Six down, two to go.

The last 2 weeks have been full of ups and downs. On the up side, I have been enrolled in a fitness program designed for cancer patients undergoing treatment. It feels good to move, to stretch, to just get up off the couch and get out into the outside world again. I am also far less nauseous with this particular chemo drug, which is a plus! On the down side, the fatigue seems to be harder to shake off. There is also more physical pain involved in this chemo regimen than in the first half of my treatment. I am managing, but those days when it hurts to move certainly take more energy from my sparse reserves. Although there are only 2 more treatments to go, I must admit that I have had moments when I wonder where I will find the stamina to get through them. Today I went to the doctor for the usual check up on blood work. Tomorrow was supposed to be chemo #7. Second last dose. However, I have had a small set back: I have been fighting off a virus this week, and what should have been a simple cold sore has turned into a bit of a monster.

I have a series of blisters on my upper lip, under my nose, and on the roof of my mouth, running down the back of my throat. It is very unpleasant to put it mildly. At first, I thought this was a reaction to the chemo, as mouth sores are a common side effect. Inwardly, I was struggling with the idea that I might have to endure this particular problem for another month. When I went to the doctor today, though, she had some good news for me: this is not a side effect, just a viral infection that has gotten out of control because of the strain on my immune system. There just was nothing left for my body to use in fighting this, so it blew up almost overnight. The end result is that I am on painkillers and an antiviral for the next 7 days. If the blisters subside enough in the next 48 hours, then I will be able to proceed with chemo #7 on Friday. (Please keep this in your prayer, as the chemo will be delayed until my mouth is sufficiently healed.)

It is clear to me that the strength to finish this journey is not to be found within myself. Instead, I am drawing comfort from prayer, and the support of family and friends who have sent me encouraging notes and emails at just the right moment. I have to rely on the knowledge that even in the midst of this adversity, I am not alone. One of the things I am learning about is the power of thankfulness: it can always be worse than it is. Today, for example, I sat beside a woman who explained that she was on chemo treatment #28. She had completed her first round of chemo, relapsed, and is now undergoing another treatment plan. The man seated beside her responded with "Thirty-seven." (Gulp). These folks put my single digit count into perspective. When I struggle, I recall something my grandmother used to always say:"This too shall pass."

As I wait (sometimes impatiently) to get through the treatment regimen, I have tried to list the many things for which I can be thankful. I am thankful for the crowd of people who surround me and uplift me in prayer. The many emails, notes and phone calls lift my spirits and help me keep my eyes on the finish line. My family is a constant source of love and encouragement. My relationship with Jesus is the bedrock of each day, good or bad. Without these things, I would not be able to continue. With your continued prayers, encouragement and love, I am able to keep moving toward the finish line. Above all, I am thankful that "the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 100:4)