Hairy Times

    MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! He came for such a time as this!

I am grateful to say I am in the finished with my third treatment after having to postpone a treatment last week. My counts did come up, but due to the fact that I will probably bottom out again this week a decision has been made for me to take "the shot" (nupregin is the name...maybe?)

It did not set well thinking about another drug being put in this already drug laden body. I prayed for direction on what to do. He answered. I was in Wal-mart and ran into Karen Cole. Haven't seen her in years except on facebook. (The reason I like facebook!) She asked about me and I proceeded to share the quandary  I felt I was in. She looked at me and said, "I had 12 treatments and 8 shots." (No, I did not know she had been through chemotherapy 4 years ago.)
There was my answer! She even gave me a great tip. The shot has an adverse reaction of bone pain. After her first shot with the pain, someone told her to start taking Claritin everyday. I bought it that day and have been taking it. Jesus used her to prepare me for the ultimate decision of the shot. I received the shot on Friday and can say so far...Claritin is doing the trick!

HE came for such a time as this!

Seeing Karen and hearing of her battle, it makes me realize we just DON'T know what others are facing. We pass by people everyday who are alone, homeless, sick, hurting, afraid. I pray I will be more aware and reach out. How about you?

Tuesday night I was washing my hair to prepare for the next three days with the fanny pack...and spit baths! As I began to rub the shampoo in my hair, I felt something funny in my hands, on my shoulders, over my face. I realized it was my hair coming out. My oncologist had told me I probably wouldn't even loose my hair. I probably am.

I called for Charles. When he came in and found me in tears holding a wad of hair in my had, he broke down also. It's these signs that bring reality to me, that I am fighting a battle! After several minutes of tears and not wanting to face reality we hugged and prayed the scripture that has been our foundation. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10

He came for such a time as this!

It didn't take me long to realize...it will grow back. And...if you have know me long, you know my hair is not that appealing. HA! As my boss said, Hair is overrated!

Due to my missing a week of treatment, my new schedule put me together with a different set of people receiving treatment. It was enjoyable to talk with each of them. I took boxes of peppermint candy canes and had a blast giving them out and wishing each a Merry Christmas. There were two men, an African American on his 6th treatment for colon cancer and a white gentleman in treatment for  3 years. As they finished their drip I noticed they were going to do something they have been doing...they started to embrace to pray but decided to include me, my sister-in-laws, and the other young woman sitting near me and her mother. It was so moving.

He came for such a time as this!

If you live near a cancer center, I encourage you to just ride by and share the joy of the season.



Luke 2
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ONE AND ALL!!!