Every now and then I'm going to pop up when you least expect it!  When I saw my bald headed photo, I was instantly reminded of the long journey I've been on and how glorious it is to now celebrate sunshine, wellness and joy.  I will always embrace my bald head and the many blessings that came my way each time I hauled out the pixie dust.    

My previous CaringBridge post provided an update on my continuing saga. A brief update - Dustin has recovered completely from the three falls and surgeries for his broken elbow and his trauma surgeon has no need to see him again!  He is such a ROCK STAR and we are so proud of his tenacity, surrender and grace in the midst of his own challenges.  

My demon-possessed hands (neuropathy is like frostbite x a million!) finally just did me in!  I was so determined to at least do six months of immunotherapy but with the progressive symptoms and the knowledge that the longer and more intense reactions could potentially last ... a lifetime, I chose quality of life over quantity of life.  My oncologist concurred and said she would not let me continue - I presume she was weary of my complaints!  So I was able to do four infusions and will consider that enough to influence my body to not surprise me again.  

Many friends prayed and my Bible Study friends laid hands on mine and prayed for relief.  As my eyes were closed, I was very aware of someone tenderly petting my hands and the sensation was beyond anything I could put into words.  I left that day wondering how God was going to work this out.  I have thought long and hard about this because it's so easy to feel that true faith put into action would suggest that I should tough it out and trust God as HE healed my hands, feet, knees and mind.  The reality is that God does work out the details, but often through the impact/influence of others as they come alongside me.  In this case, the boldness of my oncologist, the benefit of information about neuropathy being available to me and the fact that this would require my cooperation.  That being said, I began a course of prescribed prednisone and within a couple of days, I began to feel a significant improvement.  The day I woke and could put toothpaste on my brush myself and hold my own cup of coffee, I reflected on how good it is to really believe in God's power.  Perhaps difficult for you to understand, but remember that God chooses to work in ways we have difficulty accepting as HIS hand unless we embrace the idea of HIS provision and love.   

So all that being said, immunotherapy is over, my body is ready to be completely chemically free and I am ready to just get on with my life.  We shall celebrate together dear friends.  So 2023 will be my year, spring is on the way, the flowers are popping up we can't help but feel restored and renewed.  Hallelujah!!

As Marilyn Monroe would say, "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."  Life is so good, let's get wild and crazy together!!!

Loving beyond words,
Shelley