August 26, 2009
Psalm 120:1 In my troubles I pled with God to help me and he did!
Right around this time last year, I was facing all of the uncertainties of surgery and starting chemo again. I wrote in my entries how much I believed in the healing that God performed in my body, regardless of the current unfolding events. The past year has been full of continued trust in God for my life.
My mom and I made another trip to CTCA on Sunday afternoon. The trip there went smoothly. We arrived at our hotel close to 10 pm and ordered some dinner, as we had not eaten yet. After dinner, we went to bed so we would be ready for my appointments the next day.
My mom always wakes up before me. Monday morning was no different. When I got up, she told me that she had gotten out her Bible (Living Bible translation) that morning but was not sure where to read. Her book mark was at Psalm 119 so she decided to just start there. She read a few verses aloud to me that we both agreed were meant for me that day. I want to share them with you.
Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield, and your promises are my only source of hope.
Psalm 119:116 Lord, you promised to let me live! Never let it be said that God failed me.
Psalm 119:126a Lord, it is time for you to act...
Psalm 119:140 I have thoroughly tested your promises, and that is why I love them so much.
Psalm 119:145-149 I am praying with great earnestness; answer me, O Lord, and I will obey your laws. "Save me," I cry "for I am obeying." Early in the morning before the sun is up, I am praying and pointing out how much I trust in you. I stay awake through the night to think about your promises. Because you are so loving and kind, listen to me and make me well again.
Psalm 119:152-154 I have known from the earliest days that your will never changes. Look down upon my sorrows and rescue me, for I am obeying your commands. Yes, rescue me and give me back my life again just as you have promised.
Psalm 119:157-159 My enemies are so many. They try to make me disobey, but I have not swerved from your will. I loathed these traitors because they care nothing for your laws. Lord, see how much I really love your demands. Now give me back my life and my health because you are so kind.
Three weeks ago, I was put on a new oral chemotherapy to be combined with the oral chemotherapy I was already on. On the way out to CTCA this time, my brother called me and told me that he wanted me to make sure I called him Monday to let him know how much my CEA tumor marker had come down. You have no idea how many prayers I have sent up for this very thing. I know I feel good, but this CEA has been the thorn in my side. I wanted it to come down more for my family's sake than for my own. I wanted to be able to call them with good news about it, instead of saying once again, "well.. it went up some but it's okay..."
I had my port accessed at around 11 am Monday morning. All of my labs were drawn and sent for analysis. I then went up to see Dr. L. I was scheduled to see him at 12:45, and I actually went back at 12:30... early! The appointment before me did not show up. This gave us extra time to chat. The first thing he told me was "Well, your CEA went down..." and my heart jumped... " from a 280 to a 121." Whoa! Thank you, God! I was so excited. Everyone was really pleased at such a significant decrease in the first three weeks. I just know that God is working in my life and in my body. Normally, I have a 20 minute infusion of Zometa for my bones, but this time I was told that I would just get it next time I come to CTCA. Another thing to be happy about... we could start home early! I went up to have them de-access my port before we could leave. I am not scheduled to return to CTCA for another 6 weeks... around October 5. For those who follow this site, you will know what a rough month September usually is for me. I was elated when I realized this September, I will not spend even one day in the hospital. My 29th birthday is September 11, and our 6th wedding anniversary is September 27. I knew that God said I would start having better Septembers... and He is fulfilling those promises.
On our way home, we got to follow the lamb of god... my mom and I both got a kick out of that.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Continue to pray for these new medications as I am experiencing some side effects from it... mostly an upset stomach and sore hands and feet. I will update again before I return to CTCA.