Monday, July 12, 2010

First Chemo Treatment

Well, that wasn't so scary!  Jake is still getting his first round of chemo.  They had an Xbox in his room, which kept him busy.  He didn't really want to pay attention to what the nurse was doing because he was too busy playing a game (silly boy!).  Well, whatever keeps his mind off serious stuff.

Many people have asked us why we can keep such a positive attitude about having to deal with cancer.  Some confess that they would be asking "why me" or be really upset about their lot in life.  One doctor asked how I could be so patient in waiting for test results. 

The facts are, there is cancer in Jake's body and we have to deal with it.  We aren't being punished for something, we don't have a lack of faith, and we are not bad people.  It's not fun, it's not easy, it's not something we would choose to do or have, but it is what it is.  We have free agency and we can choose how we deal with our challenges.  If we get mad, sad, angry or withdrawn, will that make the cancer go away?  Will the test come back the way we want them to or any faster?  No.  If we chose to have a positive outlook, to have hope and appreciation for those who love and care for us with that change the outcome?  No, but the journey will be much more peaceful and less stressful and filled with loving a caring people.  It's much easier to see God's tender mercies when your not mad at Him. 

If your child falls off their bike when they are learning to ride it, you comfort them, then you hope they will brush themselves off and get back on the bike and learn to ride it without falling.  Then someday soon, they will have the joy of riding their bikes all around and feeling the wind on their faces and feel the freedom and joy of riding a bike perfectly.  Wouldn't your child be grateful at that point, that you gave them the bike and you were patient enough to help them learn to ride it?

God didn't tell us it would be easy to learn to "ride this bike".  But He did promise that He would be there with us every step of the way.  And when we fall off, He would be there the wash off the scrapes, give us a hug and help us try again.  And someday soon, we will say, "Look Father!  You don't have to hold on to the seat anymore!"  And we will be grateful that He was patient enough to help us learn to ride this bike.  And He will be proud of us, that we learned to do hard things.

God knows each of us.  He knows the challenges that we face and how it will help us grow into the potential He sees in us.  Just like I want the best for my boys, God wants the best for us.  Even though it's not the easiest or most fun way to get there, it is the best way.  For me it's a no brainer:  Wouldn't you want the Being that knows how it's all going to turn out be in charge?  That is where I find my strength and my peace.  He gave me friends, family and neighbors to help me bare my burdens.  He gave me awesome doctors and nurses who spent time learning about this cancer so that when we brought Jake to them, they would know how to treat it.  He gave us other hospital staff that would see to Jake's every need and help him feel comfort from pain.  He put angels in my life to take care of my needs and my families needs, plus a little more.  He gave me experiences so that I could have the right kind of compassion for others who suffer.  He has kept me safe from all harm and accident.  He has surrounded me with many of His Holy Houses so that I may go there just about any day to feel of His love, comfort and guidance.  He reminds me all the time that I'm not alone, and I can ride this bike!

7 comments:

Jill Heaps said...

AMEN! You are such an inspiration to all of us! Thanks for sharing your faith and strength which not only keeps you going but lifts us up too!
You guys are so strong. Jake is a tough kid and with you as his mom how could he do anything but soar?!
Love you!

fern said...

double amen! thanks for touching my life as well as others around you.

Carrie said...

That was an amazing perspective you wrote! Thank you so much for taking the time to put your thoughts into words. I am totally inspired now!

Unknown said...

Forgive me if I intrude in your family post (this is Phil, Carrie Clarks' uncle). Two years ago I was diagnosed Stage 4 Malignant Melanoma Cancer. I get the "how you can be so cheerful with having cancer?" a lot. Well guess what? Everybodys got something to deal with...mine just happens to be cancer. Heavenly Father is in charge, so it's OK! Tell Jake to hang in there...it will work out. It always does.

Rose said...

Thanks Phil! I just had break down #1. The Home Health delivery guy dropped off a huge back of medical supplies. I'm suppose to give Jake a shot and I don't know what needle to use! The nurse didn't know she was suppose to come today and it's almost 9:30 pm! I'm just holding these bags of syringes and crying.

Vickie said...

Rose,
I'm your neighbor to the back, Vickie Fitzsimmons. We have a sweet neighbor who is nine years old in the cul-de-sac across the street and her father let us know that she has been diagnosed with the SAME cance as your son. We visited her at Primary Children's today and I can't imagine what her mom is going through. Bless your family and your son, you all are in our prayers.

Rose said...

Really, Vickie! It is such a rare cancer! I am amazed a neighbor would have the same thing! First comes shock, then sad, now overwhelm with treatments plans and home care!