This morning we went in for Round 2 of chemotherapy for James. It’s technically called “Cycle 1, Day 15” but that’s not as satisfying as saying “2 down, 10 to go”. So I’m going with Round 2.

Chemo is rough folks. Being in a cancer infusion center is rough. We have and will continue to be extremely positive throughout this journey, but being on the outside looking in and watching everyone around me in that place is rough.

Our first day we were put in a room all by ourselves, I’m not sure if it’s because they wanted to see how he reacted to the chemo or if it was just a light day, but today was really busy. We shared a room with another couple and watching someone else’s husband suffer was almost more than I could bare. The fact that James has reacted so amazingly through his chemo so far is down right a miracle from God. There is no other way to put it. I won’t go into detail of what we saw today, but know that people fighting cancer are not only dealing with it themselves, but then immersed in a place where everyone else around them is dealing with it too. Which doesn’t always make things easier. And for this pregnant (and nauseous) mamma-to-be… I almost had to step out of the room.

We were then told by one of the nurses that James’ bloodwork had come back and that the infection fighting portion of his white blood cell count were too low. His needed to be above a 1.00 and his came back at a 0.310. This is called Neutropenia, which means that he is extremely vulnerable to infection. He also has high liver numbers (from all the different medications he’s on) and will now get two more medications, one that helps lower the liver numbers and an antibiotic. Interesting how side effects caused by MEDICATION are then treated with another helping of MEDICATION. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for modern medicine, but come on… there’s gotta be a line somewhere?

This news adds a new element into the mix as my sweet homebody husband will now have to stay away from any crowds, movie theaters, malls, Wal Mart, etc until all his numbers return to normal range. For him, he’s happy and content being at home and working on his computers, for me… I am already counting down the days where we can leave the house and go into a huge crowd again! (LOL)

We were finally moved into a different room, since his blood levels came back he wasn’t allowed to be around anyone that was coughing, so we were so thankful for the move. The rest of the chemo treatment went smoothly and we were able to go home. James was feeling so great he even drove us!

Last time a major side effect he dealt with after chemo was chronic hiccups (yup. apparently that’s a thing. and they are violent. NOT your normal hiccups). We are believing that this time will be a SMOOTH round!! OH, and did I mention? The pesky cough that has haunted us since LAST NOVEMBER was 100% gone within the first 24 hours of chemotherapy. PRAISE THE LORD!!

I honestly can hardly keep track of all the things we are supposed to be “worrying” about (or paying attention to) as far as what he can eat, what his blood work says, where he can go, what he’s allowed to touch or not touch, that I’ve decided that we just can’t do it. Not on our own. Holding onto this scripture today and always and making it our reality:

Proverbs 16:3 – Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

Another scripture that we are standing on for his blood work (and all the different aspects that that entails) is:

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;

Your bone marrow is where your blood is made!!! So we are praying this week and believing that God is restoring his white blood cell count and liver numbers and expect good results next week in Jesus Name.

All in all, we are in awe at the love and support from our family and friends. If you haven’t seen this, I leave it here merely to say Thank You to all those who have given. We have no words.

More updates and good news to come!

XOXO

Natalie