The Birthday Present

 As many of you know, August 11 was not only my birthday, but my follow-up oncology appointment. I woke up a little late and then had to rush through breakfast and drive MDA. Since I didn't see any red flags on my CT scan report, I was expecting to discuss maintenance drugs, etc. with my doctor and he would say ... "See ya in 4-6 weeks."  Well, that was not what he was thinking. I guess he saw that I still had the small pleural effusion from February and my CA125 number had risen and he didn't like that combo. 

So ... he said, "I want you to do 3 more rounds of chemo." The first 2 will be the desensitization protocol and hopefully the 3rd one will be a "normal" one. Of course, I was shocked, saddened, and speechless!!! UGH!!! More chemo!!! With that news, he wished me a happy birthday and left the room. The nurse stayed and discussed some details. She, too, seemed a bit shocked that 3 more rounds were prescribed. He wanted me to start next week, but I have a life to live and my sister and I are going on the Philly Modern Quilt Guild's Summer Retreat!!! I've been waiting for this weekend since it was rudely cancelled in March by COVID-19. Therefore, I will have my first, fun week of chemo on August 26-28. 

We all love presents. When we were kids, we hoped our present might be a bike or a favorite doll. Today, kids want electronics and gaming devices or something outrageous that their parents can barely afford. When I was a child, my family loaded up the station wagon and headed west to one of our country's amazing National Parks. This was usually for two weeks in August. One of my favorite memories was touching snow in Glacier NP on my birthday. That being said, I was never home on my birthday and never had a birthday party and never got presents on my birthday. Don't be sad. Looking back as an adult, I realize that I did receive a gift ... precious memories with my family which will never break or wear out!!!

Friends, every day we receive the same 24 hours. What we do with them is up to you??? Will you use your time to make memories with your family? Will you mend a broken relationship? Will you serve the Lord? Will you speak out against racial injustice? Will you show love to your neighbor? I can't think of a better present to give to God, than using my time and talent for His Glory. Is going through 3 more rounds a great birthday present??? No!!! But if that is what God wants me to do, than all I can do is say, "Thank you," open the gift and see where He leads. I trust Him!!!

A new take on "Trust in You" by Lauren Daigle.

Prayer Requests:

- All the details for these next 3 rounds of chemo would work out

- That I would hear from the Hematology Department to set up an appointment regarding the little blood clots.

- That the pill I'm taking for the neuropathy in my fingers would work quickly

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

 

Just a little bump in the road

It all started on Thursday, August 6 with a phone call from a nurse at Cooper at approximately 2pm ET. Then I posted this on my Facebook page at 3:13pm ET:

I then posted the following to Facebook on Friday, August 7 at 8:51am ET:

Good Morning from the MD Anderson floor at Cooper. When I woke up yesterday morning, I did not expect to end the day in a ER23 waiting for a room. After I got home from my CT scan, I received a call from a triage nurse advising that they noticed some very small blood clots in my lungs and requested that I go to the ER for evaluation, etc. So, I gathered a few items and my sister drove me to the ER. After checking in and waiting for over 2 hours to be “seen,” I finally was ushered to a stretcher in the hall next to a woman who was trying to throw up. UGH!!! I expressed my feelings to the attending doc and I soon was rolled into ER23. After checking my vitals and them drawing more blood, I relaxed and watched the Phillies game. And they WON!!! Finally, they came with an injection of blood thinner and a pill for the neuropathy. I tried to catch some , but the ER was a little noisy.

THEN... at midnight, the nurse came in and said, “I didn’t realize that a COVID-19 test wasn’t done.” So.... I had to endure the up the nose test — TWICE!!! One was for the rapid test and one was the regular test. Friends, please wear a mask and practice social distancing!!! The test is very uncomfortable. I wouldn’t wish it on any of you!!!

After that, I was able to get a few, uninterrupted hours of sleep.

Around 4:45 AM, they moved me to a regular room. After getting settled, I was able to snooze for a bit, but was awakened by a doctor. She listened to my heart, etc. and talked about going home and doing the blood thinner injections myself!!! YIKES!!! Currently, we are waiting to see if my insurance will cover this drug.

If all goes well, I will hopefully be released later today!!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!!!

