Fighting cancer can be a full time job, and it’s not just the many doctor appointments and tests. It’s also the drain of committing to battle the disease. A cancer patient can fight and fight some more, yet still lose ground. Determining to continue, then, can wear a person down till there’s no fight left.
Nelson has had his highs and lows during his war against lung cancer and was pulled into another low just yesterday. Without an end-date to the cancer, it can seem like it’ll go on forever.
He and Ann Sophie were tempted to cancel a doctor appointment with a new oncologist yesterday afternoon, hoping to take a little time away from thinking about cancer, but the staff persuaded them to attend.
As it turned out, it was God’s rescue from the low. Ann Sophie said, “The doctor was very positive and filled us with hope.” He told them that Nelson had lots of reasons to be stressed but that he was handling it well, better than most in his position. This was uplifting to hear.
Ann Sophie said the doctor looked a lot like Santa Claus and made her wish they could stay and have him read stories to them all afternoon. Looking back on the day, it was clear that just when they’d needed a strong boost, God brought Dr. Santa Claus into their day.
It turned out that Nelson’s albumin level was extremely low, causing him to feel worse than usual. The doctor recommended he take in as much protein as he can eat or drink, and then as time passes, his levels will slowly rise, making him feel much better.
Dr. Santa also schooled them in how to take the first immunotherapy drugs, which Nelson did last night. The two pills, which had arrived via FedEx (one needing refrigeration) were to be taken exactly 12 hours apart, two hours after eating. So Ann Sophie went to work on making a chart to help keep things well regulated. What a blessing she is!
Dr. Santa said Nelson should be feeling a little better even at the end of the first week—more encouraging news. And it’s no small gift that the nausea of chemotherapy is now in the rear view mirror. Nelson takes no anti-nausea meds now, after having needed them daily. This, indeed, is progress!
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
Nelson, you are fighting valiantly. God is giving you strength. “For You equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.” Psalm 18:39. ESV
What a blessing. