I was going to have a cute video up with me singing "We Don't Talk About Chemo" to the tune of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Disney's "Encanto" BUT ... unfortunately, I am still talking about chemo, just in a different form.
As I mentioned in my previous post, my oncologist, Dr. K, was taking my case to the tumor board to consult with the other oncologists at MDA. After discussion, it was determined that because I had so much chemotherapy over the past 2 years, they recommended I start on the parp inhibitor called Niraparib, also known as Zejula. So, last Friday, I met with my APN and Dr. K's nurse to sign the consent forms and get all the information regarding Zejula and all the side effects, etc. This is considered maintenance therapy or oral chemotherapy. As soon as it is approved by my insurance and they can get it to me, I will begin taking this and hope my body doesn't rebel too much!!!
The one thing with taking this drug is that for the first month or so, I will have to have my blood drawn every week and for the first month, I will have to see the doctor or APN once a month. The reason for the weekly blood draw is because this drug can make your platelet, hemoglobin, and hemocrit numbers drop significantly. If they drop too low, I may need a blood transfusion. There are also a variety of side effects. Oh goody, goody!!!
Throughout the ages, God has been and is faithful to those who believe in Him. In a devotional I read recently, the author wrote about how faithful God was to the Israelites who were wandering in the desert. Every day, God sent them manna in the morning and quail in the evening for their daily nourishment. He didn't give them a month's worth or a week's worth. It was a daily thing. He was faithful to provide just what they needed. Although the devotion made the correlation to His grace, which is equally true, I would like to think God is faithful to give us what we need every day. He knows me best and knows what I need on a daily basis. He knows my physical, spiritual, and mental needs. I just need to be open to His leading and follow Him. Just as God led the Israelites, so shall He lead me.
My question to you is this ... Who are you following??? The world or the Lord??? The only truth we should be following is what is in His Word. As Christians, we can't have it both ways - one foot in the world and one foot with Christ. Satan makes the things of this world seem very appealing, but it becomes a slippery slope, and if you start down that path, it probably won't end well. Our only hope is in His unchanging, unfailing words found in the Bible. Our next step then, is to make sure we know what's in there, every day. It's our daily nourishment!!! Then we won't be tripped up when the world yells "This is true and right," but God says, "No, it's not."
I'll leave you with one of my favorite hymns sung by Carrie Underwood, featuring CeCe Winans, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." The setting is the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. I love the lyrics, "Morning by morning new mercies I see, All I have needed Thy hand hath provided." I hope you can sing those words with me.
Prayer Requests:
* Blood draw - Thursday, May 12 - 11:30am
* New doctor appointment - Cardiologist - Tuesday, May 17 - 9:00am
* All the paperwork would go through in a timely manner
* I would tolerate this drug well and no crazy side effects
Your prayers, encouragement, and good thoughts mean the world to me!!! May the Lord bless you abundantly!!! 😊
Only by His Strength,
Sandy
