Gail Brookman

Last summer Gail started experiencing pain like a pulled muscle in her thigh.  She went to physical therapy to strengthen the muscle but it didn't improve.  She was referred to an orthopedic doctor at the end of the year.  He did an MRI, and on January 3, 2020 he found a lesion on her pelvic bone by her hip.  That was a hard day receiving that shocking news.

This began a period of anxious wondering and waiting while the doctors diagnosed the problem.  It was so hard to wait patiently on the Lord while we had so many questions and no answers to what the future would hold for us.  Psalm 62:5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. 

Gail was referred to an orthopedic oncologist at Vanderbilt to further diagnose the problem.  Through a series of lab tests, bone scan, CT scan, and a bone biopsy it confirmed cancer at the end of February.  We were referred back to an oncologist in Bowling Green.  She began another series of lab tests, and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the type of cancer as multiple myeloma.  She then developed the treatment plan.

The road to remission journey started on March 23, 2020 with a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs with some steroids, bone strengtheners, and anti shingles drugs thrown in for good measure.  Later this year we expect that Gail will go through a bone marrow transplant called an autologous stem cell transplant.  And then begins the lifelong maintenance phase to keep the cancer in remission.

Here are a few Bible verses that help us in this trial.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.