Off-Roading is well overdue for an update, my apologizes for not posting sooner.
The month of May was a challenging one medically and emotionally, with almost four straight weeks of low hemoglobin I was very week and struggling more than ever with side effects, however after the blood transfusion June has been a much better month and I have been able to get out more often and have enjoyed several fun short family outings. I have stopped the oral antibiotics and switched to the monthly ventilation treatments which seems to have lessened my nausea and is a big improvement in my day to day activities.
Last week I reached the maximum of a drug (damages my heart) I have been taking since Christmas, so there has been a few changes and now I need to go two times a week to KGH because the new drug cannot be given on the same day unfortunately. This will continue for approximately another 8 weeks then I will be completed my “intensification” phase and move into 18 months of maintenance which should be much less aggressive treatment!! I am still not completely clear on all the details of the maintenance phase but it is a huge milestone I am looking forward to.
Enough with the medical jargon, … this off road adventure as you can tell is a going to be a long one and I think this is the biggest challenge for me to grasp. Each day is completely different and each has its own terrain to overcome. Often I choose to navigate this course each day based on the energy and motivation I can muster, however this self-directed attempt rarely gets me very far and I quickly realize that my only success in maneuvering through this Off-Road Adventure is to allow God do His “Thing” in my life. I still don’t know from moment to moment what that is however I have learned to use the tools he is giving me to more effectively find the direction He wants me to follow.
I often read Eph. 6:10-17 (Put on the full armour of God) and since this group is entitled Off-Roading I thought I would share some All-terrain equipment God has been using to protect me and sustain me through each day.
• Skid plates: These plates protect my running gear from continual debris and damage from being put through tests, chemo side effects, and other regular obstacles.
• Shock absorbers: Premium shocks smooth out my situation and help me better understand where God wants me to travel, regardless of the road surface.
• Tow hooks: God attached two large tow hooks front and rear to allow for easy rescue when I get stuck in the overwhelming daily struggles of emotions.
• Fog, driving, and off-road lights: My vision is often cloudy but God’s true light will continue to guide me no matter how muddy my day becomes.
I hope this little off-roading analogy gives you a fun glimpse into my day, I appreciate each of you sharing this experience with me and for your continued prayer, support and encouragement.