Transplant Day - 4

It is a wonderful thing to wake up in the morning to find encouragement in my email account, or a card, or on the blog, even some phone calls. Last night was not full of the type of deep sleep that we dream of, and need especially in days like these.  Switching to a new chemo drug might have been enough to leave me unsettled most of the night. A wake up tired kind of morning, with some trepidation.  I have been handling the first drug well......the second I am not sure.  Barb reminds me that they are loading me up with all kinds of anti meds - nausea (3types), seizure, pills for liver function, kidney function, bladder function, digestive tract function.  I am no longer trying to keep them all straight.  It is moments like these that you ponder on God's plan for my life, our lives as a couple, what roads, what destinations, will I make this battle, will we win?   So ........ an email that directs me to the promises of God how He provides the bedrock in all of life, that allows us to be "in quietness and trust is your strength".  Not Richard's strength, not the doctors strength or his/her medications, but the Rock our Saviour Jesus Christ who provides all that we need in life. God commanded Joshua to strong and courageous despite all the enemies gathering against Joshua and the people.  Flee to Christ.  Thanks Heidi :)  These are the mornings that I again REMIND myself of the blessings I wrote about in the Preparation 1 post.

The chemotherapy drug today is called cyclophophamide, used a lot in leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer and lung cancer.  Also used in high dose situations for stem cell transplant.  Late this morning I am hooked on IV for hydration, they will keep pumping fluid into me until Sunday night to flush out my kidneys and liver and bladder to protect as much as we can from damage from the chemo. Given some meds in evening to assist even to  remove water. Barb was with me mid morning until after supper and we both needed to sleep if we could. Highlight this afternoon was Dad came with Clarence to visit for a bit. They extrapolate that my white cell count is yet high enough so we enjoyed the opportunity as it presents itself.  Those days are numbered.

Last night I skyped with Jeremy and Sarah.  This afternoon Barb was able to read a story to their boys over Skype, and kisses on the screen when done. How precious.!  Tonight we tried a conference skype but that did not work since we only have the free model.  No video but not bad conferencing call with most of us participating.  Good for us, to hear other, to care for each other.  Tomorrow is the 15th of September, Nathaniel Vander Deen, son of Mike and Rachel will be celebrating his second birthday.  Lord bless this little child of yours and his precious family, and may they have a good celebration!

Lord's Supper at Providence URC in Strathroy Sunday morning. Examining myself here. With you in spirit.