Friday, August 7

At 6:30am, I was "rudely" awakened by a doctor checking on me. Of course, I had only fallen asleep about 15 minutes earlier. She checked my heart, etc. and left. Then I quickly dialed the number for FOOD!!! I ordered a bigger than normal breakfast because I hadn't eaten since about 2:30pm on Thursday and waited for them to deliver it. I was sooooooooo hungry!!!

I was so happy. I found out that my day nurse would be Nora. The same nurse I had for my Carbo desensitization!!! She came in shortly after 7am with a smile and happy greeting like we were old friends. Breakfast arrived and I made short work of the cheese omelet, bacon, bagel, orange juice, and hot tea. The rest of Friday, I was seen by several different medical personnel. Some were there to check whether I could walk, squeeze their hands, tie my shoes, get up from the bed, etc. I was like ... really??? All I really wanted to do was put a do not disturb sign on the door and sleep, but no!!! Then they came and checked my blood pressure, oxygen level, and temperature. Geez!!! Finally, I learned that my insurance would cover the blood thinner injections. I successfully learned how to inject myself and found that I really can stick myself with a needle. Finally, about 3pm, I was able to catch some sleep, but Nora came in about 4:15pm ET with my release papers and instructions. I quickly texted my sister and said, "Please come and get me!!!" I packed up the few items I had been using, said good-bye to Nora & the tech, Takiyah, and happily walked to the elevator and went down to the lobby level. I picked up and paid for the prescription for the injections and walked out to my sister's car. FREEDOM!!! We then drove to CVS to pick-up another prescription for my neuropathy. We finally made it home where I could finally take a little, uninterrupted nap before dinner from Shake Shack.

I wrote the following Facebook post on Friday evening:

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!! I’M HOME!!!!!!! I’m tired, but I’m home!!!!!! I’ll update tomorrow morning after hopefully a good night of sleep.

Thanks again for ALL your prayers!!! Love & hugs!!!!!!!

I spent the rest of the weekend either sleeping or working on our business inventory with my sister.

Now, tomorrow, August 11, I have my follow-up appointment with my oncologist. I'm sure we'll have a lot to discuss including what's next in my cancer journey. I sure would appreciate your prayers!!!

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

The Long Good-bye to Mr. Chemo

Before I begin, I just need to thank the many of you who prayed for me through this toxic relationship with Mr. Chemo. I could not have done it without you!!! Consider yourself loved and hugged!!!

The week of July 12, like this year, seemed to go on and on and on. My first task of that week was to get a COVID-19 test on Sunday after church. Of course, because nothing is ever easy, when starting my car at church, my key fob cracked open leaving the plastic part with the buttons in my hand and the metal key in the ignition. At least the car started and I could drive it to the testing site and home!!!

Once at the testing site, all I needed to do was roll down my window and stick out my tongue. The person just swabbed my tongue and I was on my way. I was so thankful that they didn't do the pipe cleaner up your nose one. I was really dreading that. By Monday afternoon, I had an email stating that my results were negative. Hallelujah!!! I still walked around the house stating, "I'm such a negative person!!!" LOL!!!! Monday was spent doing all the things around the house that I wouldn't be able to do until the following week.

Tuesday morning was my follow-up appointment with my oncologist's Advance Practice Nurse. The visit went well even though my CA-125 number went up 1 point to 31. However, my platelets went crazy and were over 200!!! WOW!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!! The only order of business that was discussed was that I need to have another CT scan before my next appointment. Scheduling my next appointment for 3-4 weeks was a little complicated, but by the end of the week my next appointment was scheduled for August 11.

Bright and early Wednesday morning, my sister dropped me at the entrance to Cooper University Hospital on her way to work. After waiting in the admissions office for what seemed like hours, I was given my hospital bracelet and my elevator pass to get me to the 5th floor for my Carboplatin desensitization procedure. Once I found my room, I settled in and waited for my nurse. Before the nurse arrived, one of my oncologist's interns stopped by to see how I was doing. Nora soon introduced herself and she began prepping all the stuff to access my port, etc. Of course, I had to move the furniture around so I could plug in my laptop. Nora had to be re-certified to access a port, so she called the Nurse Educator in and to my surprise and delight it was Mary Jane!!! Mary Jane was one of my nurses the first time I went through chemo in 2014 and she remembered me. Nora passed accessing my port and began the pre-chemo drugs dripping through my body. The desensitization is a series of 4 bags with an increasing Carboplatin concentration as you go. Nora hung the first bag and because of all the Benadryl and steroids and fluids and the fact that I hadn't slept well the night before, I decided a nap was in order. But first, I ordered my lunch (very important)!!!

