28 December 2010

My energy levels have increased over the last week. I almost dread going in on Thursday, the 30th to have my 7th chemo, knowing that my energy level will go down again. It has been nice being able to get out and visit my co-workers over the Christmas holidays. Thankfully I will only have one more chemo after this next one.

There is a verse in one of my Christmas cards which reads "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no saviour." (Isaiah 43:11). Thank you Lord for Jesus, the Saviour of the world!

25 December 2010

Happy Christmas to all!! I do miss being with my family back in the states for Christmas this year but I am looking forward to having dinner with my co-workers, the Scotts, later today. Last night I spent Christmas Eve with other co-workers as we remembered the birth of Jesus. I am so grateful for the 'family' the Lord has given to me here in Ireland.

22 December 2010

The sun is shining this morning and the sky is blue, even though it is bitterly cold outside. As I was doing some reading for my quiet time I found myself in Philippians. Chapter 4 verse 4 says "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Chuck Swindoll wrote that "Joy is a matter of attitude that stems from one's confidence in God---that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen. How can I not rejoice in the Lord in the midst of what I am going through right now!!

19 December 2010

Thank you Lord for a good day! I woke up this morning after a good night's sleep and have not had to take any pain medication in order to eat (as I have been doing all week because the mouth ulcers returned). I was able eat dinner at one of my co-worker's homes and then came back and had a rest. I still get very weak and tired so I need to watch myself. The mouth ulcers are healing and I am now able to talk without pain. Tonight I am going to another co-worker's home to watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' together. It is nice being able to get out again, even though I am not driving as yet.

On Friday, I had a delightful surprise when the youth group came caroling to my house. It was very special and meant a lot to me. God is so good!!!

8 December 2010

My reaction to the new drug which was given on the 16th was not what I expected. I ended up having a several case of thrush and mouth ulcers which meant I had difficulty eating and drinking. My oncologist said this was 'unacceptable' and so has lowered the dosage of the chemo drug (just this past Monday, the 6th). I am taking preventative meds to help keep the thrush and mouth ulcers at bay. My hands and feet were also affected to the point of my hands and feet peeling from the reaction to the drug. I had difficulty walking because my heels hurt and my hands became swollen as did my toes. Thankfully I am doing much better with that and with the lower dosage of the chemo I will hopefully not have too much trouble this time. On the bright side I have only 2 more chemo treatments to go.

The Lord has provided great care for me through the lovely people of the Youghal Baptist Church. He has provided food, help with practical things such as hoovering, bringing in firewood, cleaning my bathrooms, etc. Thank you Lord!!