Joni’s blood count today was a bit low but not dangerously low. So we are resting (I am good at that) and regaining strength for the next round. Thanks for continued prayers and expressions of love.
I am spending my short summer vacation recuperating from my last “bad“ chemo treatment but I am so thankful that my husband Dave has been my rock. He has been my constant help during these difficult days. He makes sure I take my medication for nausea and pain, he makes sure I eat even though I have cravings similar to when I was pregnant with the boys, he allows me to sit in the recliner all day and keeps reminding me that these difficult days will soon be behind us. He has been keeping the house picked up, doing the dishes, the cooking and the laundry. I don’t have the energy or the ability to do any of these normal every day activities. He does all of this while encouraging me and maintaining his regular job with the Rangers. It is not easy for me to rely on someone else and not carry my fair load of the housekeeping responsibilities.
I don’t like being sick but God keeps reminding me that He is in charge of my body, the cancer, the treatments and the timing even though I feel so out of control. When I am able to relinquish control of my situation is when He can work. Lord, I thank you for Dave, my rock and I thank you that you are my true Rock. Psalms 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name’s sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.
In His perfect care,
Joni
Saturday and Sunday were run over by a truck days for Joni. Today (Monday) she is feeling a little better. We are encouraged that this is the last of this type of chemo. In the middle of July we start the new regimen. That will not be a walk in the park but hopefully it will not be quite so difficult.
Please continue to pray for Joni’s white cell count to stay at acceptable levels. We covet your prayers and value your love. It matters.
The sound of the bell means that Round 4 is today. This is the final round of the AC combo (Adriamycin/Cytoxan). The Adriamycin is the unaffectionately nicknamed “red devil” that causes so many side effects. We are thrilled to kiss that drug goodbye. Next up will be a weekly round of different chemo drugs for 12 weeks. We are halfway through the chemo and holding up pretty well, all things considered.
Joni said this to our Home Team (small group) “family” before the diagnosis.
“I am not…and I will not…question you God.”
She has not wavered.
Pray for minimum side effects and that her white count will not plunge too low.
Love to all.
My Dear Friends,
I cannot tell you what an encouragment you have been to me during this battle. This has been one of the most difficult things I have had to endure and yet God remains faithful daily. I am reminded of what Paul endured throughout his lifetime and I haven’t even come close to his challenges. I can feel your diligent prayers on a daily basis through the peace and security that surrounds me.
Throughout these treatment I have been able to go to work most of the time. The days when I really feel bad I am able to do some work at home. I am almost a third of the way through my treatments and the next two rounds won’t be as difficult. I will still get tired easily but I won’t be so sick. Thanks again for your encouragement through prayer. It is mighty powerful.
Love, Joni
Joni is feeling much better. Today she made the comment about how great it was to feel “human”. Hmmm. I take that for granted way too much.
She should have a week of feeling pretty good and then we will confront the last of this nasty type of chemotherapy next Thursday. After that we have three months of the next regimen of chemo…which is allegedly not as bad. Thanks again for your prayer and care.
Joni had a boring weekend of house arrest. But the worst cabin fever is better than the best hospital time so we were grateful for that blessing. She made it through the weekend with no fever or setbacks so we hope we have turned the corner on round 3 of chemo. Just one more left of this really bad stuff (Praise God!) and then we can move to the regular bad stuff. Thanks for caring and letting us know that. It helps.
Joni has been placed under house arrest for a few days. Her white counts were down but not so low that she had to go the hospital. So she is praising God for that! We have to avoid crowds and be careful about what she eats for a few days. Joni thinks the drug that stimulates the white cell production is kicking in. She is feeling the characteristics bone aches from that. So we have a big weekend of television and reading and movies. If Martha Stewart could survive house arrest…so can we!!!
Thanks for praying. Love and blessings.
Dave
Just a quick update on Joni. She is experiencing what we call “normal” responses to the last round of chemo. Continue to pray for the white cell count to not go too low. The chemotherapy for breast cancer causes a side effect known as myelosuppressive (my-eh-low-suh-PRESS-iv), because it suppresses your production of white blood cells. A low white blood cell count – also known as “neutropenia” (new-tro-pee-nee-uh) – can put some patients at risk for severe infections and interruptions in the cancer treatment. That was the danger when Joni’s count went so low last time. Part of her regimen is getting a drug called Neulasta the day after chemo. The drug is designed to stimulate the white cell production when it gets to a low point. That is supposed to “kick-in” about a week or so after the infusion. So pray that the Neulasta will do it’s job and get the white blood cells back in production.
As for the fetching Mrs.Burchett…she is doing well spiritually and emotionally. And you are right on target with your post Lisa. She does look great in a scarf!
Joni is feeling much better today. She went off to work for a few hours. Please continue to pray that the white blood cell count will not bottom out. Thanks, as always, for caring and praying. We are blessed by all of you.
