Our Refuge

Today has been a good day. What gorgeous weather we are having and all that sunshine just makes me happy! I did some errands with my sister and niece and had company and took a little nap and just enjoyed the day and the people in this day. The port site is healing nicely. It is still very tender to touch but that just takes some time. I'm so thrilled to have been able to have that done and now I'm just waiting for a call from the chemo clinic for my first chemo injection.
I got a new devotional yesterday, called Seeking God's Face, and I'm excited to read it. Today's verse is "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." (Nah.1:7). I am so comforted and reassured by God's promises. My future on this earth is so uncertain, as is all of ours, but I can know for a certainty that God is caring for me. And that is all I need to know for now - bringing a huge smile to my face.

Wrapped in His embrace,
Sandra

Successful Procedure

This will be short. I just want to let you know that I got my power port today and it went very smoothly. I'm very tired and a bit woozy. The site is tender and sore but at least it's done. A few days to heal now - I'll just take it very easy. Thank you, God, for answered prayers.

In Him,
Sandra

Bach and more...

My niece is playing a piece by Bach on the piano while I sit here writing this blog. How lovely is that!! Yesterday afternoon some of my family from Alberta arrived and are staying for 10 days or so. I went to church this morning with my sister but battled a fair amount of pain the rest of the day. So more morphine meant it was a little harder to stay awake but nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day. I visited with other dear friends from out of town, too.
Please pray for a smooth day tomorrow at the hospital. In the morning I attend a chemo "teaching" session and at 1:00 p.m. I get my power port. I hope the procedure goes well with no glitches. It will be such a relief to have that port for all chemo and lab work from now on. Ahh....

Resting in Him,
Sandra

Minter Gardens

Guess what? I'm sure you figured it out by the title. I went to Minter Gardens today! Six family girls - aunts, nieces, cousins, sister and sister-in-law. It was a fabulous day. It was so good to get out and since they have wheelchairs available, I could go all over the gardens. The weather was perfect and the flowers were splendid in color. We ended our afternoon with a bowl of delicious ice-cream. It was just an all-out fantastic day and increasing the morphine meant I had an almost pain-free day! My heart overflows with thanksgiving and praise!

Singing His creation praises,
Sandra

Power Port Appointment Coming Up

Oh, I'm loving this beautiful summer weather! Today was a good day and I even was out and about a bit running some errands with my niece. I checked in with my own GP this afternoon and we readjusted my morphine intake so I can be pain-free. I really want to be able to move around more and when that sun is shining, I am determined to be out there enjoying it. The hospital called this afternoon and I will be getting my power port on Monday afternoon. I'm so happy about that - I'm looking forward to procedures becoming so much easier.
Did you notice that I finally figured out how to remove the pictures? Time for some new ones now. Maybe this weekend!
Onward and forward - one day at a time (thanks for that musical reminder, T!)

Love in Him,
Sandra

New Hope

This afternoon I had another big appointment with my oncologist. The CT scan showed that there was no change and everything has remained stable. That was the most promising news I could have expected. I, as well as my onc., were surprised by the good results. The left kidney remains the biggest problem, however, and it seems as though there may be cancer in the kidney. However, that is a bit of a mystery to the medical profession. I am going to change to a new regimen of chemotherapy - one drug that I have not had before. Hopefully, the side effects won't be too harsh. Before I start the new chemo, however, I will have a power port "installed.". That way no one will need to find veins again. The power port will allow them to do chemo, do blood work, and even inject dye for CT scans. I am looking forward to having that done as soon as possible. My onc. wants me to begin chemo within the next two weeks so the power port has to be put in soon.
I feel thankful and encouraged by today's visit. God answers prayers and He has given me results that I hadn't even thought possible. It amazes me how God answers our prayers in surprising ways. I am blessed with new hope. Thank you, God.

In Christ Alone,
Sandra

Happy Canada Day!

It was a good day today. My parents came by this afternoon and I even squeezed in a nap after their visit. I've been reading a good book, too, and I think I may even finish it tonight.
"You are my hiding place.
You protect me from trouble.
You surround me with joyous songs of salvation."(Psalm 32:7)
I missed being able to sing songs with God's people at church today but what a promise to know that I am surrounded by songs of God's saving grace. And sometimes, even in the night, those songs come to mind to bring comfort and joy.

Live in joy this first week of July!
Love, Sandra