First blood test after Chemo #1

First blood test after Chemo cycle #1...
So, results from the first blood test showed that the Chemo is doing it's job and tearing things down; white, red and platelets are all lower than 'normal' but that is to be expected, however none of my counts anywhere near a level that we're concerned at this point. The nurse and Dr. are happy with my counts enough to cancel my blood test for next week; so unless I have increased fatigue or symptoms (which would indicate additional drop in my counts...) I won't be back to their office until my next Chemo, Jan 29th. Our God is awesome, huh!

Nurse says.. 'Take your meds'
Well, I got scolded again about taking the meds for the symptoms as needed(and Maria scored a 'Told ya so'). I've been feeling some lower back pain again usually after sitting in the computer chair doing work or otherwise and I would wait to take some additional pain medication until it was fairly bad at ~6pm or so. I mean, this is nothing compared to how my back felt last summer so I should just tough it out, right? Wrong :) The nurse and wife understand my thinking but then apply normal logic. Why be in any pain if you have medication? Hmm, I can't argue with that too much. So, once again I'll try and take the pain medications before I need to rationalize why not to take them :)

New bedtime habit...
Mackenzie and I have started a new wonderful habit at bedtime that just fills my heart up every night! Last week sometime, Mackenzie was very distraught when I tucked her in, saying 'Daddy, I don't want you to die..." obviously taking the worst outcome to heart; so I talked with her about God's love and control; how there were many other dangers in the world that we could all die from ( car crash, accidents, etc) and that we just have to trust God's plans.

I then asked if she wanted to pray together right then, and while she just could not say anything that night; we have made it part of 'tucking her in' where we pray together about many things. One of us will start and the other will finish the prayers for ourselves, others; praising God for blessings; asking him for mercy and healing, watch over others and so on. It has been a wonderful thing for her and I to do and I'd encourage anyone with children to make a point ( or at least ask if your kids are interested) to do with them.

One of the most conscious things I'll mention today is, make the time... we're all exhausted late in the day, feeling like 'my break is almost here...just need to get kids in bed, then I can relax...' but if you take the time, even 5 minutes you'll be surprised how this will make you feel. It's also a great way to understand what might be on your child's mind and heart that they wouldn't normally offer to the 'How was your Day' question.

Thanks for all your continued prayers and thoughts!
Gavin & Family