I have not updated you guys in a while mainly because there was either not much to tell or I just didn’t feel good enough to type. So here goes…

On Thursday, September 3 I arrived at the Oncologist for at doctor’s appointment and scheduled treatment. I found out that the chemo is working. Of the 9+ spots of concern only three are still visible. Praise the Lord! Then I found out I would be receiving two chemo drugs that day. Which means sickness would be coming for the weekend! I had my schedule off so it through me for a loop. Luckily there were no soccer games scheduled for Labor Day Weekend! I hate missing Coleman’s and Grace’s games.

After I got my blood drawn the nurse came in and told me that the doctor wanted to go ahead with the treatment but, had ordered a blood transfusion to boost my red blood cells and hemoglobin. That chemo was working overtime on the bad as well as the good cells. I knew this was a possibility, but hearing it out loud brought on some serious anxiety. Luckily the friend who brought me that day is not only a fabulous friend, but also a nurse. She looked at the numbers and said that it was the right decision. She added “Blood transfusions save lives.” I now knew the severity of the need and became a bit more fearful. Yes, I gave into fear full fledged.

Over the weekend the Lord kept bringing me back to 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” It helped some, but after receiving the chemo treatment I was wiped out! I stayed on the bed or couch for most of Friday and Saturday. Luckily Auburn football helped pass the time. The most meaningful moment was not when the Tigers won. That was good. But even better was the shot at the end of the game when so many players gathered around to pray together. Thank you Auburn for allowing students and staff to exhibit their religious freedom. Thank you America for still standing for religious freedom. Seeing so many young men praying drew me into God’s presence and caused me to pray yet again for God to show up in big ways!

Sunday arrived and another fabulous friend drove me to the infusion center. She handled my anxiety spell beautifully. Keeping me cool when I thought the hot flash would make me pass out. I’m not sure how my blood pressure was normal! Anyway, the transfusion went well and with two more shots to boost my white blood cell count I was off and running.

Thursday, September 10 led to the 8th treatment and marked being 2/3 of the way finished! A friend and former student took me to chemo and reminded me about the importance of eating healing. We have been cutting out sugars for a while now except on Wednesday nights (can’t resist those desserts). But there is still more to work on with the diet. We’re adding more fish and tweaking the seasonings to be more healthy. Getting Hayden to cut back on sodas may take a miracle! We’re a work in progress. I only miss diet coke when pizza is on the menu, but that is rarer now too. Thin crust only, please!

We are looking forward to only four more treatments. Keep me in your prayers on the 24th of September as that is the next time I’m scheduled for the two drugs treatment. Also, pray for my sister and parents as they travel to see us.

Thank you friends for the constant prayers and love. Your cards, texts, calls, talks, meals, rides to and from treatments have encouraged me tremendously! I pray that the Lord will bless each of you for the kindness and love that you have shown us.