Update on Eddie - Eddie has had minimal side effects from
the chemo. He has an unpleasant rash on his face that is moving to his chest
and is feeling tired which he's not used to. It's hard to know if the fatigue
is a result of his body fighting off the cancer or the chemo. Probably both. Eddie
started antibiotics to help with the rash and we are hopeful it will clear up
soon. He continues to be upbeat, read, and closely follow the stock market. :) We
are hopeful that this chemo will effectively treat Eddie's cancer and we are
enormously thankful for your prayers for healing and for minimal side effects from
the chemo!
Having Eddie home from the hospital, the curtailment of doctor
appointments, and our house not imploding helped last week feel somewhat
"normal". I was able to put in a full week at work and we resumed
some of our routine activities. Since Eddie's diagnosis several weeks ago we've
been working to get our finances in a position where I can support myself on one income. We are praying and hoping for the best and planning for the worst. While
doing some research early Sunday morning Eddie read that only 15% of people with his
type of cancer live for more than one year. Although the oncologist told us
something similar when Eddie was initially diagnosed, hearing it again hit me
like a tsunami and it felt like I was jolted back into the reality of our situation. Staying
composed at church during the worship part of service was difficult and I lost my appetite for food after having regained it last week. Over
the last several weeks I have become acutely aware of how inadequate my idol of
self-reliance is. And of my sinful actions when any of my idols are threatened.
This morning while reading Hebrews 4:15-16, I was reminded that Jesus can intimately sympathize with my weaknesses, emotions, and fears because He
himself has experienced all of them and more. This doesn't minimize the pain I
feel but it does bring me incredible comfort and strength to know that God Himself
has experienced the anger, frustration, confusion, and sadness I feel in this
present circumstance. And my idols being ripped away is a gift because I am given
the blessing of joy as I trust God in spite of what I feel not only in this mammoth trial but also in the midst of those daily situations and annoyances that make me want to
say words Jesus wouldn't. Ahem.
