Body: Many of you have been specifically praying for me this week as it is stem cell collection time...take two. As many know, the first attempt was abandoned because my body was just not producing and releasing enough stem cells to make the harvest worthwhile.
On Monday I had a procedure to add a central line catheter in my neck and started receiving special shots to boost the counts and "kick them out" into my blood stream. On Tuesday, we had a good day with 1.5 million stem cells collected (no wonder I was tired at the end of the day!). Today, a key indicator of stem cell presence was lower, so the harvest will, no doubt, be lower as well. To address this, I was given an extra couple of shots this evening which will hopefully mean a good "harvest" tomorrow.
Continue to pray that enough stem cells will be produced and released so the proper counts can be achieved. They are hoping that we'll have enough with Friday's procedure, but there is always Saturday and Sunday as well, if needed.
I do have a PET scan and a doctor's appointment on Monday which will be the next point at which plans for future treatment will be discussed...and I'll be sure to keep you posted. I'll also let you know how the "harvest" is going with some short entries tomorrow and Friday.
Spirit: "A Shield Around Me" Psalm 3:3
Having completed the Old Testament last week and with the church family at Calvary being encouraged to read through the Psalms, I was greatly blessed when I came upon Psalm 3:3, "But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head." The context is clearly set in vs 1-2 where an unidentified set of enemies are opposing and the naysayers, in chorus, are saying God will not help him.
That is a situation where God is always at His best!! And the Psalmist uses a wonderfully powerful image to describe this Ever-Present and All-Powerful Protector.
A shield is always focused in one direction and provides great protection from an advancing enemy. But God is more than that. He is a shield in front and back...on both sides...above...below...and, I would include, inside! He IS THE Protector! Enough said!
As a result, the Psalmist can lay down to rest fully and sleep peacefully (vs 5), no matter how many are lined up against him (see vs 6 - "tens of thousands").
How I need assurance of that protection today as I continue this cancer journey...as I battle an enemy within. There is a God in heaven who protects His own for His purposes. So I say with the Psalmist, "Arise O Lord. Deliver me, O my God." How grateful I am for His presence and encouragement through a timely word about His protection.
"Thank you, Lord. I can rest because You are on guard. You watch continually. I am blessed and safe in Your 24/7 care. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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We rejoice with you, it's so reassuring knowing God has our front, our back, He surrounds us and protects us ........ He is our refuge and He is our strength ........ I just praise Him for Who He is and how He's allowing you to be used even through this difficult part of your journey. The prayer continues for "stem cells"......................
ReplyDeletePastor Mac,
ReplyDeleteI am encouraged and uplifted by your sharing of how God is using your person at this time. You are fulfilling the Scripture, "When I am weak, He is strong." Just know when you weep, I weep with you, and when you joy, my joy exceeds what I can contain. Brother, know you fight not alone this battle, as the LORD is with you so are Elvia and I.
Love,
brother bill