Today's treatment is over:) As far as treatments go, it was pretty painless. And he is officially past the halfway point. His counts were up today, good news. We went to breakfast afterward and Jeremy ate a good breakfast, the most he has eaten in several days. He is still feeling pretty crummy, but feels better than he has since last week. Sleep is still an issue, or lack of sleep. The sleeping medicine that has been prescribed for him helps him fall asleep, but he doesn't stay asleep. He is trying something new tonight so here's hoping it works.
I think one of the most frustrating things for Jerm right now is his lack of strength and how tired he is. The things he has always taken care of, he can't and that makes him mad. He mowed his grass on Saturday and he said he thought he was going to pass out. Needless to say he got a long lecture about letting others do things for him, so he can keep his strength up. When the everyday and mundane things of life get to be hard, it is just a reminder of what this disease (and its treatment) can do to you. But that is why God blesses each of us with family and friends who are willing to, WANT to do things for the people who care about us. It is humbling for him and hard for him to let others do that, so I am praying he accepts it for what it is and lets others take care of things. He has become a fan of daytime tv (not by choice) and has watched nearly every movie out right now.
I am reminded of all the people I know who have faced hard times in their lives and are stronger for it. I have two friends that are fighting cancer right now, Carol Peterson, a young mother of three who is fighting breast cancer and Don Wehmeyer, who is being treated for lymphoma, not to mention all the faces I see at Siteman every day. And I am reminded that Jeremy is not alone.. His Grandma Schwentker is herself a 25 year cancer survivor and endured 18 months of chemotherapy and she inspires and encourages him all the time. Then, there's my friend Jennifer who lost her son Arron almost three years ago in a car accident. She, and all these people, are living proof that you can't face difficulties all alone, there's no way to do it without God putting his arms around us and carrying you. It really is the peace that passes human understanding. It is the love that he gives us via family, friends AND oncology nurses. He guides those who are guiding us and we are all the better for it.
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13 comments:
I'm glad to hear treatment went well today. And that Jeremy is feeling a little better. I'm making a trip up there this weekend and would love to see you guys, if Jeremy is feeling up to it. I love you all and am keeping you in my prayers.
Hello everyone! Glad to hear its going well. Jerm, I would love to cut your grass. All I need is the address. Also, I need to know what size fitted hat you wear. Hey Jeremy, This is a little something that got me through....
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and couragous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Love ya cancer brother!
Jim V.
Jory would love to help you with the grass!
Jeremy, you should not be cutting grass, your scalp is going to sunburn! Amy said I should do it since she let me, oh, how does she say, "buy that ridiculous lawnmower." It's awesome to hear you are at the halfway mark, hopefully it will be over before you even know it. Oh, try to keep the boobtube off the network channels, I've spent two days at home and have the craving to sue someone over some medicine I may or may not have taken. Does anyone but lawyers advertise during the day??? Take care and talk to you soon. Cameron & Amy
I know it sounds weird to say,..but hard times can be transformed into good times once we have lived through them and time has passed. It's so easy to look for the bad or negative. When my sister died from colon cancer, we ended up celebrating a life that was cut short but we DID so much living in those last 87 days that she lived. We healed so many wounds, found so many truths and said our final good- byes.
With Ar, I felt a little cheated. I never got to say good-bye. That still makes me mad. In time I hope to get over that. But even with his death, I can find God's goodness. He gave him strength to fight his addiction and brought him back to his family. I thought at times he would never find his way back. BUT the biggest gift of all,....God brought Arron to his knees. He made his presence undeniable. To see your child walk with God again afer going through so many trials in life is nothing short of a miracle.
God will hold you in his hands, Jeremy. He will be good to you and sustain your needs. That's what he does!
Remember how much you are LOVED!
Hope you guys are doing well!! We miss you.......Need to get together for a BBQ or Cards game.
P.S. Hi Sarge, miss you too buddy
Love,
Dozer
If you help with anything please do not hesitate to call!!!!
We will continue to pray for your family.
The Sovals (from Messiah Preschool)
Schwank - It's been like 2 full days without a blog. What's up? Seriously though, hope all is going well. It sounds like you're doing great. Keep it up. Whenever you want to go fishing and have a few beers, let me know!!
Jeremy, Jeremy...going to try to leave another message. I must not be the brightest as I just can't figure this commment "thing" out!
Thinking of you and praying for you. It warms my heart to see/read all the comments about the nurses and everyone at Siteman. I know I don't care for you directly, but since I help support Siteman, it makes me feel like I have a small, small part in your care.
I'll have to tell Ron what you said about bald being in...he's so bummed about his hair (or lack thereof!)
Hang in there and hey, who is the other dog??
Stand strong and courageous,
Carol White
Hey Schwank. It was really good to see you and Jess Sunday. Did you get the pictures that I sent you? Val, what's going on? No new blogs in a week and a half. What am I supposed to do all day at work if I can't read up on what is going on? Hope to see yall soon.
Mike Schulte
News, news, news....I need info'!
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