville Independence Day Festivities. It also contains a brand new flat screen T.V. and a WII gaming system. Those of you who really know Nick will know how great that is.
So, hopefully we have moved for the last time. Once again, if you are keeping up with our address, the RM# has changed to VUH 11026. The nurses assured me that if anything had been sent earlier he would still get it. They would track him down.
I can't express how much it has meant to us that all of you are praying. Please continue. It is well.
"In this life there will be trouble, but fear not....."
This morning I awoke to Nick having some heart issues...serious stuff! He is fairly stable now and I'm totally expecting this all to resolve. The Word says that the life is in the blood, and his fearfully and wonderfully made heart is what keeps that life-filled blood circulating.
Here's the question: How do we not fear when things are happening around us that would just plain normally make anyone fearful. I can tell you that I know the answer (or at least part of the answer.) It has nothing to do with how mature a christian I am or am not. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am ordained or hold a staff position in the church. It is purely and simply the grace of God that He continually pours out the peace that passes understanding. It is part of His character...at the core of who He is. My part is to simply know and trust that He is God, and I am not. God never asks us to be in charge...to control our situations. No, quite the opposite. He wants our cares laid on His broad shoulders. All throughout the New Testament (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20, etc) we are given the graphic picture of we, ourselves, having been crucified with Christ. Now, if I have been crucified...that makes me dead. Dead people have no control. Dead people have no worries. Dead people have no say in what they are called to do or asked to walk through. The other side of this is that we are gloriously alive in Christ! Walking through life holding the keys to the Kingdom, and actually able to use them.
I really think that this is a mindset that we have to make a decision to adopt. It has nothing to do with feeling. He is either able & faithful...or He is not. I declare that He IS!! It is well.
Here's the question: How do we not fear when things are happening around us that would just plain normally make anyone fearful. I can tell you that I know the answer (or at least part of the answer.) It has nothing to do with how mature a christian I am or am not. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am ordained or hold a staff position in the church. It is purely and simply the grace of God that He continually pours out the peace that passes understanding. It is part of His character...at the core of who He is. My part is to simply know and trust that He is God, and I am not. God never asks us to be in charge...to control our situations. No, quite the opposite. He wants our cares laid on His broad shoulders. All throughout the New Testament (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20, etc) we are given the graphic picture of we, ourselves, having been crucified with Christ. Now, if I have been crucified...that makes me dead. Dead people have no control. Dead people have no worries. Dead people have no say in what they are called to do or asked to walk through. The other side of this is that we are gloriously alive in Christ! Walking through life holding the keys to the Kingdom, and actually able to use them.
I really think that this is a mindset that we have to make a decision to adopt. It has nothing to do with feeling. He is either able & faithful...or He is not. I declare that He IS!! It is well.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
We have changed rooms
We have changed rooms. So the address that I posted earlier should be adjusted to read Room # VUH 11032 instead of Room # VUH 8832.
Day 2 of formal protocol
Good morning! I'm still so excited that the chemo from last night was so easy! The nurses here have been absolutely fabulous. They let us sleep.
We also have some other great news. We got the results from the Lumbar Puncture yesterday, and there are no leukemia cells in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid. This is important because the brain and spinal chord are kind of a closed off environment from the rest of the body. The mutated leukemia cells could have gotten in there, but they didn't. So, that is one less area of concern during his treatment. They will probably do other lumbar punctures along the line, but this is really good news.
I have had some people ask about an address for sending cards. Here it is:
Nicholas A. Taylor
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Rm# VUH8223
Nashville, TN 37232
Provision for the Day: This may sound really strange to some of you, but God speaks to people in so very many different ways. When Nick was a toddler I asked him one day, "How much do you love me?" He spread his arms out wide and said the biggest number that he could imagine. "I love you 44 Mom." So, since then 44 has been a special number to me. Periodically I will see the number and it makes me remember that I am loved. This number has come up over and over and over again since we have begun this saga. Of course, it means the same thing to Nick as it does to me. I signed up for skype before we left to come to Nashville. The screen name that I was assigned randomly was Lori.Taylor44. No less than 5 times yesterday I randomly checked the time and it was 1:44, 3:44, 4:44....etc.
People who love one another have special ways of communicating with one another. Listen and watch for your Heavenly Father to send you little love notes today. Just because you haven't noticed, does not mean that He hasn't been sending them. 44 to all of you! It is well.
We also have some other great news. We got the results from the Lumbar Puncture yesterday, and there are no leukemia cells in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid. This is important because the brain and spinal chord are kind of a closed off environment from the rest of the body. The mutated leukemia cells could have gotten in there, but they didn't. So, that is one less area of concern during his treatment. They will probably do other lumbar punctures along the line, but this is really good news.
I have had some people ask about an address for sending cards. Here it is:
Nicholas A. Taylor
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Rm# VUH8223
Nashville, TN 37232
Provision for the Day: This may sound really strange to some of you, but God speaks to people in so very many different ways. When Nick was a toddler I asked him one day, "How much do you love me?" He spread his arms out wide and said the biggest number that he could imagine. "I love you 44 Mom." So, since then 44 has been a special number to me. Periodically I will see the number and it makes me remember that I am loved. This number has come up over and over and over again since we have begun this saga. Of course, it means the same thing to Nick as it does to me. I signed up for skype before we left to come to Nashville. The screen name that I was assigned randomly was Lori.Taylor44. No less than 5 times yesterday I randomly checked the time and it was 1:44, 3:44, 4:44....etc.
People who love one another have special ways of communicating with one another. Listen and watch for your Heavenly Father to send you little love notes today. Just because you haven't noticed, does not mean that He hasn't been sending them. 44 to all of you! It is well.
