Veins

Well...yesterday and today were headache days again. This morning I went for bloodwork but that didn't go too well. After three tries we decided to stop and try again tomorrow. Three new bruises is enough. I also have a head CT scan tomorrow. Please pray that the veins will be "poppin' up" and the scan will go well. Is there a special food you can eat to make veins thick and bountiful?
A day sure goes by quickly. Evenings are the best time for me because then my headaches are gone. What a blessing to be able to sleep and rest well.

In His love,
Sandra

A Saturday Blessing

Hey, I've not had a headache at all today and I didn't have to take any strong medication to keep it away! That's a first in a couple of weeks. How wonderful!
Thank you for continuing to pray and sending words of encouragement and strength my way. Psalm 145, Psalm 20, and Tear Soup, among others. I sure am feeling the support and love of God's people and I feel so blessed to be in His care.
"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." (Psalm 145: 13b)

Yes, He reigns!!
Sandra

More tests

An early morning wake-up call from the hospital asked me to come in today for a renal ultrasound. So I had that done today and hopefully it will give us some answers about my kidney problems. Yesterday I saw my GP and he ordered the ultrasound. He thinks the headaches, swollen legs, decreased kidney function, and high blood pressure may all be related and part of the same problem. Please pray that we can get answers in this next week. Meanwhile I feel like a walking pharmacy - so many different drugs!
It was a good afternoon of visits with family and friends, phone calls, cups of tea with cookies, and now a quiet evening.

Love in Christ,
Sandra

Step By Step

I went to see my oncologist this morning and there are a few problems we have to look into. My kidneys are not functioning well, my blood pressure is too high, my legs are swelling up again, and I have just too many headaches. The biggest thing is that the tumour marker has more than doubled. My oncologist wants to wait one more month in the hope that the tumour marker will still go down before she starts any other chemotherapy. I am on a chemo drug right now but it doesn't seem to be too effective at this point. In the meanwhile I have to see my own GP to solve the other problems. I'm just thankful to be breathing so well, but there is the possibility, of course, that the fluid will build up again. Please pray fervently with me that the cancer will stop advancing and the tumour marker will go down.
I am looking forward to another friend arriving this evening and I hope that I can do a little more now that the breathing is easier. What a journey - with so many twists and turns.
"And step by step you'll lead me - and I will follow You all my days!"

In His footsteps,
Sandra

What a difference!

The fluid has been drained and I noticed the difference right away. I can breathe deeper and easier. It took several hours but the procedure went smoothly. The drainage site is rather tender but that will heal. I had a migraine headache, however, so that made the day a little harder. This evening I'm feeling much better and I'm finally able to stay awake for a few hours. I'm looking forward to sleeping comfortably tonight. Tomorrow morning I see my oncologist. Please pray for wisdom and strength and a plan for how to proceed next.

Love,
Sandra

Grace Alone

This morning I played piano in church and I really enjoyed being able to do that. I would have liked to be able to sing along but that's too difficult right now with my poor breathing.
I go into the hospital tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. and the procedure for draining the fluid takes 2-5 hours. My sister-in-law and my friend will come with me. I will probably be sedated or put under because I can't eat overnight and someone has to take me home.
As we sang this morning: "Grace alone which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone.
We will go forth in grace alone."

In His strength,
Sandra

Blackberry Crisp

We made a very delicious blackberry crisp for dessert tonight! I have a friend here and we've been having a very good time - visiting and looking at pictures and baking a crisp and talking, and talking, and talking some more.
Even though it's been difficult to get around I have enjoyed the snow outside. This morning we could see prints in the snow - I think possibly the deer were walking around my house, looking for food, I guess. It's pouring rain outside now. Could be a pretty slushy mess in the morning.
It was a good day today and as long as I don't do too much I can breathe alright. On Monday morning early I will have my lung drained. I'm looking forward to the relief it will bring.

Blessings,
Sandra