The Lord Is on My Side

With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me? — Psalm 118:6

Last week I met with an instructor at the YMCA.

They offer a fitness class for cancer patients, with your doctor's approval.

So I will start going there at the end of the month, twice a week on my lunch hour.

They will help me find exercises that will not cause lymphadema.

The class is limited to 12 of us so the instructor can help us individually.

The exercises will range from yoga, using their machines, swimming, and aerobics.

I'm looking forward to starting!

I have been jumping rope, lifting weights, and walking 3-4 miles fairly regularly.

My breath support has really improved since the chemo ended.

And I have my energy back, which is wonderful. Praise God.

All of the prayers of my friends, neighbors, classmates and family members have been heard.

God has sustained me through this journey.

He now uses me to encourage others who have family members or friends with cancer.

God's Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. — Isaiah 26:3

This week quite a few people have asked how I'm doing, and the answer is, Great!

I go in for my radiation set-up appointment tomorrow.

I still have a Herceptin IV every three weeks, but my chemo is done.

My taste is completely back, and my energy is much stronger than just 6 weeks ago.

God has blessed me with coworkers and bosses who let me work at home once a week to help conserve my energy.

He has strengthened me and comforted me throughout this process.

None of this is my own doing. I am not a "strong woman," as some people have commented.

But I do have a strong Savior who watches over me and loves me.

He has kept me at perfect peace; I trust in Him.

Humbled Before the Lord

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. — James 4:10

God lifts us up even when we feel like we don't have the energy to keep going.

He encourages us to humble ourselves before him.

But being humble does not come easy to me.

My radiation will begin on August 28 with a trial run and then will begin in earnest on August 29.

It will continue for 4 weeks. The first 3 weeks are to make sure the area that held the cancer is targeted to prevent it from coming back in the next 15 years.

The final week is a "boost" to ensure that the area is completely covered.

The week after that, my radiation doctor recommends I take some time off to recover from the "sunburn" effect and from the fatigue.

So I've scheduled vacation so I can take the rest of the week off once the radiation ends. Then I'll have the weekend to recover and rest some more before returning to work.

Our Wise God

To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. — Romans 16:27

I continue to do well, although I have less energy than just a month ago.

Four chemo treatments down, just two left to go. Here's a photo taken just after my first chemo.

My work supervisors have been very supportive. They are letting me work at home one day a week so I don't have to battle traffic and lengthy commute times on that day. Much easier to conserve my energy this way.

I try to get to bed a bit earlier now, and I sing, walk, lift weights, stationary bike or jump rope every other day to keep myself in somewhat good shape.

Vegetables and fruit as well as chicken, beef, and bread still taste good, so I'm trying to eat healthy and keep my weight from going up too quickly.

I'm also trying to stay in God's Word and take counsel from His wisdom.

He is the author of wisdom. To Him be the honor and glory forever!

Thank Offerings

I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. — Psalm 56:12-13

Today I got word that I can jump rope again, so I did a quick workout. So thankful to be able to do that while I still have lots of energy.

After a full day of work, it feels good to be able to work out before dinner.

Marilyn brought over a beautiful orchid garden from the choir. What a wonderful greeting to come home to!

I am thankful to God for giving me such wonderful friends.

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! — Philippians 4:4

I've noticed that laughter just seems to make everything better. 

A deep belly laugh at a good joke restores the spirit and brings a sense of camaraderie and fellowship. 

It's amazing how a good laugh can clear the air.

I have a friend at work whose laughter is contagious. As soon as I hear his laugh, I start laughing, too.

The day I left the house wearing one blue shoe and one black one brought a look of horror to my face when I arrived at church and looked down at my feet. 

But then I just burst into laughter. It was too funny.

Laughing at ourselves feels good and releases all that pent-up nervous energy.

At times I think God must be laughing at some of the crazy things I worry about or stress over. Even so, He doesn't give up on me. I rejoice in His unfailing care for me.

We are joyful.