FINDING JOY IN THE VALLEYS

As many of my readers already know, my husband was recently diagnosed with a return of the cancer he faced 11 years ago. We have been keeping friends, family, and prayer partners updated through emails, since it was the most efficient way to get the word out and keep the prayer chain strong. I apologize for not posting here, but honestly just considered my blog followers might have also wondered what happened to me.

Gary recently had his 5th appointment with Dr. Guthrie and since I was not there to attend, I'm not able to pass along any numbers that the doctor went over with him. I misplaced my car keys and then missed the appointment. I will give you all the information I have as given to me by Gary (he is more of a "headlines" person, skipping details whenever possible.)

Dr. Guthrie was pleased with his weight, which is now back to normal. Vitals were normal as well. His white count is down somewhere around 16,000 and his reds and platelets are still on the rise. This is good news, confirming the medicine regimen Dr. Guthrie has chosen for Gary is working beautifully. The doctor also said it is working so well, he doesn't see why he wouldn't use this choice of chemotherapy in the future when it returns again. That statement says quite a bit as Dr. Guthrie knows of newer drugs out there but with a very, very hefty price tag attached. He based his decision on afford-ability (considering our situation) while not compromising effectiveness. We have always trusted he had Gary's best interests at heart. Our prayer in the very beginning was that God would lead us to someone we could totally trust with Gary's treatment and He answered our prayers. We truly are in a place of rest where these decisions are concerned.

As far as the above statement "when it returns" goes, we are at rest with that too. We decided not to be in denial where this cancer is concerned, but know our God still heals today. We wouldn't bother you with prayer requests if we didn't believe in miracles. First things first, let's keep praying Gary sees remission sooner than later and then later I'll ask you to pray it never returns again.

Since Gary did his blood work a full week before his appointment, Dr. Guthrie said his numbers didn't show as true a reading if he'd had done the tests a few days before the appointment. In other words, the tests would have reflected better numbers.

The only down side to the appointment was that Dr. Guthrie said he thought Gary would need at least 9 treatments to reach remission and the treatments would go back to about one every four weeks. That news was discouraging to Gary because he can not depend his body like he used to during chemotherapy. Being the energetic person that he is, he is having to learn to pace himself differently, a difficult challenge for him.

God has been clear about the idea of rest for Gary throughout this entire summer. His blessings have overtaken us with an exclamation point! We were given the use of peoples homes for the clear purpose and intent of Gary getting the opportunity to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. It has proven to be exactly what he (and I) needed.

While in West Virginia last week resting in someones cabin, we went on several motorcycle rides. The roads in West Virginia are some of the most beautiful roads I have ever ridden. I would compare them to my favorite roller coasters with plenty of dips and turns, leaving your stomach at the top of one hill and catching up with it again at the top of another. Every time I saw a valley, I knew a thrill was coming as I ascended the next climb. The view from each mountain was spectacular!

That could easily describe cancer but without the thrill. The thing I asked myself while enjoying the roads in West Virginia was what good could be found in the valley? Well, one thing is for sure... there will always be a hill to anticipate on the other side.

We may face valleys in our lives but God wants us to anticipate the hilltops we will rise to as all part of the journey. I faced a few fears head on but the lessons I learned were worth it. We constantly ask God what's ahead and He seems to find joy in keeping it all a surprise.

Thanks again for your prayers. We will continue to keep you up-dated of Gary's progress. We go to bed tonight on a hilltop, not knowing if and when a valley is up ahead. Round four of chemotherapy starts in the morning. What we do know is that if we face a valley, surely we will rise to yet another view at the top of the hill.

Finding joy in the valley,

Chrissy Larson
(Cyberpsalmist)