Friday, June 17, 2011
It could not have been easier
It's 11:00 p.m., and the first round of chemo was just completed. He only had a tiny bit of dizziness for a few minutes. No nausea. No real reactions. During the last 10 minutes or so, Nick was playing a Youtube clip on his laptop from Tim Conway & Carol Burnett. He and I and the chemo nurse were all laughing....more of God's provision for this day. It is well!
Chemo starts tonight
Nick is about to go to radiology for a lumbar puncture. Chemo should start about 7:00 tonight.
There are no flowers or raw foods of any kind allowed in his room after chemo starts. They could harbor bacteria. The process begins.
There are no flowers or raw foods of any kind allowed in his room after chemo starts. They could harbor bacteria. The process begins.
We did get a room...and other things as well
Nick got settled into a temporary room about 10:00 last night. He is on a floor that is not certified to administer Chemo. So, we will have to move before that part of the adventure begins. Because Glenn and I had only slept about 2 hours the night before, both boys pushed me to go back to the condo last night to get some sleep. So, reluctantly, I left him multitasking: talking to a friend on skype and playing some kind of "shoot-em-up" game on his computer.
Daily provision: When we found out on Monday that we would be quickly leaving for, and staying in Nashville for the next month or so, we immediately started asking people to pray for 3 specific things: Healing, Wisdom, & Provision. One of my concerns was lodging. Almost immediately a friend called with an offer from two families in Nashville to open their homes to us unconditionally. These were people that I had never met, and knew nothing of us, except that we had a need. Amazing! Then another friend called to say that they had an empty condo to offer to us. So, for the price of utilities we could have a private 2 bedroom condo for the duration of our stay. We are so thankful!!
Regardless of what is going on in your life today, look for God's provision. There is something so powerful about just deciding to look for God's hand in your life. We all have two choices today (and they are choices): 1. Worry about your situation - or - 2. Carry on with the wisdom that God has given you today, and trust Him to fix what you are tempted to worry about. Worry will give you nothing positive in return. Trusting God will land you smack dab in the middle of the peace that passes understanding. Quite honestly, the peace that we are experiencing now is indescribable. Do we have all of the answers? No. Do we still have needs? Yes. Do we have control over any part of our lives for the foreseeable future? The only control that we have is in the choosing of worry or peace. I choose peace. It is well.
Daily provision: When we found out on Monday that we would be quickly leaving for, and staying in Nashville for the next month or so, we immediately started asking people to pray for 3 specific things: Healing, Wisdom, & Provision. One of my concerns was lodging. Almost immediately a friend called with an offer from two families in Nashville to open their homes to us unconditionally. These were people that I had never met, and knew nothing of us, except that we had a need. Amazing! Then another friend called to say that they had an empty condo to offer to us. So, for the price of utilities we could have a private 2 bedroom condo for the duration of our stay. We are so thankful!!
Regardless of what is going on in your life today, look for God's provision. There is something so powerful about just deciding to look for God's hand in your life. We all have two choices today (and they are choices): 1. Worry about your situation - or - 2. Carry on with the wisdom that God has given you today, and trust Him to fix what you are tempted to worry about. Worry will give you nothing positive in return. Trusting God will land you smack dab in the middle of the peace that passes understanding. Quite honestly, the peace that we are experiencing now is indescribable. Do we have all of the answers? No. Do we still have needs? Yes. Do we have control over any part of our lives for the foreseeable future? The only control that we have is in the choosing of worry or peace. I choose peace. It is well.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
To make a long story not so long...
For the last several months our son has gone through some very strange physical trials. We have been in and out of the hospital twice. He has been tested, scanned, poked and prodded; discussed, evaluated, referred, and treated. On whole, the scanners, pokers, evaluators, and referrers have been very kind, smart and caring. However, until last Monday we only had a presumptive diagnosis, and therefore, no effective treatment for his pain and symptoms.
Here is the "not so long" part...tonight we sit in an admitting waiting room at Vanderbilt. Having gone through a number of tests, the insertion of a PICC line, and below par Chinese takeout, Nick is waiting for a vacant hospital room on the oncology floor. He should begin receiving chemotherapy to combat Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in the next couple of days.
Yes...we know that cancer is bad. Yes...it has been a difficult year. Yes...we have endured much. However, the purpose for this blog is NOT to express what we all know about the trials of life. The purpose of this blog is two-fold: Firstly, it is to testify to the goodness and provision of God. Secondly, it is to simply keep everyone posted.
So, I want to end tonight by stating emphatically that I know this is all going to be O.K. I firmly believe that God is our Healer. In fact, I have personally been miraculously healed more than once. I also know that God does things in His timing....for His glory. So, if we must endure a trial for a season, we will patiently await His intervention...all the while acknowledging His provision for the day. Keep praying. It is well!
Here is the "not so long" part...tonight we sit in an admitting waiting room at Vanderbilt. Having gone through a number of tests, the insertion of a PICC line, and below par Chinese takeout, Nick is waiting for a vacant hospital room on the oncology floor. He should begin receiving chemotherapy to combat Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in the next couple of days.
Yes...we know that cancer is bad. Yes...it has been a difficult year. Yes...we have endured much. However, the purpose for this blog is NOT to express what we all know about the trials of life. The purpose of this blog is two-fold: Firstly, it is to testify to the goodness and provision of God. Secondly, it is to simply keep everyone posted.
So, I want to end tonight by stating emphatically that I know this is all going to be O.K. I firmly believe that God is our Healer. In fact, I have personally been miraculously healed more than once. I also know that God does things in His timing....for His glory. So, if we must endure a trial for a season, we will patiently await His intervention...all the while acknowledging His provision for the day. Keep praying. It is well!
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