March 31, 2008

This has been a week of blessings and minor problems. The girls were on Spring Break last week, so I took a few days off to spend with them. Then our whole family spent the weekend at Pokagon State Park. We had a great time and really enjoyed the relaxation, playing, swimming, reading, etc. I finished a new book over the weekend, and the kids got in enough swimming time to make it worth their while!

My problems started with an infected nail on my big toe. I had this problem when I took chemo a few years ago, so I think it’s related to my medications. It was a small irritation early last week, but now it’s gotten worse and hurts most of the time. We have tried to doctor it, but to no relief. I also have very sore cracks on the heel of the same foot, so I wasn’t very good for hiking this weekend!

My fingers are still a source of pain that is mostly manageable but also very sore if bumped. Mark has been “treating” my wounds with his tender care, but this is also caused by my chemo drugs and doesn’t heal well.

We see Dr. Aggarwal tomorrow morning, and we’ll share all of these problems with her. I’m petrified that she’ll send me to the foot doctor and he’ll want to drain my toe’s infection. That most likely means more needles and pain. YUK. I’ve already told Mark that if they want to touch my toe, they’ll have to give me some good drugs. But honestly, if they can heal the infection, it will be a big relief. Today I wore my ugly but wide shoes with a suit to work because I can’t stand my high heels. I also asked Mark if we could drag out my spring/summer clothes from storage so I can find a pair of sandals to wear until this is better. Lucky for me that it’s finally getting warmer!

I’m sure these rantings sound trivial to some, but please pray for whole-body healing. It’s hard to function at full speed when I’m in pain, and it’s a constant reminder that my cancer still hangs on to me.

Have a wonderful week.

Sandy

March 21, 2008

I’m feeling much better today!! Thanks for your prayers.

Sandy

March 20, 2008

I’ve had another rough week, but today’s sunshine and promises that Spring is coming soon are helping to make it better. I was sick on Tuesday and Wednesday with the symptoms that we fear the most… headache and nausea. I called Dr. Aggarwal and she put me on a strong antiobiotic because it might just be a sinus infection. I felt awful and still don’t have my appetite back, but it’s getting better. Hopefully it’s winding down and was just a nasty sinus problem.

Next week is the kids’ Spring Break, so I plan to take some time off work and spend with them and Mark. We’re even getting away for a couple of nights to have some family fun.

Have a blessed Easter.

Sandy

March 14, 2008

I’m not sure how many people reading this know that my dad was a member of the gospel quartet, The Newsmen, for almost 20 years. We lost Dad in 2002 to a heart attack, and I still miss him every day. He was my true hero, and we’re so lucky to have his quartet songs recorded on 5 albums so we can listen to his voice. I never realized until recently that almost all the songs that The Newsmen recorded were about Heaven or going to Heaven. Ironically, two of the members of the group are already there.

Another very special song that touches me when I’m down because of ongoing treatments, nausea, sore fingers, or worse is Jesus Never Fails. This is an old song, originally recorded by the Kingsmen Quartet. Dad sang the lead on their version, and I love listening to it. I hope these words touch your heart if you’ve struggled with anything this week.

JESUS NEVER FAILS

Souls drifting on the sea of time
Just look to the One who can save
Your soul when it’s sinking like a ship going down
He can calm the angry waves
Jesus never fails

Jesus never fails
When on life’s billows your ship won’t sail
My Jesus never fails

I have a reason to praise His sweet name
He’s given new life to me
Now as long as I’m living my song, it shall be
My Jesus never fails

Jesus never fails

Jesus never fails
When on life’s billows your ship won’t sail
Thank God, Jesus never fails

Now as long as I’m living my song shall be
My Jesus never fails.

Thanks to Wendi from the Kingsmen for providing these lyrics to me.

March 7, 2008

I had another boring, uneventful and routine visit with Dr. Aggarwal yesterday, and she doesn’t want to see me until April 1. Isn’t this great!!! After the year we’ve had, these are the best type of appointments to have. The only thing better would be not having to go at all.

There is no sign that anything is active right now, but I still continue on my chemo drugs. Everyone but me is excited about that, but they don’t have to remember to take them and swallow them every day. Yuk. I know they are for my good, but enough of the “medical” garbage in my life for a while. I’d love to have this all disappear.

BUT…that isn’t likely to happen, so we cannot lose hope that God is working through a much bigger plan and doesn’t have anything but good planned for me and my family down the road. And guess what? I have NEVER been alone on this road…thanks to all of you.

Savannah was sick this week with strep throat (sp?), so I got to stay home with her for 3 days. She spent the day with Mark yesterday because I needed to work, and she’s back at school today. It was really fun being home with her and Shelby more. I have made a big effort to spend more time with the kids so we create some great memories.

See ya soon!

Sandy

PS– My sister turns 40 on March 11. If you see her, please wish her a great birthday!