A number of people ask me every day, “How are you doing?”
Side effects of the chemo, Gemzar, are minimal compared to some others, so I didn’t feel bad after the first dose. And I only have to go in for chemo once a week for an hour or so. Today I prepared an appeal letter for my insurance company who denied authorization for Trilogy radiation treatments – I’m told that “denial” is their default response at the first level in all cases and that final decisions occur at a higher level. Keep on praying for authorization!
Those of you who see me face to face can see that I’m doing quite well. I have been able to keep up with most of the usual meetings and volunteer work that has occupied my days in recent years. I have experienced some recurrence of back/abdominal/visceral pain and despite taking regular Tylenol, I wake every few hours needing to change position or take more pills. But I am able to get plenty of sleep, eat well, and enjoy every day!
Michelle’s clan will be with us for another week and later this week we will be going to Sacramento to join Drew and Michele’s kids 4-H fair experience – exhibiting goats, sheep, rabbits, etc. Reminiscent of my own childhood in Kansas.
About the pain, I’m reminded of a quote by Tim Hansel in his book, You Gotta Keep Dancin': In the Midst of Life's Hurts, You Can Choose Joy!
“Joy is a choice – pain in is inevitable, but misery is optional.
We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.
God has given us such immense freedom that He allows us to be as miserable as we want to be.”
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7 comments:
You are an inspiration, Paul! I pray your pain subsides, but in the meantime, consider stronger pain meds and longer acting ones. Modern medicine has its advantages!
Hi Paul! Thanks for keeping us informed. Your blog could become a book, too. Tell us some more about Kansas. (Ch.1) My gene pool hails from Topeka! (irrelevant) How'd you get from Kansas to Albania? (Ch 31). Lots of chapters in between...lots of time to write them...Joyfully, R.Reeves
Dear Paul, thank you again for making your life's experience a blessing to everyone! I loved the comment about choosing joy in spite of the pain. Joy is a choice and you have passed that example on to us. What a blessing you continue to be. My prayers continue to be with you from China. Give Bonnie my love also.
Hi Turk,
I was reminded of Psalm 100 when I read your blog this AM. "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Know that the Lord Himself is God, it is He that has made us & not we ourselves...For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, & His faithfulness to all generations." Pain is a reminder of our fallible state; God knows our need & can provide relief. I pray for God's strength to you. I pray for approval for your treatment; God is bigger than Medicare!
Love you,
Joye
Paul:
We are praying for you. Your blog is a great inspration.
We love you, Mike
Hi Paul--You continue to be an inspiraton for us! Your blog seems to be earning an A+ for successful communication. However, I know I'm not the only one who comes away wondering "How's Bonnie doing?" Ever thought of setting up her own blog? Or dedicating a corner of yours to "Bonnie Believes..."?
Our love to you both
Kathy and Chuck
Paul - I only hope that when I face those same issues I do it with your courage and perspective./John
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