One Down...

.... seven more rounds to go.

There's so much to say. First, I can't even begin to explain how important your emails, phone calls, and blog comments have been to me. I have not been able to respond to everyone individually - though I wish I could - but each one has been a blessing to me. Thank you! Please continue - your words do my heart good.

Speaking of my heart.... Ugh. My first round of chemo was thrown for a loop when my heart rate dipped into the mid 30s. We still aren't sure what the story is, but let me tell you that hospital staff get a little frenzied when you start having cardiac trouble AND you are on chemo at the same time.

I was able to complete my first round of chemo, just with a few delays. Other than the low heart rate, my heart seems good and strong. (Well, there is also the issue of me passing out about 4 times in the oncology clinic, but I'll save that embarrassing story for a later post. For now, let's just say it is the weirdest thing to be sleepy/dizzy one minute and waking up with 6 nurses and a doctor in front of you screaming your name the next. Sheesh.)

The overwhelming majority of my time in the hospital was spent in bed, though I assure you the hospital is NOT a place of rest. So I've been doing some thinking, as you might expect. Hopefully, I'll be able to share some of my thoughts with you soon. My next post might be about my developing theology of sleep - just in case you are interested.

My condition now is good. I am fatigued a good bit of the time. But I had a good appetite today, was able to play with the boys some, and I haven't lost my hair. Yet.

For the next week or so, I'll be going into the clinic often and as soon as my white blood cell count is high enough, they'll start round two of my chemo. I am so encouraged by your thoughts and prayers. And I have so much to be thankful for. Please continue to pray for Shanda, the boys, and our families. This is tough for them.

Will write more soon!