First day of Chemotherapy

As we entered St. Vincent’s breast center this morning for Rachel's first chemo treatment, I sensed an 18-wheeler was about to hit my bride’s body. As we left the center 7 hours later, the 18-wheeler of my mind morphed into a much lighter pick-up truck. Other than feeling a bit subdued from drugs, she did not experience any pain beyond a cold IV draining into her wrist for many hours.

Her oncologist shared more fantastic news: all the MRI’s, CAT- scans and blood tests showed NO cancer colonies outside Rachel’s breast. Her liver and lymph nodes were clear; and her chemo regime would be once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks (until late May), rather than once/week like we thought.

We also learned that:

1. Each person reacts differently to chemo; but most likely any tiredness and/or nausea would occur 2 – 3 days after each session.

2. Anti-nausea drugs are administered with each round of chemo.

3. A booster shot to help Rachel's body produce white blood cells is given one day after each chemo session to keep her immune system strong.

4. A port (for IV’s) will be surgically implanted in Rachel’s chest next week. This port will access the main vein leaving her heart so that veins in her arm will not be damaged.

5. A support group of about a dozen ladies at various stages of chemo encourage the rookies and tell funny stories that turned the chemotherapy room into a Jesus ‘party’ of sorts!

a. We heard God and Jesus mentioned time, time and time again in this ‘foxhole’ type situation. Everyone tries their best to watch everyone else’s back and cheer to victory.

6. The nurses are kind, encouraging, professional and very, very, very busy serving their patients.

7. A prescription will be written for a wig.

a. Rachel’s hair will fall out 2 to 4 weeks into the treatments.

b. Rachel has a great attitude, and looks forward to her new look: be it long, short, blonde, brunette or auburn!

Since our Plan A (God supernaturally removing the lump) was obviously not in God’s plans, Plan B (God working through the medical community) is now firmly in place.

Rachel looks forward to getting back in the swing of things at Heritage Christian School. She feels ‘a peace that passes understanding’. She told me she has an awareness God has called her to this journey for very special reasons we now don't know or understand. She accepts His assignment - with the faith that He has her in the palm of His hand.

So thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming; as the pick-up truck will most likely hit in 4 to 5 weeks.

Submitted by Lawrence