Early bird blog ...

Did'nt sleep too well last night, but used the time to think and pray.
Chemo went well yesterday. However, I am ready to leave when it is through. It usually takes 3 hours total including blood work, seeing the Dr. and of course the waiting in between. The infusion totals about 2 hours. There are some people who have to spend 6 hours straight for infusion alone, so I am a light weight compared to them. The nurses are great and I am a thankful lightweight.
Here are the results of my blood work. My Platelet count was lower than last week but still within limits and my white count was below normal. As a result of the reduced white count, I will be receiving two shots of Neupogen next week on (Monday and Tuesday) to provoke the bone marrows natural production of this factor. This is to get ahead of the game before my next Gemzar infusion. As many of you know, the white count is directly tied to your bodies ability to fight off infections. We want to keep this number as normal as is possible. The rash has now spread to my upper chest and back and around my nose, under my ears and some around the mouth. The Dr. gave me some things to do if it gets worse. The cramping hit after midnight into the morning, but the Lord helped me get through it. Praise His name.
My parents are in town so they brought me to and from my treatment with a few stops afterwards at Sears and Wally World (WalMart) - that's a tradition. Sears has a very interesting tool section. I don't go there very often, but alot of there products are proudly stamped 'Made in U.S.A.' - go Sears!
Last night the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org or 1-800-ACS-2345) held an event at the State Fairgrounds. There were all kinds of booths from various groups and organizations/churches and a ton of fun stuff for the kids with all the games, jumping things and even a Rock Wall to climb. I walked in the Survivors walk, but then I sat in the less populated temporary cafeteria the rest of the time and talked with Charles Harper. Charles heads up the "HOPE" ministry through Healing Place Church which is a ministry to those dealing with or survivors of cancer. He has had cancer himself and still takes treatments to prevent a relapse, so he's walked in the shoes personally. If you want to have some good food and let the kids play until they drop, check it out. It is going on all day Saturday April 29th. Purple is the color of the Survivors shirts.
Cancer vs. the other "C" words - "Community": When cancer strikes your home, community - family, friends, church, workplace and neighbors all can play a part in helping you win the battle. It is a blessing to know that you are not alone. There are alot of people mentioned above, who are willing to help in many different ways. Community is a good thing.

Psalm 29:2 " ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."