Friends For The Journey

PRO 17:17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
2CO 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

This week has been a tough one. Another of my friends died from cancer (I think this is the 6th this year). She was a young woman (in her 30’s) with a 15 year old son. She lived about a year and a half after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. About a year ago she began writing to me and we began encouraging each other by email. She was very skeptical about life and God in the beginning, but over the months she began to soften and a few hours before she died she told her son she was at peace with God. At times I have wondered why I have been allowed to live while others have not, but I know there is a purpose which I cannot see and I hope I have been able to encourage them on their journey. We never know what the next day will hold, but we can be kind to those around us…after all, we are all in some sort of battle. I recently read that “we are either in a battle, just finished one or are just about to go into one.” (I can’t remember the author). So, let’s take the time to walk along side and support each other. I sure appreciate those who have walked with me through this season.

I have certainly enjoyed the extra time with my family. I’ve been babysitting my three youngest grandchildren

and picking up the two oldest from school and helping them with their homework.

The other day I was in the grocery store and a little girl peeked around her daddy and smiled at me and today at the oncologists office several people smiled and greeted me. A few days ago, an older woman made her way across the office with the aid of her cane to a wheelchair held for her by her husband. She looked up at me and smiled and said, “I love your hair!” Well, I didn’t know what to say because I hardly have any, but I said, “Thank you and goodbye.” As they left the room she nodded toward her husband and said, “He’s blind you know.” Isn’t that amazing? I watched in wonder as they “helped” each other…she the eyes and he the legs and I never cease to be amazed when God’s grace touches others through something as simple as a smile.

This week I began a new chemo drug called Navelbine. The oncologist felt that the previous drug had reached the end of its effectiveness. The good news is that pre-meds are not required before the infusion, nor is the Neulasta shot, which is the drug that created so much bone pain.

The bad news is that I will have chemo every week. We don’t know how I will tolerate the chemo yet, time will tell. I also began taking Prednisone daily (steroids) which were prescribed by the kidney doctor. The results of the kidney biopsy showed scarring in the tissues of the kidney. There is a slight chance of kidney disease, but it is more likely the result of some of the chemo drugs I have taken over the last four years. The Prednisone should slow down the deterioration of the kidney tissue, thereby healing or at least putting off the need for dialysis.

Be well! (this is the farewell we give each other in the chemo room)
Debbie