My lunch came. I ate it and then got my laptop out to work on some business stuff. Nora switched to the second bag. I was working away when I glanced at my hands and my arms. "NORA!!!!!" I cried out. She came running. Sure enough... I was having another allergic reaction to the Carbo. She stopped the stuff from dripping into me. My arms and legs were breaking out into hives and red splotches and my palms were all dry and ready to start itching. After consulting with the on-call doctor, it was decided that they would give me more Benadryl and more steroids and then start the drip again, but this time really, really slow. I thought ... great .... I'll be here until midnight!!!! After about 45 minutes or so, the hives and  red splotches disappeared and the dry palms were cured with some hand lotion. Nora finally started the Carbo again and over the next couple of hours slowly increased the drip. Of course, with more Benadryl and steroids racing through my body ... I took another nap!!!

When I woke up, it was time to order dinner and watch the 6 o'clock news. By this time, I was halfway through bag #4!!! Yeah!!! It wouldn't be a midnight release!!! After a pizza dinner, I finished working on some of my computer stuff, called my sister to come and get me, and waited for the last bag to finish. Nora came and unhooked me and gave me my release papers. I thanked her for all her hard work, walked to the elevator, and waited outside for my sister to arrive. 

On Thursday, I was to report to the MD Anderson building to finish my round of chemo. I drove myself since it's only about 2 1/2 miles. I checked in and waited to be called back for my final treatment!!! After only a few minutes, I was called back and after checking my blood pressure, etc., my nurse for the day came and introduced herself. She got me hooked up and gave me more Benadryl and steroids. Here we go again!!! Nap time!!!!!!! The drip for the Taxol took about 3-4 hours. It was a pretty boring day and the view (below) was not great. Once I was done, I drove myself home and guess what ... I took another nap. Do you notice a theme???

My fabulous view from my chair - July 16, 2020

The only thing left to do was on Friday afternoon, my sister drove me back to MDA for my final injection. It was a long, crazy, tiring week. But, thank the Lord, my relationship with Mr. Chemo is over!!! Breaking up was not hard to do!!! Now it's on to getting my strength and stamina back. 

When thinking about writing this blog post, other than telling you about my long good-bye to Mr. Chemo, I hit a brick wall. I prayed and I prayed. I read Scripture and prayed some more. Part of the difficulty may have been the fact that I was writing a Bible study/devotional to enter in a challenge by Proverbs 31 Ministries. My mind was totally absorbed in study and writing and entering by July 24. I won't know if my writing was selected until sometime in October. Then one morning as I was waking up, I definitely "heard" the word waterfall in my mind. What Lord???

all photos were taken by me - August 2011

I started looking for waterfalls in the Bible. The only reference I could find is Psalm 42:7. I did some study on that verse, prayed, and nothing really clicked. I then looked up Christian songs with waterfalls. I only found two with waterfall in the title. Why was God making this post so hard to write??? Then I realized that throughout the Bible, God uses water to symbolize life and new life in Him, as in baptism. Water is the first element mentioned in Genesis. Noah had to deal with the flood waters. The only way to get water in Bible times was from a well. Water was and continues to be used for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Jesus walked on water, washed the disciples feet, was baptized in the Jordan River, and turned the water into wine. 

As I stood at the top of my personal waterfall on March 31, the bottom looked far away and uncertain. But with God by my side, I took that leap of faith and headed towards the pool at the bottom. Yes, there were some rocks along the way, but God never said this life would be easy. He just said, "Follow me." So, I have reached the wonderful and refreshing pool at the bottom. I want to stay and just float on my back and soak in the cool water and never leave. But God is reminding me that He has other tasks for me to do. He reminds me not to be complacent. 

Keep striving. 

Keep running the race that He has set before me. 

Keep learning His ways. 

Keep leaning on Him!!!

Here is one of the songs. "Waterfall" featuring Maranda Curtis by David & Nicole Binion.

