I apologize. I didn’t mean to cause alarm with the “staff” (not staph) infection cartoon. It was a poor misguided attempt to share a laugh and I’m sorry to have raised any alarm. I had this particular post set in the queue a few days in advance and didn’t think of the timing.
However I did spike a fever throughout the night with severe heartburn, chills and sweats. Not being a heartburn sufferer I never thought it was a big deal. I certainly didn’t know it could drop you to your knees. After several attempts to control it they finally gave me a maalox and lidocaine cocktail plus IV pronotix. That seems to have brought considerable relief, though I am now completely worn out. I didn’t have this with the other chemo but I’m told it is all part of the territory. The chemo ‘burns’ away the lining of the whole GI tract from nose and mouth to bottom and that can create havoc for weeks after the chemo is ‘done.’
One of the nurses prayed for me this morning which touched my soul. We are not immune to suffering in this life and yet none of our suffering compares to that which our gracious Jesus endured for us. And much of the suffering can make us stronger and serve to benefit the kingdom if we let it. We can’t always ignore our troubles but the key really is to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on our problems. It is cliche but oh so true:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
In perspective I think I am doing well and the doctor agrees. It takes time and there will be some tough weather ahead. But we have an amazing God to guide me through that!
Thank you for your tender care and prayer coverage.
Thanks Bryan…we keep you close in our thoughts and prayers…I liked your cartoon…reminded me of my brother and his oh so dry wit! Rest easy, friend…Blessings!
You are doing awesome…God is hearing our prayers. They are getting better, and you are strong! Love, Em
We praise God it was not a staph infection….grateful to still see your humor. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 Keeping you, Marcia & your family in our prayers. Love & blessings!
Indeed, Jon and Gloria, God has prepared much for us specifically in this journey. We are learning lots and celebrating His greatness in the midst of trials. Our God is an awesome God!
So glad to hear from you Bryan. Thanks to God for your relief from the heartburn! The cartoon is a good one. 🙂
BTW I too am interested in “hearing” more about your musical talents!
I am sooo sorry you were struggling with such pain 🙁 I will be praying, continuously!!! Love both you and Marcia!
Jen
This time through chemo is harder. As the PA said today it is a whole new level and dosage. I seem to endure the chemo fairly well during the treatment but the tough part is the weeks after the damage is done. This time it burned my feet which makes walking painful and of course the whole GI tract is likewise affected. I spent yesterday in bed most the day and am going to try to push forward to do a little walking today. But lest I dwell on my own situation too much, I know there are others who are hurting even more, emotionally, physically, spiritually. I am thankful to have my amazing wife at my side and my awesome God to sustain me. Thanks for your prayers which release God’s power in my life.