Don't Waste Today Being Scared of Tomorrow

Thank you all for praying for my appointments yesterday! Although our prayers weren't answered exactly as we had asked, I'm still happy with the results for now. Despite our prayers, all three of my liver enzymes were up even higher than at my last appointment. However, I was still able to get treatment! I didn't know this, but the chemo itself could be the cause of my increased liver enzymes. While significantly elevated liver enzymes are still an issue for my health, it doesn't necessarily indicate the cancer is spreading in my liver. So we're holding on to that for the time being and just reducing the dose of chemo I receive. Then, as long as my scans on Monday are stable, I can stay on this drug at the reduced dose. I would love to do that (better the devil you know...), and perhaps a reduced dose also means reduced side effects?? 🙏 Prayers for Monday's scans are greatly appreciated! I go in at 3:00 PM. 

Yesterday, I also had an appointment with dermatology to have something suspicious removed from the skin near my collarbone. They asked if I would mind that the removal would leave a scar, but I think my body is beyond finding that a big deal at this point! 😂 I should hear back on the pathology in a week or two.

Overall, I'm relieved with how everything went today, and I know your prayers and encouragement were a big part of that. You checked in on me, sent me prayers you had lifted up or songs that have cheered your hearts (and now cheer mine). I'm so grateful. We've kicked the can down the road a little, and we'll see what next week holds. For now, I will "not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Mt. 6:34).

Whatever next week holds, God will be faithful to see me through that, too. The God who cares for the lilies and sparrows will surely care for me. too.* His love for us is infinite, even to the point of dying the shameful, painful criminal's death on the cross - for the joy set before Him of our ultimate reconciliation to Him and full restoration of His kingdom on earth, where He will again dwell among us. Will He not graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32) 

*See one of my favorites these days - Lilies and Sparrows by Jess Ray