Finding Chemo

OK, so a clownfish and his friend Dori are not my new sources of encouragement and hope, but it is a catchy tune, especially after watching “Finding Nemo” with my daughter numerous times.

Several people have asked about my chemotherapy treatments, so perhaps this is a good time to explain them.  I am currently undergoing continuous chemotherapy for a week.  I’m on Day 5 of 7 right now.  It’s a 24/7 drip of a drug called “cytarabine.”  I also get a 15-minute or so dose of “daunarubicin” each night, which has the nickname “Red Dog” due to its bright red color. (I am ashamed to admit that I often want to call it Red Dog 20/20 in an unfortunate allusion to my college days.)

The purpose of the drugs is to kill the cancer cells.  In doing so, however, they also kill the good cells.  My white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are also negatively affected.  In fact, I just had an infusion of platelets and blood.  The purpose of the blood infusion is to get my hemoglobin levels back up.  Low levels can lead to fatigue and being light headed (which may explain the title of this blog entry.)  In time, I’ll possibly feel worse and even lose my hair, but I do have a cool Tough Mudder headband to show off when the time comes.  The good news is that my body is responding the way it’s supposed to.  Praise The Lord for that.

I’ve been very encouraged with the steady stream of fellow National Guard Soldiers visting, as well family and friends, Facebook messages, and comments on this blog. So, thank you.  SIncerely.

I watched a sermon from Southland Christian Church this morning.  Something that really stuck with me are the following verses from the Apostle Paul,

     “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

So, we can find God’s will for us in the midst of any circumstance, including chemotherapy.  It’s not about what you’re doing but who you are becoming.  Be joyful.  Keep praying.  Always be thankful, for He is always good.