Since the beginning of this journey I have wanted to go see another Steeler's game. If you remember when we first began the blog, it was one of my things to hope for and a faith declaration that a year later I would still be here.
Well, it's now a year later and at this point we have no plans to go. The thought of being on an airplane and everything that is involved as far as the amount of time, walking, etc. is more than I can do right now. It doesn't mean I am giving up the dream. It just isn't happening right now. But, maybe later. It is just the beginning of the season. There are a lot more games to go.
We have been able to watch the games per Game Pass and have enjoyed them so far.(2-0). Go Steelers!
I want to thank all of you who have joined me on this journey and am so very thankful for all your prayers and concerns for Deb and I. We are so taken by your dedication, thoughtfulness, and quite frankly, your sticking by me for the long haul.
To this date it has been 14 months, 4 separate chemo regimens, 3 doctors, a ton of nurses/ care givers, and many prayers that have brought me to this point. Some things that are going on right now to pray about are weakness in my legs, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and headaches (some quite painful).
Although I have displayed manageable side effects, my body has also displayed resistance to the chemo. Right now I am taking 4 capsules per day of a targeted therapy which could go on for up to a year or better, if it is working. At this time, we know that the cancer is still advancing. It will be re-evaluated in 2 months.
Medically, the best we can hope for statistically is remission (one in five), slowing down the progress of the lymphoma (one in five), and no effect to the cancer (three in five.) Please pray that this process will go well for me and that the side effects will be minor to none. These are just the facts, but they are not where we place our hope. That is in God.
My working days at a job are in the past, for now. Now I get to do things around the house, take walks, do exercises with Deb (joy), and take naps when I need to. I can still do most things that don't involve a bunch of standing or walking, as long as I take rests when I can. I can always find a chair. Most places I already know where they are.
John 15:13 says "there is no greater love than one who lays down his life for another."In this journey you, who are moment by moment laying down a portion of your lives for my sake in prayer that is ever increasing as time continues, are a witness of the Father who loves us all. Your commitment has not waned.
I am in awe of that commitment, and so blessed and honored by your sacrifice of love. Your faith-filled prayers, intercession, and willingness to battle even at the midnight hour are part of the reason we are still here a year later.
Thank you and may God richly bless you.
Love,
Gary (Stew)
Uncle Gary your heart felt words blessed my soul, and I consider it a great joy to take this walk of faith with you as a sister in the Lord, and as a long-time friend. We share a common ground; that our God is able, and that His word shall not return to Him void. All of us are still praying, and yet praising God for another year of victory of God completing His perfect will for your life. Thank you for being the sweet gentle spirit you are, and for just being "You," amazing! 🙏💕😘
ReplyDeleteDee, yes, God is able! And, His Word does not return to Him void. Thank you for the kind words and prayers. We think you a pretty amazing, too!
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