Well here we are again... at CTCA getting infused! Today is the 12th time we have been here for chemo. It doesn't seem that long, but there are times that I am quite aware of every second we have spent here. The good news we received from our last visit does make the chemo a lot easier to endure not only for Arnie, but for me because I can see the progress being made and the obvious answers to the many prayers from so many people.
The terrific news we received 2 weeks ago was overshadowed by the sadness of the death of Arnie's dad. We received a phone call from Arnie's mom on our way home from here telling us that his dad had taken a turn for the worse. He passed away that evening, after we returned home.
We knew we were going to have to make that trip to PA and it would be difficult because of just having a chemo treatment. Usually it takes maybe 4 days until Arnie feels like he could even approach the thought of traveling anywhere after getting a treatment but we knew we had to make this trip. Somehow he made very good progress following this treatment which made the trip very tolerable. I drove, he rested and we were fine. The time we were in PA was good for him also. The side effects were completely manageable and we did the things that we had to do.
Arnie's dad was a wonderful person - one of those people who you could easily talk to and he made you feel happy to be alive and honored to know him. He accepted me as a daughter-in-law and my kids as his grand-kids without any conditions and I always loved him for that. We will miss him terribly, but I know I will see him again some day.
God provided for each of us through this difficult time. It always amazes me when I look back at situations and can see the hand of God directing events and this was one of those times.
We can see an end to these treatments... progress is being made... prayers are being answered ... God is Good!!
Please feel free to call or leave a comment or email. I love hearing from you! Keep us in your prayers!
Yes, God is good! I am so thankful that Dad is almost cancer free! It is hard to see him go thru all he has gone thru but seeing that it is not in vain makes it bearable. Pretty soon he will be back to his normal wonderful Dad-self! We love both of you so much and you, yourself, have been a wonderful inspiration to anyone who has a loved one who has cancer, I am sure. You're very strong and you have been right there beside Dad thru everything.
ReplyDeleteWe will all miss Grandpa terribly!
I am very happy of the good news.
ReplyDeleteArnie is a believer and strong is his faith.
Sharon is a courageous companion and strong in her faith.
What a couple!!!!!
Lloyd had many good friends indicating his approach to life. He will be missed but leaves a legacy...a good legacy.
Love,
Pete
Arnie & Sharon,
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing your posting with us. It is so exciting to see the Lord work when you understand that he is the one leading, guiding and encouraging you and the doctors in this journey and the progress you are experiencing. I am so happy for you and believe me you are not walking alone in this journey.
I was sorry to hear about Arnie's Dad and I offer my sympothy to both of you and your family.
Have a safe trip home as I assume you are enroute at this time. I look forward to seeing you soon.
As ever,
Joe
God Blesses Dad! The mere spoken or prayed words "God Bless Him" means he gets blessed more than most people.
ReplyDeleteDad's going to make it through all of this and it is a testament to all that God IS Great.
In addition to the prayers, here's my human take on it: Dad (Arnie Spitznogle to everyone else) is one of the good guys. People profess the greatest fellowship and apply it when they see one of the good guys leading by example.
What other blog has so much positivity over such taxing times? It's not the blog that is the point, but the sentiment and, again, the FELLOWSHIP accompanied by his rising above, and through this blog and anything we choose to not keep for ourselves but to share.
Fellowship means "bringing the truth to others" and (back to the religion) Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is carrying Dad right now with his healing hands. Dad's experiences lead to all this fellowship, and lead us all closer to the way, the truth and LIFE.
Grandpa (Lloyd Spitznogle) is better off than all of us. The void left by his passing is huge. It's a daily task I'm sure for Grandma now to "go on". Grandpa is also looking out for Dad. He's with him every step of the way and he's going to keep the "ratchet turned up" on Dad's life. He's closer to God (Dad) with Grandpa on the other side pitching for his healing.
We are all left here to ponder Grandpa's life, and our continued fellowship for Dad, to Dad, to one another, and our fellowship toward Grandma's "moving on" in life is a lesson for all touched by any of these events.
Chris
I am so happy to hear that Arnie's cancer is almost gone! I am saddened though with the death of his father. He will be looking over both of you now and protecting you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with me. I was so happy to see you and Arnie at the museum. He looks great! (So do you ... but you always do.) I'm sorry for the loss of Arnie's dad. Let's stay in better touch!
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