That is the question of the day, isn’t it?
Thank you for reaching out and checking in on me. I thought I could maybe answer everyone by posting on here.
Wednesday evening I had some shortness of breath and labored breathing. Thursday afternoon I went to get my Neulasta shot. This helps my bone marrow produce more white blood cells to help fight off infection as well as produce more of my good cells as the cancer is fighting and killing off the bad (& good) cells. Potentially, it could cause some discomfort and bone pain. I’m taking what they have told me can help keep this discomfort low. You can pray for no bone pain. I had heard that this shot would be injected via my stomach, but it ended up being in the top pat of my left arm. It doesn’t go into your muscle – just fatty skin so that is good.
I slept much better last night which was a nice reprieve. I have had some nausea, but have been able able to keep it mostly at bay with the anti-nausea meds they have prescribed me. Currently, I’m feeling pretty tired. Just feeling sorta fatigued and blah, but my spirits are high and good.
We did find out that I will be seeing a radio-oncologist next Wednesday afternoon at 1:00p. She sat on he panel that Dr. Zelnak presented my case to. She will be the one who sits us down to explain her opinion on whether I will need radiation after chemo. Honestly, I would love not to go through radiation after chemo. Mostly, because it will prolong my reconstructive surgery another 6+ months (which takes me into next year = a new deductible year). But really, because I like the idea of being done by the holidays. Of course, if she tells me I need it we would do it, but just sharing my desire. So join me in praying that I won’t need radiation.
Lastly, I wanted to share with you what Mark is specifically praying over me so you can join him in these bold, faith-filled prayers.
- Pray that I have the least amount of side-effects from the chemo and meds that we would wonder if it is even working.
- Pray that my hair doesn’t even fall out. That it be the main witness-tool we can share. “Nope, this isn’t a wig, God just answered our prayer for my hair not to fall out.” Yes, it’s true that 99% of patients receiving my drugs hair falls out, but why not kneel at his throne and ask?
And even if he doesn’t answer those prayers, how much he is glorfied by us boldly coming into his presence! Can I get an amen?
My sweet prayer warriors put together this necklace campaign without me knowing and can I just say I’m not a huge jewelry girl as you most know, but I just love this sweet sterling silver necklace hand stamped with my verse: Psalm 55:22. And if you haven’t memorized it yet it says: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (NIV) or in the (NLT) , “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” And just for fun the (MSG), “Pile your troubles on GOD’s shoulders – he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.”
If you didn’t get a chance to see the necklace or order one take a look at the pic I attached below with all the details. May it not just be a daily reminder for you to pray for me, but may it be a reminder to you to give your cares, your burdens, your troubles to Him. Even if they seem small (they probably aren’t all ‘cancer’ big) it can be a sleepy newborn child, a cranky toddler, an argument you had with your spouse or friend, or maybe just some stress or decision you just don’t know how to handle. Give it to him my sweet reader – he’s waiting to help and sustain you, take care of you, and carry the load.
Love,
AJ
Ashley Jansen 