Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Zapping updates

A few new things to update on... 

First, today marked day 2 or 10 for what I will now just call WBR (Whole Brain Radiation).  Yesterday, was a little hard.  The first time always takes a few extra minutes on the table for x-ray preps which means more time flat on my back.  My radiation oncologist said my vertebrae are compressing and causing the severe pain. I was able to get the pain "lollipops" that push fentanyl right into my body.  I did like they said and sucked on it 15 minutes before my treatment.  I did not think it was enough time, so today I tried 45 minutes.  It was better.  It more makes me tired and a little woozy.  I also had less time on the table as they were ready to go and did not need the prep work.  I am hoping each day gets easier until I get my pain pump, which is the next update.

My pain pump procedure (say that three times fast) will be this Friday at 1:00 (not Thursday).  Katelyn is turning 14 on Thursday and it was really important to her that I try to not be in the hospital for her day.  I am thrilled it worked out!  I will still stay in the hospital for a day, meaning I will check out Saturday.

So many of you are praying specifically for the WBR at the exact time. As that seems to change by the day, I want to tell you that Wednesday, I will be there at 2:15; Thursday at 1:30 and Friday I will go at 10:00.  I know that God hears our prayers any time but I am comforted by your many prayers right when I need them. 

Today, I was wondering why I worry when God clearly spoke to me as I read out of 1 Peter 5:6-7   "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you."  God provides for us in practical ways like money for groceries, and in fun ways like someone giving me dresses I can easily wear in my wheelchair.  We have received the blessing of bountiful meals, and the extraordinary blessing of money earmarked to spend on a vacation with my family.  We receive from people we know, from people we don't know, from those wishing to be anonymous, from close friends.  God loves to care for us and he loves to use to others to make that happen.  And the verse I read today was perfect.  He lifts me up; I cast my worry on him.  I know where my provision comes from, my Jehovah Jireh (The Lord will provide).  My desire is to humbly say thank you.  Thank you to the Lord for being my provision and for you for being God's hands in making His work happen.   

From one blessed mom,
Jess

7 comments:

Lynne said...

We are all blessed by you and your faith. So glad 10 treatments are down and that it was a little easier today. We send our love,
Lynne and Dave

Anonymous said...

Oh Jess, you are truly remarkable, and we are all blessed to have you in our lives, family, friends and all those that have gotten to know how truly special you are.

I'm not as elequant as you and wouldn't even try to quote you a scripture back - but will tell you something that I hope will make you smile. Everyday I wake up with the 'Opps There Goes Another Rubber Tree' (you know, the ant High Hopes song) in my head. Between that and 'The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow' from Annie, playing through my head each day it helps - try those songs as you suck on the lollipop - if anything it will put a smile back on your face!!!

Love you lots and always thinking of you.

Aunt Janette

Anonymous said...

p.s. When we were at church on Sunday I reminded Mark to say an extra prayer for you and he turned to me and said 'Mom, I always do and aunt Jessica will be ok, she really well' he continued with 'it's pretty funny for me to tell you that because its usually you telling me that everything will be ok.

xo janette

Amy said...

Praying, praying, praying and trusting, trusting, trusting. You are salt and light, sister.

Love,
Amy

Anonymous said...

We love you Jess! We are so blessed to have you in out family!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jessica,

Hope Katelyn had a wonderful birthday yesterday, surrounded by family and friends. Wow, 14, how did that happen??

Thinking of you today during your two procedures - and praying every step of the way!

Lots of love and prayers,
Janette

Anonymous said...

Dear friend,

I am lifting you up in prayer right now to our GOD ALMIGHTY...


"He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength." ~ Isaiah 40:29


"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel!I will help you," says the LORD And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." ~
Isaiah 41:10,13-14

I know that He is holding your hand right now!

Remember that the rainbow comes after the storm...and if I have to I will come over there and paint the darn thing on your ceiling...lol :)!!

In Him,

Lisa Smith