Sunday, May 24, 2009

May 24, 2009

Wow! I just realized that it's been nearly a week since I last wrote a blog. Sorry for the lack of updates, but I've got good news---there really hasn't been a lot to update you all on. Anne had been feeling tremendous since the last chemo nearly 2 weeks ago. That means no nausea, vomiting or even much in the way of fatigue. Mind you, she does have some fatigue--she didn't do all that well at Meijer's yesterday, although she made it to the check-out at least and then had to sit down. Another thing she's noticed: her hair is starting to go a little bit at a time. Mind you, she has to have it thinned out everytime she gets it cut, so there's a lot there to lose, and I can't see that it's gotten any thinner myself. Of course, compared to me she has a freakin' forest up there. At least women look better in wigs than men do--maybe I'll get one if she needs one to keep her company--just kidding.

Last time I mentioned that I was going to a Wings game (hockey, David. I know that you New Yorkers don't know what hockey is after the regular season--you guys call it golf!). Well, they won in overtime. They played poorly but still pulled it out. They then lost Friday night in overtime in Chicago, but then beat the pants off Chicago this afternoon. Go Wings.

I thought this verse was pretty appropriate for our situation:

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help
us develop endurance."
~ Hebrews 13:8, NLT

Can you imagine giving up?Examples are endless. I don't think someone seriously running a marathon gives up because of a heel blister. Thomas Edison tried around a thousand times before coming up with the right combination of things for a lightbulb. I remember when I was in high school when a little old lady who lived next door to us fell and broke her hip. She lasted 3 days in the hospital after refusing to be treated. And then there is Rosemary, one of the nurses at work, with the same problem that Anne has--tumor free and back to work. She never gave up and never gave up praying. And the last thing we should do is give up on believing that God loves us and cares for us. If we don't have true faith, it would be easy to give up and blame God for our troubles. We know that God didn't cause this to happen--but He will be with us throughout this ordeal to comfort us and help us.

"So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. "
~Matthew 10:31, NLT

How's that for hope? We are the only creatures God made in His image, even though He created a gazillion creatures. He wants us to be around to worship and praise Him. He is love and wants to love us more than anything. Whatever God has in store for us, we shouldn't be afraid. I can only think that all of the prayers for Anne and me have reached God and that He has listened, and that through His love, He is taking care of Anne in ways only He can. I believe He is now protecting her from having side effects. While that may not last (although I truly hope it does) at least she has had a break from them for now--Praise God for that!

Anne will be having her 3rd chemotherapy session on Tuesday instead of the usual Monday because of the Memorial Day Holiday. I'd like to personally thank all of our Veterans out there who have served to keep us free. My heart goes out to the families of those Veterans who did come home, but sacrificed for us by having their loved ones away, and to those who's loved ones did not come home while fighting for our freedom and safety. In my old age, I've been looking back at my college days when I wasn't drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. At the time I was overjoyed. Now, however, I wish I had the opportunity (or brains) to have served my country as these brave young (and older) men and women have--they deserve all of our respect and praise. And they deserve the medical care they need paid for by our taxes for their service. I only hope that our government doesn't screw with our Veteran's healthcare as they have intimated they might. THAT will be cause for a fight.

God Bless,
Tony

2 comments:

  1. Hey Tony - have been following your blog since Carol and Linda sent me the link. Thought you might be interested in another fighter who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer July 4, 2008 and is awaiting official word that she's "kicked cancer's butt". You and Ellie's Mom have similar hearts, faith, and incredible strength. Please know you're being prayed for in South Carolina, too:) Here's her link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin/journal

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  2. Hi All, I spent a couple of hours yesterday reading your blog and all comments, it is fantastic! and so inspirational. I Thank God for the people around you who are part of the body of Christ. Just to let you know that you are all in our prayers here in Market Harborough England. Anne sounded good on Sunday, its was so lovely to talk to her. We were studying Kings at bible group last night I thought this was lovely. "I have heard your prayer and see your tears, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

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