Chemo Day Two!

Hi friends,

Thanks for all of the texts, emails and phone calls today. I knew many of you were thinking of me and I so appreciate it.

Laura Byrne picked me up bright and early this morning and I so enjoyed my day with her. (This is a terrible shot of me but really cute of Laura.) She shared a miraculous healing testimony about her dad and we talked about the WORD most of the afternoon. So wonderful to share encouragement with such an amazing woman. Thanks Laura for everything - especially for your patience with that awful chair. You blessed me.

I got some good news today. Today the doctor examed the tumor in my breast and it appears to have broken in two. This means the tumor is dissolving - and a strong indication that the chemo is working. I immediately thought of Pastor Marcus' prayer which I have been saying everyday. Either submit to authority and obey or die! Dr. Khan said that he wanted to run scans after 4 rounds of chemo. I had expected that after 6 or 8 rounds. I took that as an encouragement that he wants to see how effective it is at 4 weeks.

In addition, tomorrow I go for the shot that makes you produce white blood cells. This time instead of giving me the 24 hour version - they have gotten approvement to give me a slow release version that should work for several days. I will go in tomorrow and then I'm not required to report back until Monday - unless I'm feeling bad. I think this one change could make week 2 a lot easier for me. I'm hopeful my WBC will go up and stay up! Another thing that will save me money, time, energy and be just as effective. Thank you Lord!

Two different survivors told me to eat ice chips while receiving the "blood of Jesus." Apparently keeping your mouth cool during delivery has a strong potential to prevent mouth sores. I ate a whole cup of Sonic ice and I'm praying it does the trick. Would love to skip the burning tongue! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

I had chemo in the Carrollton office today which is a lot closer to my home, smaller and a totally different atmosphere. The nurse, Rene, is awesome. (By the way, I found out she lives in Flower Mound about 2 blocks from my home!) She is so bubbily and energetic and basically won't allow negative comments on the floor. Laura said she has a calling for this job. She's been with my doctor since 1979 - they are simpatico! Feel so blessed by her care.

While receiving chemo today I took a special gift with me. Julie Kavanaugh spearheaded an effort to make me a blessing box for the day. It was delivered to the office yesterday and as you can see from this photo - it's basically a party in a box. Filled with scripture, testimonies of healing, gifts - all specially prepared to be beautiful and encouraging. When I opened the box in the chemo room it created some excitement. After we looked at a few things, Rene said that she would like for me to bring it again tomorrow when I get my shot at the McKinney office. She wants to show it to the staff - all except one person - who needs some encouragement. She's going to get the office staff and patients to contribute to a blessing box for a very special friend and co-worker. The prophetic gift of healing is all ready being multiplied.

Here's a picture of me in the chemo room today with my very special gift. I don't even know the names of all the ladies who contributed to this beautiful box - but let me say that I appreciate each one of you. I am overwhelmed with the care and attention that went into it and am going to hang up some of these things around the house. So much encouraging and beautiful scripture!

Last night I hard time sleeping because of the steriod shots. But I put the time to good use. I prayed, I read and God gave me some strategy for prayer with my family. I made some notes on future blog topics and maybe even got some ideas for teachings. I'm amazed at all of the thoughts roaming around in my brain - now imagine that multiplied by the "upper" effect of steriods. I got to bed about 3 am and still felt fine when I got up at 6. However, I am so tired now...I'm going to call it a night and get some rest.

One last note - some of you may remember our comedian for Laugh from last summer - Jinny Henson. Jinny's daughter (Maggie Lee, age 12) was involved in the bus accident in Lousiana last week. On the way to church camp the bus had a flat, flipped and wrecked. Maggie Lee has a brain stem inury and is in an induced coma. If you feel led, would you add your prayers to the many being lifted up for her and let's ask God to heal her. We've sent a note from Gateway women to Jinny to let her know we are aware and that we are standing with her family.

God bless you, my friends.

Jan

When I got home tonight, the Wojciechowsli's brought dinner - taco's with the fixing and some amazing cookies, muffins and fruit. Thanks Erin and Kyle for being so sweet. Kyle and John are playing football together on the 9th grade team at Flower Mound High School. This has given me a chance to make friends with Kyle's mom - Erin - and she is so precious. Thanks guys for the great dinner and the many times you have helped me by transporting John - even in the last month. You are a great friend.