Several people have asked me about how JR (my wife) is doing. She will be embarrassed that I have written this. It is just not her nature to be so public. Besides the obvious, she is a remarkable women. She is finished with her chemo as of 2 weeks ago yesterday (Thursday). She has braved it well with her ever sweet spirit that has always suffered physical pain at a higher threshold than most people. She has never once complained about the fact she had cancer (even when we first found out and didnt know the stage of the cancer or grade of the tumor but were assuming the worst). Unlike her husband in private, she never cried, in private or public, so far as I know. Her first words to me, when the doctor told her she had cancer, were Dont treat me any different. She hasnt put on a show of strength for anyone, be it for her girls and their families whom she loves more than life itself, or for her parents for whom she is thankful for daily and loves immeasurably, or her sister whom she loves and would love to be closer too, or her husband whom she loves with all her heart, or her sister in-law whom she loves, or her dear friends, far and near, whom she loves and counts among her greatest blessings in life. She just IS a strong lady, who meekly endures what life throws at her by faith in that sweet reasonableness that comes from knowing the Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5). This last chemo was the worst and I admit it had me worried for a day or two. It took her much longer to get over its effects. I dont think she sat up longer than 10 minutes at anyone time for 10 days. She would smile and remind me this was my last chemo treatment and go right back to sleep. We are grateful that she is doing so much better this week and is slowly getting back to normal. Most of the time, when she was just getting back to normal it meant it was time for another chemo treatment. Thankfully that is over. She will begin radiation in a couple of weeks but that will be a breeze compared to the chemo. She will have 30 treatments over six weeks Monday-Friday. And then she will be free, free at last from all her cancer treatments. She has pretty much been housebound since the end of March, except for going to the doctor, to worship and one trip to Tampa to tell our oldest daughter and her family good bye, as they moved West to the Phoenix area. The prognosis is better than we first expected. As far as they can tell her body is cancer free. The chemo and radiation are preventative than curative at this point. The chemo was only necessary because the pathology of the tumor indicated she was a medium to high risk of getting cancer again. Statistically the chemo has sharply reduced her chances of getting cancer again. All in all, we are thankful for everything even the cancer, as it has reminded us of Gods greatness and love, wherewith He has loved us. We are helpless and hopeless without Him. It is also clear to me that in this world, where severity and injustice often seem to be the rule, we are free to call upon and cling to God through Jesus Christ, knowing the best is yet to come! We are thankful to the church at South Jax, which has always loved and cared for us in more ways than we can count but who have gone above and beyond in their concern for us during this time. Finally, to our families and friends near and far (from South America to India) who have made intercession for us, along with the countless cards, calls, and emails, we can only say thank you but know that nothing has meant more to us than your prayers. Hey JR, no one has ever looked more beautiful with a bald head than you! ;)
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 18:42:20 +0000
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