The Comfort of the Cross

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! We had a wonderful time with our family even though I was dealing with side effects from treatment. I had to remember what food really tasted like as I ate each bite and hoped my stomach would handle it all. I missed out on a roaring game of “Mad Gab” as I fell sound asleep in my recliner just as the rest of the family was beginning to play. Do I even need to say that our 13-month old grandson, Ty, was the center of attention! He delighted and entertained us all!

When I returned home from treatment on Tuesday, I was surprised by about 20 of my choir students from one of my choirs from the county south of us, who came and sang Christmas carols. It was so touching, heartwarming, and gratifying to hear their beautiful voices and observe them sight-singing their part from a carol book! The best medicine for a teacher! Jen was baking gingersnaps when they arrived and we were able to offer them cookies and hot chocolate for their labor of love.

I have had a great deal of difficulty coming off the steroids this time. The side effects began within 24 hours and a week later they have not completely subsided. My blood work on Tuesday showed some evidence that my liver is reacting a little to the steroids. Nothing serious…..just something more to watch. My other blood counts were good. An immunoglobulin panel was done a week ago and it showed that there is beginning to be a little recovery! I still need to have another immunoglobulin G (IVIG) infusion done, but I have been able to go 6 weeks between infusions this time instead of the usual 4 weeks. We are so thankful for these signs of progress.

Today is the last treatment of this cycle and I am really looking forward to my week off treatment and the opportunity for a little normalcy. One more cycle of treatment and then a biopsy to see where I stand in this battle.

The infusion center I now use for my treatments is located in the Catholic hospital. On the wall in the infusion suite is a crucifix. How comforting it is to have that reminder there before your eyes as you face a life threatening disease. The catholic cross, or crucifix, has Jesus on the cross; a reminder of His sufferings and the fact those in treatment are sharing in those sufferings. The Protestant cross is empty; a reminder of His mercy and hope for our future in that He has gone before us. Although everyone was very kind at the other hospital, the entire atmosphere is different here. You feel God’s Spirit and peace the moment you enter the building. My hope is in the Christ of Christmas and I know that I have an eternal life with Him as my hope for the future. However, I was very thankful that I am still here on this earth and could enjoy my family as we celebrated Christmas together. My thoughts, though, were also with those of our families who have empty places at their Christmas table this year as loved ones are missing from this earthly life. My trials and sufferings are my reality right now, but I know others have suffered far greater trials.

Thank you one and all for the Christmas cards and letters. We have enjoyed catching up on your family news and seeing your photos. We have looked forward each day to finding something in the mail besides bills and junk!