Prayer Requests:

• August 6 - Bloodwork 7am ET - pray for lower CA125
• August 6 - CT scan 9:30am ET - pray for nothing new and previous issues to be gone.
• August 11 - Follow-up visit with oncologist 8:45am ET - pray for wisdom as maintenance drugs will be discussed (it's also my birthday!!!)
• Pray for the neuropathy from chemo in the tips of my thumbs & pointer fingers and bottom of both feet to lessen. It just feels really weird. I'm also having some pain in my right thumb joint. 
• Pray for my strength and stamina to return. 
• Pray for the government to start traveling so I can return to work.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

In the Wait .... No More or In the Wait .... Part 2

Wouldn't you know that the day after I posted my last update, my doctor's office called and gave me the news. Because I had an allergic reaction to the Carboplatin during date #5, I will need to go through a desensitization procedure for the next and last date with Mr. Chemo. I thought ... I won't be sensitive anymore. Sniff! Sniff!!!!! LOL!!!!

What this procedure entails is spending 12 hours, as an outpatient, in the hospital so they can slowly drip the Carboplatin into my body. Although I'm not really looking forward to sitting in one place for 12 hours, I'm ready for this whole dating thing to be over!!! Therefore, what usually takes 1 long day will be stretched over 2+ days.

Next week's never-ending date looks like this:

Sunday, July 12 - COVID-19 test. Because I will be in the hospital for the procedure, I need to be tested 2 days prior. 

• Please pray for negative results!!!

Tuesday, July 14 - Regular follow-up appointment.

• Please pray for good results from blood work on Thursday, July 9, etc.

Wednesday, July 15 - Carboplatin Desensitization @ Cooper Hospital

• Please pray that I would tolerate the drug well and the procedure would be smooth

Thursday, July 16 - Finish my Date #6 with Mr. Chemo and ring the bell!!!

• Please pray that all would go well with this infusion. I have had a reaction to this drug in the past.

Friday, July 17 - Last injection to boost my white blood cells.

• Please pray I will never need to date Mr. Chemo again!!!

My pastor's wife turned me on to this song from Bethel Music called "Take Courage." Sung by Kristene DiMarco. 

Only by His Strength,
Sandy

In The Wait

Tuesday, June 23 began as any other chemo date. I woke up, showered, had breakfast, packed my lunch, got dressed, and packed my "things to do" bag. I was happy because this was Date #5 of 6. My sister dropped me off at MD Anderson and waited until they checked my temperature, etc. I had my doctor appointment first and of course, I knew my CA125 had gone down 4 points to 30!!! PTL!!! My platelets had dipped a little, too, but not too the "no chemo today point." The doctor seemed happy with my progress and dismissed me to the 3rd floor to start my date with Mr. Chemo.

I was escorted back to my designated seat. This time, I had the corner office!!! Not great views, but acceptable. 

Everything went well with all the pre-meds. Then they hooked me up for the slow Taxol drip. No problems. I relaxed and took a nap thanks to the Benadryl in the pre-meds. After snoozing for about an hour or so, I was feeling hungry, so, I thought .... lunchtime!!! Unfortunately, the little table that attaches to the chair is not very well conceived or constructed. In my humble opinion, it is too small, on the wrong side, and not level with the arms of the chair. And the worst part is ... it slants!!! Knowing this, my nurse had shoved a small, flat tissue box under the back part so things wouldn't slip off. Unfortunately, over the course of a few hours, the tissue box flattened and my water bottle crashed to the ground, the lid broke off and water spilled all over the floor!!! What a mess!!! Thankfully, the nurses brought over some blankets and dried up all the water. Such excitement before noon!!!

After lunch, my Taxol drip was complete and they started the next round of pre-meds so they could start the slow drip for the Carboplatin. At this point I fought off taking another snooze and opened up my laptop and started working on some business stuff. At some point, my palms started to itch. My thoughts ... "the air in here must be really dry." "I need to get some hand lotion from my handbag." "Geez, now the tops of my hands are itchy." "If I don't stop scratching, I'm going to make myself bleed!!!" At that point, my nurse comes over to bump up my Carbo drip. I show her my hands and now my face is flushed and I have blotches up and down my arms!!! YIKES!!! She immediately stops the Carbo drip and I am immediately surrounded by 6-7 nurses and one nurses hooks me up to the oxygen tank. Here I am not looking too happy being on oxygen!!! 

