Angels Armies by My Side

Yesterday, Wednesday, mom had her 1st radiation treatment.  Yes, I know, I was surprised too, I though we were waiting until next week and until she saw the Pgh doc on Friday, but I guess they decided to get this going.  Funny how things are, well, really, another God thing, the head of the department, the doc that will administers the radiation, used to be a rectal-colon surgeon.  So, he just happens to be an expert in the "area!"  He told her that she will receive this daily for 7 weeks.  He said that while she was smiling at this appointment, she will not always have a happy look on her face when she sees him.  He said that this will be a VERY painful experience and will "burn" very badly both internally and externally and will take about 3 months before she notices an improvement in her pain. 

My dad and Jeannie took my mom for the treatment yesterday.  I guess they thought Dad was mom's brother!  hee hee...well, Jeannie did wonder what that said about her, but never the less, they did all get a chuckle out of it.! 

Today and tomorrow are both days we have been waiting for.  Today she will go to the Hillman Cancer Center in Pgh to have the ultrasound done.  This study will look closer at the enlarged lymph nodes to see what is causing that.  Sometimes other tests don't pick up the cancer cells in these nodes and this will also verify the "stage" of cancer that she is in.  We will get the result of that test before she leaves that building!

Tomorrow she will see Dr. Ruben, our dear friend, Dave Drummond's doctor.  He will give us his overall report and his recommendations from there.  We are hoping that we can do most work out of Indiana area, but are certainly willing to do what is needed where ever.  He too, will say tomorrow the steps that we go forward with - no waiting.  Then, Dr. Raminini (the Indiana oncologist) wants them to go directly to HIS office after the Pgh appointment.  He wants to know exactly what Dr. Ruben said and to move forward together so that chemo can start the first of next week.  Amazing!  How cool that they are waiting for each other so everyone can be on the same page.

Monday she is already scheduled to have a small procedure done at the hospital to receive a pic line.  I am not sure of the placement - I would assume her arm?

There is another song's lyrics that have been echoing in my head lately about mom's journey that I wanted to share with you:

We grew up in a strong Christian family.  Prayer was something that happened not just at meals, but all the time and church was a "way of life" not part of a Sunday morning schedule.  I remember whenever we went on a long trip, maybe to see our family in Illinois, my dad would always pray before we started.  He would pray that God would put angels around our car and around others that we would not be harmed.  That was a very graphic description to me as a child growing up.

This song is called, "Whom Shall I Fear," by Chris Tomlin.  It says, "The God of angel armies is always by my side."  This reminded me of Gingie's Journey.  "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of angel armies is always by my side."  I know that there are angels around us everywhere.  I believe that.  I like to think that when my mom goes and travels this journey, an angel holds the door for her as she walks into her appointment.  Maybe one hands the doctor her chart and says, "she is a friend of mine,"  and of course the one "that stands behind."  He guards the door - and doesn't let any more harm her while she is there.  Can you imagine?  The God of ANGELS ARMIES by HER side, by MY side.  Wow!  That kinda gives me chills!  You can't get much more protection that that!    

Prayer requests:
1.  Mom's pain continues to be eased especially with the new treatments
2.  Dad's bullet business continues to be blessed, but to be manageable for all
3.  Jeff's (Jeannie's husband) business to be blessed while Jeannie spends her time helping my parents
4.  Wisdom for Jeannie, myself, Becky and Jim as we divide our time between our own families and our parents
5.  Rest and peace for all while it happens. 

P.S.  Before you think that I am so effecient and blogging before my children awake, or that I am not sleeping and blogging in the middle of the night, I have noticed that the time is off on this blog.  I do not know how to change it.  Not really that big of a deal - just wanted you to know.  I think it is like 2 hours behind my actual time. 

I hope this song speaks to you like it has spoken to me in the past few weeks.  Thank you again for all your love, support and your prayers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg