Joy in the Journey?

  Absolutely!  I'm thinking I'm starting to see a theme emerge.  When I called a friend to tell her my news, it was hard for me.  You see, she lost her sister (one of my dear friends) to cancer a few years ago.  I was so blessed by her response.  She told me she would be praying for joy for me because the joy of the Lord would be my strength.  Wow!
 A few hours later, I was talking to my sis and commented that I needed a notebook to record this go-round. She said she had a new journal I could use, but didn't know if it would be appropriate because it was titled "Everyday Joy Journal."  I told her it was perfect and shared my phone call.
  Today, while getting friends caught up on everything, I came across a quote on the Joyce Myer Ministries FaceBook site. "God is never going to put us into a situation or permit us to be in one without giving us the ability to be in it with joy."  Talk about confirmation!

Cancer-Round Two!

   A week ago I was very excited to be going to my last six month oncology appointment...I would get to go to yearlies since I was five years cancer free.  After the routine blood work, I was told they wanted to do the tests again.  On the second round of blood work, I was told my white count was low. It could be a virus. I was given an appointment for the next week.  More blood work showed an lower count; even lower than when I was on chemo.  Friday I went in for a bone marrow biopsy and made an appointment for the next week to talk about the results. Early Saturday morning I received a call from my oncologist who said she got the preliminary results Friday evening and final Saturday morning.  I have acute promyelocytic leukemia. Dr. B said I needed to go to the hospital immediately.  "Immediately, as in right now?" I asked. (I was trying to finish my oatmeal and blueberries!) She asked me how I was feeling, and when I told her "fine" she said I could wait until Sunday afternoon.
   After getting off the phone, shedding a few tears, praying for strength and guidance, I began making phone calls.  Thanks to great family and friends, my classroom was taken care of, I met with my realtor (Y,es in the middle of everything, I'm trying to sell my house!), got my act together, and made it to the hospital. What a whirlwind!
   Okay, I need to take a moment and do a little praising.  Praise, really? Yes, I can see God's fingerprints all over this.  First, I didn't have any symptoms.  I was well enough to take care of the things I needed to see to before coming to the hospital.  According to Dr. B, this is a very aggressive form of leukemia and patients are usually exhibiting symptoms including pain and bleeding.  I still feel okay. (I do feel a little guilty because I've been on the computer or phone most of the day.) Another plus: this is a very treatable form or leukemia and it was caught early.  More praise...I can have visitors!  This is not inherited...no risk for my family!
      There are several more things I want to blog about, but will save for other posts.  (I don't like to read really long posts, so I figure no one else does either.) In order to keep everyone updates, I will updates.  I will also be blogging about my experience and thoughts during this whole journey.  I've been telling people this is going to be an adventure, but I'd rather be on a safari in Africa if given a choice!