Monday, January 30

Good news! Today I had treatment 14 out of 28. Half way done!
Bad news. This has been the worst day yet. The weekend was not much fun, except for the two hospital visitation, getting together with friends and family, and preaching one service on Sunday. A huge thanks to my son Brad for preaching the first service. Another huge thanks to my son Gabe for leading the service for Brad. (Wow, they actually can work together?!)
Somehow, most of this weekend I was able to make it through diarrhea and throwing up between appearances. But today, I had an event of that, plus an episode of trembing during my radiation treatment. It was not pretty, but the folks here at Duke took very good care of me. I saw the doctor today, and I will see him again tomorrow to see if I need some IV fluids. Need prayers, please.
Let me make this perfectly clear. I could never make it through this stuff without my Lord and my life mate. Diane is a real trooper. She cannot stand seeing me sick. And she says that the worse thing is that she is powerless against it. That is not entirely true. She is standing shoulder to shoulder with me. (except when I am throwing up. Then I prefer to be alone. :-)
It is true that she cannot make the situation go away. But we both know the ONE who can. He can do it slowly, or He can do it quickly.
Have you ever prayed, "Hurry up Lord?" I am tempted to pray that prayer. But the truth is:
IT"S ALL ABOUT HIM!

Friday, January 27

Today is the last day of the "dreaded third week." This is the week that the side effects are most likely to kick in. I thought that I had it licked until yesterday. I had noticable more fatigue and my digestives system was messed up. But my Lord was with me. He always is. Even though I did not feel my best, last night was special. A friend gave me his tickets to the Carolina-NC State basketball game. Since Chapel Hill is only eight miles down the road from here, Gabe came and picked me up and we spent some great time together. (Okay, because of the score I probably had a greater time than Gabe).
But here is the thing. Going to the game with my son was worth whatever issues that I had to fight through. God gave us some valuable time together.

What special times has God given to you. Was it a struggle to do it? Did you miss that time? Or did you fight through issues and realize what you had?

Wednesday, Jan 25

This has been an extra good week so far. Since the beginning of my chemo treatments, I have taken an anti-nausea medicine 30 mintures before my chemo. Some days it worked. Some days it did not. But every day my digestive system has not felt normal. (I don't know how else to describe it without grossing you out.) Well, if you know me, then you know that if something isn't working, I will try something else. So this week I have not taken the anti-nausea medicine. But I have been eating some ginger hard candy. And the truth is, I have gotten along better than I have in weeks.
This is really good news, especially since this is my dreaded "third week," when most side effects are supposed to really kick in. Aside from some slightly additional fatique, I am doing great. God is good!
Thank you all for the prayers. Prayer works.

I am wondering. What in your life just is not working for you? Relational, spiritual, emotional, financial, or some other life issue. Have you tried praying about it? Remember that prayer is a two-way conversation. Talk to Him. And then listen for what He has to say to you. And also remember, that "it's all about Him."

Monday, January 23

The GC Weekend of Transformation was truly inspirational. We had good numbers every session. But more importantly, we had the #1 Particpant, the Holy Spirit in every session. And I am thankful that I was able to take part in every one of them. God is good!
The weekends are also particularly nice because I don't take any treatmens on Saturday or Sunday. Today we begin a brand new week. Eight treatments down and twenty more to go. That's only four more weeks. Some days it ain't fun. But I was reminded so many times during this past weekend that God is with me, and that God is Healer. I am more sure about that right now than I have ever been. My Lord has allowed me to be a witness through all of this. What would it take for you to be a witness for Him today?

Friday, January 20

I like to ride roller coasters. Many years ago, during an MYF outing, Lynn Britt and I rode every roller coaster at Kings's Dominion. (We were chaperones) But I don't like the roller coaster that chemo and radiation has me on. Yesterday was not as much fun as the day before. I think that I took every kind of medication that I have in the bag to keep from being so sick. Today is going to be a better day. I have an early treatment and then we are headed home to my recliner and my creek. A little rest, and I will be ready for a Weekend of Transformation at GC.
Say an extra prayer for Diane. She is still struggling with the crud or something. It was in her sinus area, but now it has moved down into her chest. She is such a trooper.
I am encouraged by the fact that God is still God at the top and at the bottom of the roller coaster. I am guessing that your life is a bit like that also. Remember that He is in control of the throttle. And after all, it is all about Him.