Chemo Week

This week will mark the half-way point in the six month cycle of chemotherapy Dennis is schedule to complete.  Last month went fairly well so we are hoping that will be the case once again.  He will take the chemo pills Wednesday-Sunday before going to bed.  It does make him extra tired on these weeks but other than that he tolerates it fairly well.  He did come down with a nasty cold a few days ago so that is sapping some of his strength as well.  Last week’s blood counts looked good so he should be able to fight off this cold with no problem.  

So often people ask us how we are doing.  To be honest, most days we are doing great.  I’m not sure if this is because it has become our “new normal” and we have gotten used to it or if it is the deep, settled peace that we both are experiencing.  I’m sure there are elements of both of those but mostly, we feel the strength of the prayers that so many of you are offering on our behalf.  Of course there are days when it is harder than others.  Often, I find those days come when my focus is off of Christ and I think too much about the “what if”.  

One of my favorite passages of scripture is:

Phil. 4:8.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

So, if I keep my thoughts focused on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, worthy of praise my thinking focuses on these things - Dennis’ last MRI looked great and he is doing well; I will choose to praise God for this and trust Him for whatever the future holds. 

Dennis spent much of the weekend at home resting.  Brooke and I did some Christmas shopping for Dennis on Saturday and then in the evening we were able to attend a Christmas dinner.  It is a special night for international students.  We hosted a table.  On Sunday we enjoyed our first measurable snow of the year.  This was the first snow Brooke had ever seen and she had so much fun.  We enjoyed watching her experience this.  After a nap, we went and got our Christmas tree.  The local tree farm takes you out on a wagon and all you have to do is select the tree and cut it.  They load it on the wagon and haul it back for you.  They even put it on top of the car for us. We had a good time doing it.  It is sitting in the garage waiting for us to put it in the house.  So, overall it was a great weekend.   

Prayer Requests:

Pray that Dennis handles the chemo well this week and that it kills any remaining cells.
Pray that Dennis gets over the cold he has quickly.