The nurse contacted my oncologist and he advised not to finish my Carbo drip for the day. So, they gave me some more IV fluids until my red face and blotchiness disappeared. Then, I called my sister for my ride home. The nurse assured me that the doctor would contact me and advise next steps. Well ... as of writing this, it's been a week and I have not heard a peep from my doctor or any of his associates. At first it was very frustrating, then I was kind of mad. Now, I'm just figuring, if he's not concerned, than neither am I. So, now that 99% of my side effects are gone, I'll move on with my life and my things to do list. 

Waiting area at MD Anderson, Camden, NJ

But still I'm waiting. Waiting for a call. Waiting for an answer. Waiting for a cure!!! Throughout the Bible, God's people, prophets, disciples and apostles all waited. They waited to be delivered, they waited for a blessing, they waited for a King!!!

For the past several months, most of us have waited or sheltered at home. Our "normal" activities and movements became non existent. We waited for church buildings to open, stores to open, for restaurants to open, and most importantly, we waited for the beauty parlor/nail salon to open up!!! Not me, though, I still have no hair!!! LOL!!! 

In this time of pandemic, what are you doing in the wait? Are you mumbling and complaining or are you learning and growing in the Lord? Here are several verses from Psalms about waiting:

Psalm 25:5 "Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

Psalm 25:21 "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you."

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 31:24 "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 33:20 "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."

Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Psalm 37:34 "Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off."

Psalm 39:7 "“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you."

Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry."

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;"

But there is one thing I'm really waiting for ....... My Lord's return to gather his followers and take them to heaven. I don't know when that's going to happen, I just know I ready for it to happen!!! Are you???

In the meantime, here is a great song written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves & Martin Smith titled "Waiting Here for You." Performed by Christy Nockels.

Until He returns or calls me home, that's what I'll be doing ... waiting here for You!!!

Prayer Requests:

Blood work at 7am ET on Thursday, July 9

• Pray for lower CA-125 number
• Pray for increased platelets
• Pray for easy blood draw

Last date with Mr. Chemo on Tuesday, July 14 - YEAH!!!

• Pray for good appointment with oncology APN
• Pray for wisdom - hopefully, life after chemo will be discussed
• Pray for no allergic reaction to either of my chemo drugs

Please pray for me. I signed up to participate in a Christian devotional writing "contest." My entry is due on July 24. Pray for divine guidance, His words, and that He would grow me through the process.

Bracelets from my "niece"

Only by His Strength,
Sandy

The Great Divide

Tuesday, June 2nd started early due to an actual in-person appointment with my oncologist. And although, through the power of technology, I knew my numbers and the results of my CT scan, it was good to hear the doctor say ... "everything looks good." My CA125 is down to 34 and my platelets were up to 156!!! Praise the Lord!!! He concluded the appointment with his thoughts about life after chemo. Time will tell what direction he will go. Please pray for wisdom for both of us.

After the appointment, I headed to the 3rd floor to wait for infusion to ready my chair. With only a few minutes wait, I was escorted to a chair that was fairly secluded. I would be there for about 8 hours, so, fine by me!!! During the day, I napped, I ate, I worked on business stuff, and I watched a couple of TV shows. There were no problems with either of the chemo drugs. YEAH! It's just a very, very, long, tiring day sitting in a chair hooked up to Mr. Chemo.

Here are a couple of pictures of my day. All I can say is, "Nobody puts me in the corner," but... Mr. Chemo??? Absolutely!!!

View from my window:

Outside MD Anderson:

Before I write these blog posts, I ask the Lord to guide my thoughts and write what He wants me to write. A few weeks ago, I was very sure I was given the word comparison. I started to dwell on it, etc. But since that time, a LOT has happened in the world and I believe God is compelling me to address the issue of race. Recently, a black man was senselessly murdered by a white police officer while 3 other officers looked on. This horrific scene was just weeks after we learned of several other black men & women murdered at the hands of white persons for no other reason than the color of their skin. Unfortunately, this hatred/violence against persons of color is deeply rooted in the history of our country. I do not claim to be any type of authority on the issues of racism, white privilege, African-American history, or social injustice ... and the list could go on and on and on.
What I do know is that throughout the Bible, God's shows His unfailing love for people. He speaks about justice. He speaks about equality. He speaks about peace. He speaks about how to treat others. He speaks truth!!! Over the past weeks, I have listened and read from so many voices -- some share their experiences, others give opinions of what should be done, and some sadly still voice contempt and hatred. 
At times, I felt overwhelmed. During those times, the first voice I listened for was the voice of God. I studied His Word and found Christian voices that directed me. One verse that keeps filling my mind is Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" I believe this is the way we should live.
This video by The Bible Project on "Justice" provides a basic, yet excellent explanation of justice throughout the Bible.

