I did not accompany Arnie out to Zion for his treatment this time because of my recent back surgery. My orders are that I can not travel for at least 2 weeks so as a result I stayed home in a "recuperative mode".
Our oldest son, Gary, lovingly and willingly drove Arnie to CTCA for his treatment. Their trip was smooth and uneventful. My youngest son, Chris, and grandson, Jimmy, spent an evening with me so I wouldn't be home alone, which I totally appreciated. They brought me dinner and we had a nice time visiting, which we don't do often enough!
I plan on making the next trip with Arnie to Zion. That visit will be for a PET scan which will show just what that nasty cancer is doing. The usual apprehension and uncertainty has begun to creep in. I hate that! I try to be up beat and positive but sometime it is hard.
Please keep us in your prayers. My prayer is that the cancer will be under control and we could take a break from the chemo treatments. That would be so helpful - giving Arnie's body a chance to recover from the beating of the chemo treatments. What would be even more wonderful is if the cancer would be completely gone.
I know that I need to keep the faith and trust in God for His strength as we journey onward. I need to be strong and uplifting for Arnie but I do have my weak moments. Often times lately, I find myself reflecting back to my initial thoughts and reaction when the cancer was first diagnosed - in February of 2007. I remember quite vividly, as though someone whispered in my ear..."It will all be fine." Those were the first words I said to Arnie following the doctor's news to us that day. I felt that God had assured me that it will all be fine. So far that seems to be an accurate accounting of this experience. God has been there for us and has answered prayer and has met our needs. There is no reason that I should feel that He will leave us now. We know that God NEVER goes back on His word. He promises to always be with us and never to forsake us.
I appreciate each of you who pray for us and leave comments or emails. God uses us to encourage and uplift each other and I am truly thankful for all the encouragement.
It is so hard to believe that Dad was first diagnosed 4 years ago!! I look back and see God doing work continuously. I have always felt that Dad would be fine and I still believe that. You both remain an inspiration to many. Just remember that you never walk alone. Not only do you have the support and prayers of all or us who love you both so much but also of God, who, as you said, will always be with you and never forsake you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have thank God for how well you are coming along since your surgery; another answer to prayers. I love you guys!!
Sharon & Arnie,
ReplyDeleteI admire your strength with all you have gone through and are going through. I hope your back is healing well and you are back to normal asap.It will all be ok...
Kris