December 30, 2020: Decembers Trials, Will Become January Triumphs

December 2020 chemo therapy was extremely challenging. I had severe nausea and everything I ate left a lingering after taste. I was able to cleanse my pallet with sugar free chewing gum or mints and another trick, this item will not be approved by the Keto Team, good old saltine crackers. My appetite was diminishing and the gum increased my appetite. I had another reaction from the therapy, which was a rash on my neck and on my arms. This round of medication/therapy, tried to take me to a very dark place, but I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit for pulling me out of the dark place and reminding me that ‘weeping may stay for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5). He also reminded me, I was trying to step in and fight the battle. The Holy Spirit allowed me to reflect on 2 Chronicles 20:15. 'Be not be afraid nor dismayed by reason… the battle is not yours, but GOD’s’ These gentle reminders pushed me to ensure I stayed prayerful and I am constantly learning, through prayer and supplication, I had to ensure I released the battle/burden to our loving Heavenly Father and He is waiting with open arms. This trial ends with triumph, because we were able to share the experience with the Oncologists to adjust the medications for the next treatment. We were also able to minimize the stomach cramps by taking Pepto Bismol before taking the Temador. December was certainly a challenge, but I was able to shed unnecessary weight from the steroids and by the time I start the next therapy in January, I will be completely off of the steroids - another blessing.

GOD continues to send me a vision of a butterfly. I see it as another blessing. The hair that fell out on my right side of my head due to the radiation, it is growing back. My husband is helping me to look presentable by cutting my hair to even it out. As I continue to see the vision of the butterfly, I'm reminded of the process that it goes through as a caterpillar prior to transforming to a beautiful butterfly. This is my reassurance that in the end, I will have beautiful, healthy hair to display GOD's promises to non-believers. My husband and I continue to pray over the oral therapy and conduct our daily communion. Our prayer is the meds will cease and the celebration will continue for 15+ years of deliverance. GOD’s promises are true. We love and bless His Holy name. In the meantime, we must remember each day is a gift and we will cease each moment ‘Carpe Diem.' The major blessing in February, both my husband and I was able to meet with the awesome Duke University Brain Cancer Center in Durham, NC. We had the priviledge to meet with Dr. Annick Desjardins, MD, she is a Neuro-oncologist. Dr. Annick has the correct last name in french it means 'Gardens' and meeting her was certainly a breath of fresh air, it reminded me of the first day of spring. The doctor and staff spent 3 hours with us to ensure all of our questions were answered and gave me a thorough exam to let me know what I should expect in the next few months. The doctor also mapped out a plan to ensure I have a better experience with the chemo treatments. She graciously pulled up a chair and gave me the re-assurance along with God, she has a long-term plan for me. I praise God for the blessings and the PA called us at 7PM to conduct a follow-up conversation to ask if we had any concerns regarding the additional meds that were prescribed to address the headaches, stomach cramps, and nausseau. God is so amazing! He does not like to see His children suffer.