Thursday, February 28, 2008

Yesterday

Praise God!!! After all my tests were finished I went to my doctor to hear the results. The CT scan and bone scan showed that my humerus and scapula bones were "stable", by that she said "unchanged". I was a little surprised that it was not completely gone but the main thing that she said was "this is benign, not cancer". THAT'S WONDERFUL! She will check it again in 3 months. She'll send these test results to my orthopaedic surgeon so he can continue to monitor everything too.

I also had a bone density test. I have some bone loss, kind of "pre-osteoporosis" but I actually consider that a great report because oftentimes people who've gone through chemo get severe bone loss/ osteoporosis. SO...basically she said start taking calcium and Vitamin D. No problem. I can do that! Praise God that the extent of my bone loss is that I have to take some vitamins! Yeah!

Tomorrow I go for my MRI over my chest area. That test is at 1:30 on Friday. This is more of a post-treatment baseline and checkup. I am trusting the Lord with this test also. What else can I do?

Great day, great report. WOOHOO! All glory and praise to God for His continued mercy and love in my life. I am so grateful!

Oh Lord God, You DID go before me! You DID fight this battle. Thank You, O God!!! I praise your holy Name, the Name that is above all names...Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Test Week

It's been a little while since I've written. Tom got back safely from Ghana and had a very good trip! We were thankful for all his safe travels and return.

This week is test week. I will go tomorrow morning, Wednesday, for a CT scan of my shoulder, a bone scan of the whole body and a bone density test to see about the strength of my bones after the chemo. I am not anxious, which is NOT a small thing. I know that is the Lord giving me peace. I am gratefully walking with peace, which I know is coming from lots of praying folks asking the Lord to be with me this week. Thanks for your prayers!

Then Friday I go for a MRI for my chest area. This is at the request of my breast surgeon, who says I will need to do this every 2 years for awhile. They are just keeping a close watch over that area. Once again, I feel peaceful. Praise God!

The Scripture that I'm leaning on comes from 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat has a whole lot of armies coming against his kingdom, Judah, and a prophet tells him:
"Fear not, and be not dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." And then they all stood up and praised the Lord.

They praised Him BEFORE they won. That is so hard. To trust before we get to SEE it happen.

So...today, the day before I go in for all these tests, I've decided is a day of praise. I'm not going to be asking Him all day long "please rescue me tomorrow, let all these tests have great results." Instead, this is my prayer...

Thank You, O Father, for going before me in this battle! Thank You for letting me stand firm and take my position while You fight, not me! Thank You for loving me so much and for giving me Your word that reminds me what to do...to NOT fear or be dismayed. I trust You with today. I trust You with tomorrow, O Lord, my Rock and my God. I praise Your holy Name. In Jesus I pray. Amen.