My last chemo infusion in June had to be canceled like the one before due to low blood counts. Additionally, I developed cellulitis (bad infection) in the breast, so I am now on a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and the Xeloda regimen will be delayed until the infection is gone and counts return to normal--possibly the end of July.

Last week, John and I went to Santa Barbara where we basically quarantined in an Airbnb with a little patio overlooking a green canyon and mountains. I wasn’t feeling great, but it was nice to have a change of (beautiful) scenery after being holed up for months.

I don’t know about you, but things for us have been pretty stressful with all that’s going on. Living with 8 other people whose lives will need to return to some semblance of normal soon, while COVID-19 is on the rise, is challenging. My doctors have basically said, “Your situation is a really hard one.” Bottom line is that I will remain in quarantine for quite some time, and my family will have to be stringent adherers to mask wearing, hand washing, avoiding crowds, parties, etc. in the short—and potentially long term—especially after they return to school next month. I am trying not to feel anxious about the prospect of someone in my family potentially being exposed and bringing it back home to me.

I was encouraged by my Bible reading today. It was from 2 Kings 20, where King Hezekiah had been given a terminal diagnosis. But it says, “He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,” …and God heard him and added 15 years to his life!

Here, the wall symbolizes the “tower of the Lord”, and in our most desperate times, when we’ve run out of options, we can run to the tower to find hope and safety. “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

I confess that I’ve been wrestling with fear and doubt. But, over and over, day after day, I am choosing to leave the fear behind and run to the tower for renewed hope and peace.

Planning for Longevity,

Hope

P.S. For those who've asked how to pray: response to treatment, renewed energy, protection from COVID and, also, that we find our sweet Sage (pictured) who got loose on a Mt. Woodson hike 3 days ago and has been missing ever since :-(