Tuesday, Jan 10

First day of double radiation and chemo treatments. Since this was the first day, we saw a lot of doctors and their staff. It has been several weeks since we were here at Duke. We were reminded today of the battle that we are facing. Information overload and the intimidation of the machines were a lot to take in today. But as we settle back in our room and think about it, we are glad to get started.  And, as we really think about it, we are reminded that it is all about HIM.
It is early, but so far no side effects.
God is good!

Monday, January 9

Today, we checked into the Caring House. This will be our home away from home several days per week for about 5 and one half weeks. It is a safe place and a friendly place. Everyone here is extremely friendly. But, as Sally Ann, quoting Dorothy says, "There's no place like home." Here is an example of the folks here. We met two couples this evening. One couple was from New Jersey and one couple was from Duplin County. I like meeting new people.
We went through a simulated radiation treatment this afternoon. Again, we met some very professional and friendly folks at Duke Oncology Radiolgy. Since this was the first day, there were some extra measurments and processes that had to be done. The whole thing was a bit overwhelming for my simple mind. But I am glad that tomorrow we finally begin this part of our journey.

Getting Ready

Getting ready for treatments that begin next week:
Got an awesome place to stay while we are in Durham, called the Caring House - check.
Diane buys two of all of our toiletries and necessities so that we can stay in Durham some days and come home some days without packing everything up - check.
Cold almost completely gone! - check.
Feeling stronger than I have in weeks - check.
Not even the slightest apprehension about taking Chemo and Radiation - ummm.
Okay, Maybe a little apprehensive about treatments. No wait. I just remembered - It's all about HIM!
Ain't God good?

Like everyone else - sort of

My strength continues to improve. I have had a good week. I have felt really good - until yesterday. That is when I started sneezing and sniffing. Yep, I caught a cold. Right now, it is head cold. Now, this is not a big deal for most folks. In fact, there are a lot of people with colds right now. In that respect, I am just like everyone else. But if you think about it, say a little prayer that this little thing goes away before next Monday when I begin my treatments. Chemo and radiation can go together. But I don't think that a cold fits into that equation very well.

Back at work

Yesterday (Sunday) was my first official day of preaching both the 8:30 and the 10:45 services at GCUMC. We also served Holy Communion. I used the example of Mary and Joseph as they took the baby Jesus to the temple for the first time "as the law of Moses" commanded that they do. There they met a prophet named Simeon and a prophet named Anna. I discovered something really cool about this Scripture (Luke 2:33). When Simeon spoke about Jesus, Mary and Joseph were amazed at what was being said about the child. Amazed? Does that mean that in nine short months, they had forgotten who Jesus was? No, not at all. Surely a lot had happened in the lives of these newlyweds in the past months. They just needed to "hear" the words again. Sometimes life gets in the way of how we see Jesus. What in your life has gotten in the way? Maybe you need to hear the words about Him. Jesus loves you. Jesus died for you. I know my Redeemer lives. In 2012, like Simeon and Anna, watch for Him. He will be there. Happy New Year!