August 20, 2009 ~ The Latest
Yesterday I was supposed to have the second treatment of this new chemo called FAC. After telling my doctor about the wicked day I had on Tuesday (a virus maybe?) she asked me if I wanted to go ahead and have chemo anyway. My response? “Yep. Let’s get on with it.” Her response to me? “Well, I don’t think I agree with that so let’s put it off until Friday.”
Ever wonder why someone asks you questions like that when they know darned well that they aren’t going to let you be the sole decider? Maybe she never dreamed that I’d want to go ahead with chemotherapy after spending all day the day before with a fever, nausea and vomitting. Well, it just goes to prove that you never know what direction someone will take. As for me, I’m a “get it over with” kind of gal. I’d rather plow through and get bad things behind me. According to my doctor, though, this chemo alone is enough to “knock you on your rump,” so she thought it was best to have a couple of days of better health before subjecting me to the rigors of FAC. Okay, so I have to pay another visit to MDAnderson on Friday. Eh. It’s a great hospital, but I’ve seen enough of it lately. I’m sure you understand.
Aside from that, the news was pretty good. My blood counts look good. Things that needed to be elevated were elevated and things that needed to come down a bit came down. Things look generally good. I’m scheduled for more tests next month – things like a CT scan, chest x-ray and 6 minute walk test (sounds rigorous, huh?) She said she’d determine our next course of action from the results of those tests. Now, I realize there’s nothing I can do about that CT scan or chest x-ray, but I plan to practice for that goofy little 6-minute walk test so I can ace it. Let them be astounded by how far I can walk in 6 minutes! Charlie and I have already determined that we’ll walk every morning and try to go a little farther in six minutes than the day before. (Charlie’s promised not to pull me around the cul-de-sac.) Seriously though, I think this test is to see how I’m recovering from the pneumonia.
So, there it is – the latest as of yesterday. I’m doing pretty well, certainly much better than this time last month! For that I rejoice! Do I wish I could win a foot race or dance contest? YES! But I couldn’t do that before all this started, so I guess I still have much work cut out for me! ha ha ha
Hey Lori!
Thanks for the update. We here at Bethany Church are pulling for you! I can picture your walking test like the scene in “Rocky.” (Remember the one where he climbs the steps.)
I had to laugh at the experience you had with the doctor. It reminded me of many who come into our worship services–their minds are made up, don’t confuse them with the facts! The Pharasees had that mindset–that’s why they missed knowing who Jesus was. People like you and me are miracle kind of folks. We go forward because we know where we are going and who we belong to!
I’m praying for you and your family. The bottom line is–your story blesses my life. With each unfolding day, I see the footprints of a New Testament disciple. You guys encourage this soon to be ‘ole granddaddy preacher.
In His shadow,
Tony
Pastor Tony, your comments are always so encouraging and dear to our family! I feel a kinship with you and all the good people at Bethany. I could never thank you enough for the many, many times you have reached out to speak good things into our lives and situation. Indeed we are “miracle kind of folks” and we know that each step is ordered because of whose we are!
God bless you!
Lori