The injustices in this country will never change unless I change my heart, my choices, and my lifestyle and use my God-given gifts and talents for His glory. Change is never easy, but this change will be so worthwhile!!!

As Christians, I/we must do better at bridging the racial divide in this country. There are so many great resources available. A good starting point is "Be The Bridge" a ministry founded by Latasha Morrison. Her book, "Be The Bridge" is now on the NYT best seller list. For more information: bethebridge.com

I want to let you know that this has been the most difficult post I have written. I have probably offended someone. I've probably lost friends. But, I know that God is leading me on this path of learning to bring unity to His Kingdom here on earth.

I'll leave you with this song by Mandisa, featuring TobyMac, and Kirk Franklin.

Prayer Requests:

Next bloodwork - Thursday, June 18 early morning. Please pray for a lower CA125 number and a continued good platelet number.
Next doctor appointment & date #5 with Mr. Chemo - Tuesday, June 23



In His Strength,
Sandy

It's the Halftime Show!

After another Telemedicine call on Monday, I was cleared to have my date with Mr. Chemo on Tuesday, May 12. I arrived early again and was promptly taken back to my chair by the window. It was a beautiful, sunny day and I heard that the NJ National Guard was doing a fly-over. How cool!!! However, I checked their route map and unfortunately, they would be about 10 miles east of where I sat. Oh well, I still had a nice view of Philadelphia in the distance.

After getting hooked up to my "date," my nurse talked to me about my Taxol nightmare from the previous time. She advised that we'd go really slooooow, but I would be there longer. I had figured that out and had brought some things to do to "keep me occupied." However, I didn't have the right tool for the handwork I brought with me, so I was unable to work on that. So, I took a nap, ate lunch, watched part of a movie, took another nap, and just like that ... my day was over. It was just a long, uneventful day. And that was okay with me!!! And thank you so much for all your prayers!!!

Me & Mr. Chemo

And now it's half-time!!! 3 down - 3 to go!!! WooHoo!!!

During my Junior High (dating myself) & High School days, I was a member of the Marching Band. We performed the halftime show at home games and the pregame show at away games. I played clarinet for 7-9th grade and then joined the Drill Team (flag twirler) for 10-12th grade. My senior year, I was co-captain, too!!! We practiced for hours every fall to make sure we were together and moving in the right formation, etc. When everything came together ... it was a good show!!!

But, as I was thinking about the word half, I started thinking, God doesn't want just half of me, He wants ALL of me. I started looking up Bible verses on half and whole. I finally settled on Matthew 22:36-39. Jesus is asked a question by one the Pharisees to test him. "'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" 

All is not 50%. 

All is 100%!!! 

All is 24 / 7 / 365!!!

I can guarantee you that I have not achieved 100% every hour of every day, but I do strive to do better every day. 

But I also find that second commandment is a lot harder. When Jesus was asked in Luke 10:29, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied by tellling the parable of the Good Samaritan. It begs me to ask the question, would I go out of my way for someone I didn't know? Was of a different Race? Religion? Sexual orientation? I would hope that I would not cross to the other side of the road and keep walking, but I would show that person the love of Jesus with my WHOLE heart. 

My friends, in these "unprecedented" times in our world, please be the Salt, the Light, the Hands, and the Feet of Jesus. It might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it could change someone's life ... maybe even yours!!!

Song by Lincoln Brewster:

Praises:

My CA-125 went down 8 points to 39!!!

Prayer Requests:

Labwork on May 28 - Pray for my CA-125 to continue it's downward trend. And that my platelet count would be over 100. I cannot get my next chemo infusion if my platelets are below 100.

I will also need to get a CT scan before my next infusion. I'm waiting for the pre-certification, but the scan will be sometime between May 18 - 29. 

Next chemo date scheduled for June 2.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy