Peace

I'm sorry I haven't posted an up-date since the diagnosis of my mom. Please understand the past two weeks have been somewhat of a whirlwind for me and my family.

First of all, thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. Please keep them coming as they mean the world to me.
I've been receiving some personal e-mails in response to my blog. Did you know that you can also send me a message on our blog? At the end of each post you can click on the 'comments' link and it will bring you to a screen where you can send me a comment. Please do, comments make me happy!

My mom's current condition is fragile and unsteady. The chemotherapy drugs are doing their job, killing the bad cells and the good cells and thus taking a toll on her body. The past 5 days have been discouraging as she has been very sick. One complication leads to another complication which leads to more drugs being pumped in to her body. It's all one vicious cycle.

Yesterday my mom had a blood and bone marrow biopsy. We expect the results soon. Please Pray!

Her Chromosome Test came back negative. What I understand is that a negative result will give her a better chance of fighting the cancer. Amen!

Last Thursday I flew to AZ to spend 4 days with my mama. I couldn't wait to hug her and just be there for her in the shock of the news and aggressive treatment plan. It was a good trip but also hard.

Prior to my arrival she had entered the neutropenic stage. Neutropenia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of white blood cells. The white blood cells serve as the primary defense against bacterial infections. So, during this time the Dr. gives extra precautions against infections. This means that so she cannot leave her room, all guests are required to wear masks, and she has a limited diet with no fresh fruits or vegetables.

Here is a picture of my mom and I wearing our fashionable masks. She isn't required to wear the mask but I thought she should join me in 'mask misery' for the picture's sake. Even in the midst of the shock and disbelief of my mom's condition I felt Jesus holding me, loving me and giving me a bigger picture of who He is - the God of all, giving hope and healing and rest for our souls.

I felt the many prayers lifted up and I truly sensed the Lord close to me, his presence surrounding me. His peace, which surpasses all understanding was literally washing over me like a waterfall - hitting me from all angles, through and through. For this peace I am thankful.

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

I will continue to keep you posted. In the meantime: Pray, Pray, Pray!