"My hair has started coming out...some tears...it's o.k." That was the text message in response to mine, "On way home, how are you?"
Dr. Jim Richards and I were moving up I-35 after two very good Praying and Listening sessions in New Braunfels and Pflugerville. It had been 13 days since Cheryl's first chemo treatment. Her second was today. The medical staff was right on target.
What is this thing with the emotion of losing one's hair? Cheryl sleeps well. That is an answer to prayer. I sometimes wake up at weird hours. The body clock is resisting springing forward.
I woke up at 2 a.m. this morning, asking that question. My thoughts were drawn to 1 Corinthians 11. Paul speaks of the covering of the woman in the context of prayer and prophecy. "But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory for her;" (1 Cor. 11:15a). Glory in this passage is a reference to dignity, honor.
We have experienced little of this in comparison to many, but there can be severe and frequent indignities related to cancer. These are some of the hidden sufferings the disease brings.
More and more I am convinced of the truth of Luke 11:11. We are asking for a fish. God will not give a serpent, or a snake. This is a serpent and we are asking God to kill the snake!
Today was chemo treatment #2. Two down, two to go. This is Chemo Day 1 of the second cycle.
We were very blessed in the first cycle. Cheryl did not experience nausea nor pain that required medication, even over-the-counter medication. When she went for chemo today, her blood work was "perfect"! She has experienced fatigue. We are very positive and know the medical team is "treating for cure".
We have been blessed by friends. The fridge is filled with frozen meals to thaw and cook as well as other food that is healthy and helpful. A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE PROVIDED THIS!!
The support of family and friends is deeply appreciated. Grandchildren as well as children are helping. Today a grandson went to chemo with her and tomorrow the granddaughter is going with Cheryl as she gets her injection. The grandsons in S. Texas call and have sent a wonderful card. She is surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. We are grateful.
Please continue to pray. Pray that God in His mercy will continue to spare Cheryl from nausea often associated with chemo. Pray she will be spared from pain often associated with the injection she receives the day after chemo. Pray for healing. We do believe that to be within God's will and believe this is a detour.
Pray for the grace to accept some of the side effects such as loss of hair. I have said, "You are not your hair." We shall approach the indignity with dignity and complete trust in the Lord.
The church where I am interim is presenting a candidate for pastor. It is time. This will allow more focus in my life. I have a new prayer conference/workshop/seminar called "PrayTheGospel". Please pray God will use that and open whatever opportunity he has at this time, whether that seminar of something else. We are His...confidently!
Thank you for caring and praying! Thank you Steve and Jackie for organizing a 1 p.m. daily prayer time for Cheryl's healing. We are grateful for all of you.
Jeff & Sarah want to thank you for not only your service as interim, that is the least of it, but for your real ministry gift, LOVE. Thank you for being personal and warm, knowing that you would not be in Celina all that long. You and Cheryl are a wonderful team for the Gospel and The Battles are praying for you along with many others. Especially thanks for the direct fellowship and care you have given to me(Jeff) personally. I/we love you and trust God with you and all of His people. Well done...
Posted by: Jeff Battle | March 17, 2011 at 06:28 AM