Sunday

March 30, 2025

    I originally thought this was going to be a pretty quiet week.  No doctor appointments or procedures scheduled for the first time in two months. I thought I would have a relaxing 7 days to mentally prepare for my radiation treatments which start tomorrow. But, best laid plans....

    We had made plans to visit a family member in Fallbrook on Tuesday. We were meeting her for lunch and then traveling to Poway to meet friends for dinner. Unfortunately, the family member took a fall (cracked patella and bruised knees and wrist). We stayed for two more days.  We took her to the emergency room (until 4 AM) on Tuesday, did some grocery shopping for her, took her to a doctor's appointment (Wednesday), and helped her get set up with in-home care. We felt bad that we couldn't stay longer, but we had weekend plans, and I start radiation treatments on Monday. We've checked in with her every day since we left, and she is healing and making progress. 

    One of my favorite Bible verses is Esther 4:14, in particular the last line... "and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" I've always used that verse as a reminder.  You never know when God will use you and place you in a situation to be his hands, and feet, and heart.  It wasn't easy driving 500 miles over 3 days, getting only 3 hours of sleep one night, not being prepared for overnight stays, and helping the family member with getting up, moving around, and daily necessities.  But it felt great to know that we were there, and we were making a difference for her, especially considering my circumstances. I may need more attention than normal right now, but that doesn't mean I don't have responsibilities toward those around me. I'm sure many of you know the story of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Jesus explains that any time you are helping someone else (food, drink, clothing, sickness, visitation) you are doing it for him. 

    So, radiation starts Monday, 5 days a week for 5 weeks. A 20-minute drive, a 20-minute appointment, and a 20-minute drive home.  All for a 1-minute treatment. I'm feeling comfortable about it all right now.  I don't know what I don't know and won't until I have my first treatment. No use getting anxious over a complete unknown situation. 

    Everyone says I won't feel anything, and I won't notice any side effects until later in the treatment schedule, but you never know.  Everybody is different, and everyone's system reacts differently. It's a great reminder that we aren't created in a factory, but by the wonderful creative hand of God. 

Psalm 139:13-16

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your work; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unform substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

Psalm 119:73

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

    I think sometimes people forget how unique and special each one of us is. A once in a lifetime combination of genetic material that has never happened before and will never happen again. 

    Time for a good night's sleep.  I'll get up and do my scripture of the day, watch some of my favorite news and sports shows, and take a good, long walk. I'll be back on Thursday to share how the radiation treatments are going. 

Monday March 31 update

    I received a phone call from the radiation center today.  Apparently, there is a hang up with my insurance and they are waiting for final confirmation. Which means, I'm now waiting, too. They are hoping to call and reschedule before the week is over.