Sorry for the super long delay in writing, but my life has been extremely busy & extremely stressful.
Well, I got my blood draw done bright and early on Thursday, December 6. The first girl who came in to attempt to draw my blood, looked at me and said ... "I remember you from the last time. I'm going to get someone else," and then left. I didn't see her again! The next girl came in and asked which arm, I said that it didn't matter and said she might need to use my hand. But she was determined to use one of my arms and she succeeded. Now to wait for the results on Tuesday, December 11.
While sitting at my desk working on Tuesday morning, my cell phone rang and I was advised that my doctor was called to assist with a medical emergency and all appointments for the day were cancelled. However, the lab had emailed my test results and my CA125 had gone down 7 points to 30!!! WOW!!! Thank you Jesus!!!
Unfortunately, now I had to reschedule another appointment and get more blood work. The first available appointment was Tuesday, February 5 and blood work the previous Thursday. Oh joy, oh bliss!!! After time away in Birmingham to work at the home office, the company meeting in Atlanta, the one-year anniversary of my Mom’s passing, the end of the government shutdown and work becoming insanely busy, it was finally time to get more blood work. This time, the girl was able to find my vein and draw the lovely vial of blood on the first shot. Yeah!!! Again, wait, wait, wait. Finally, it was Tuesday and I could escape the craziness of the office. After pleasantries and an exam, my doctor advised that my CA125 had gone up to 35. He wasn’t worried, so neither was I. Again, thank you Jesus!!!
I made my next appointment for 2 months later. Finally, not 6 weeks apart, but 2 whole months — April 9. I scheduled my favorite thing ... blood work .... for Thursday, April 4. I arrived at my scheduled time and the girl thought she found a vein, but ... alas, she only got a “spirt” and then she went right for my hand. Ouch!!!!!! I was very, very thankful that I only had to give enough for 1 vial. I think I would have screamed if I had to give another one.
Onward to April 9 and my next appointment. After waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting and almost being forgotten, I finally was ushered in the the exam room and continued waiting for the doctor. Finally, he made his way into the room and completed my exam. He advised that my CA125 number had once again gone up to 43. He also stated that since it had been a while since I had one, he wanted me to get a CT scan and more blood work and then come back for the results.
So ..... on Friday, May 3, the cats will be scanning my body to see if any little nasty cancer cells have reared their ugly heads. I will find out the results on May 7.
Over the past few weeks, I have been dwelling on Psalm 46. It starts with "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." Then at the end of the psalm in verse 10, it says "“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” I don't know about you, but I know that I can run to Him, rest in Him, and be totally at peace with whatever comes my way. And I will praise Him no matter what comes my way.
I heard this song by Elevation Worship one day after my doctor's appointment. I just love the words and the feeling of calm assurance throughout. One passage of the song says:
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet
I've seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I'll see You do it again
I truly believe that God will move this mountain again. However, I need to remember that God doesn't always move they way I want. He knows what's best for me.
Prayer Requests for my Mighty Prayer Warriors:
Saturday, April 27-- Blood draw in approximately 9am
Friday, May 3 -- CT scan approximately 9am
Tuesday, May 7 -- Doctor's appointment for results approximately 11am
Once I process the results, I will blog again.
Only by His Strength,
Sandy
