It has been quite a while since I reported to all of you. In this case, "no news is good news" is appropriate!

 

However, I couldn't let today go by without sending a shout-out to God my Healer.

 

One year ago today (August 31) I was admitted to the hospital. I knew I was a very sick woman, but at that point, we didn't know what was wrong with me or what lay ahead. All I knew was that I could almost literally feel my life slipping away. Even after receiving three units of blood, which made me feel better, I knew that was only a temporary fix since we didn't know what was wrong.

 

I laid there in the hospital bed after Gary left me that night and silently asked God to let me slip away. I didn't want Gary and the children to have to go through a lengthy illness with me.

 

But He answered that prayer with a resounding, "No!" and looking back, I'm so glad He did. A wise friend, learning of my diagnosis, told me, "Be prepared to feel loved like you have never felt loved before." And that was so prophetic! You all embraced me in a multitude of ways. God revealed Himself to me in new ways. While the journey was scary, it was also humbling and faith-building.

 

To update you: I will begin my seventh (of 12) round of oral chemo next Wednesday, the evening of my next oncology check-up. Dr. Mosalpuria told me at my last appointment that if my blood work continues to look as good as it has the last several times, I won't have to go back for three months (yes, months, not weeks or even days!)! That is a big hallelujah! right there! I take the oral medication for 14 days, then I am off for 14 days. I have had some issues with nausea with this medication, but have kind of figured out what foods trigger it and that I MUST take the anti-nausea drug 1/2 hour before the chemo med!

 

To close, I will remind you all of my 2023 theme verses: Psalm 73:26 says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." And 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds me that "We walk by faith, not by sight."  I have drawn great comfort from these verses this year, and I hope they encourage you, too.

 

So, thank you all so much for your extravagant love and prayers. I rejoice in what a difference a year can make!

 

Anna