The Prodigals musical production was a wonderful success! God really blessed the whole thing MORE than we ever imagined. There were 9 cast members plus our narrator...and ALL of them were incredible! Super talented! Caleb, the director (and also in the play) added so many creative ideas and staging to the songs. It really told the story in a fresh way, but was still true to the original story in the Bible. The theater planned on doing four shows, but they all sold out, so the director and the cast decided to do 2 more. Those were almost sold out as well! The whole experience was SO touching and beautiful. It was truly a dream and desire of my heart for years, more than 20...and it finally came true. All the people involved gave their time and talent to pull it off. God, Who is so good and loving, gave all of us a wonderful experience...but I know, for me, I received a huge gift from my Father in heaven. "Praise the Lord God, Oh my soul!"
Other July events...today is my 34th anniversary! Tom and I have had such an incredible journey together, full of great moments and lots of love. Thirty four years together and four wonderful children...we are truly blessed! I love him way more today than that first year together. We look back at how much in love we were that first year...but all the richness of life made that love deeper and deeper each year. I am forever grateful to God for my precious husband!
Also in July... I continued to go to treatments. I see my doctor once a month to just review labs and to see how I'm handling the treatments, etc. I saw her last week and the appointment went well. My labs came back and for the first time since who knows when....(drumroll)...my calcium was normal and BOTH of the tumor marker blood tests were in the normal range too. Praise God!!! These are the indicators she has always looked at before we see the scans and she was very pleased with the lab results. Me too. :-) I'll probably get the scans done in September.
I had treatment that same day that I saw the doctor. The past treatments have gone so well, all during the Prodigals rehearsals and shows...it was incredible. God truly just gave me strength and no side effects, it was really amazing. But after last week's treatment, about Wednesday, I wasn't feeling that great. Thursday was yukky, which means nausea and pain. But Friday got better and Saturday even better. Other side effects...I can tell my hair is coming out now. The new chemo, Taxol, has the side effect of losing my hair. Because the chemo is spread out in 3 doses rather than one large dose, the hair loss has been gradual. I don't really want to lose my hair, of course, but I have done this before. Been there/done that...so, it's not as scary as the first time. It's still not fun, though. I know God will give me the grace and emotional adjustment to handle this. He continues to take care of every part of this journey. I think it will be gone in the next 2 weeks. I already picked out a new wig from New Outlook at St. Vincent's. It'll be fine...I'm going brunette with soft highlights. New doo, (as in hair-do) .
I go back tomorrow (Monday) for treatment. One of the pre-meds they give for the chemo is Benadryl, so I usually conk out pretty quickly after I get it. Wear my earplugs, listen to my ipod, and snooze lightly. Takes about 2 hours. Then, home.
So...how am I doing overall?
I am grateful. God gave me a wonderful gift...Prodigals was such a blessing and joy!
I am grateful for my marriage of 34 years! My Tommy is incredible and wonderful!
I am grateful for the good lab reports. It helps increase hope.
Yes...I am VERY grateful. God has faithfully watched over me, giving peace and strength for each day. I do get weary. But He's told me to just live one day at a time. Sometimes it is one hour or even one minute at a time. But He never leaves me alone. He is so good. SO many people are praying...and I can tell. It is an honor that my name is spoken in prayer by family and friends. I really, really feel God's care and love day by day. I'm so grateful to all of you for your prayers.
That's all. Grateful. Still need prayers. Still here. Still fighting. Praise God.
Oh Father,
Thank You. That's all...just...thank You.
And one more thing...I love You.
Your daughter,
Lisa
