Round 2 Begins

I began my second round of chemo this afternoon. We arrived at the oncologist office at 11:30 this morning, and left at 4:30 this afternoon. The doctor said that my blood levels were looking good and was hopeful that I could take three consecutive weeks of treaments without the complications of the first round. Another good result: I gained three more pounds!! Vicky asked me if I noticed the weight gain, and I assured her that my pants were getting very tight around my expanding waist!
We got a chance to visit with another patient and his wife today. We bragged on the Lord and shared about the encouragement that comes from Scriptures. The wife commented on how well I looked, and I told her that I believed they were giving chemo to a healthy patient, and that God has healed me. They are a sweet couple, and I am thankful that God has allowed our paths to cross. Please pray for Carl as he heads to New York next week for a second opinion on his treatments. When I checked out with the reception desk, the young lady recognized me as "the pastor who married my sister last month". It turns out that she was one of the bridesmaids!! Also, special thanks to Katherine, who was my I.V. nurse today. She takes great care of me!

When I arrived home this afternoon, I was thrilled to find that my grass had been cut. One of my church members informed me on Sunday that he would take care of my yard for the summer so that I could stay out of the heat. He said, "We need you to be strong and healthy!" Thanks, Aubrey!

We've also been blessed the past two days with some wonderful meals. Two ladies from the church (M.A. & C.J.) brought us a feast! Yesterday it was roast beef with all the fixins, and today it was chicken & dumplings and a custard pie!! I would love to print their names, but one of them was concerned that 10,000 people would know about her business! What a blessing to come home from chemo today and have supper waiting. If this keeps up, I will need some bigger clothes before next week!

Since I took chemo today, I am forced to miss church tonight. Special thanks to Pastor David Winchester for leading the Bible Study tonight in my absence.

With God's help, I plan to work tomorrow for at least half a day. Thanks for your prayers today. While I was having chemo, the pager was really beeping! You have been so faithful to pray for me. Be assured that I am returning those prayers right back to you! I love you!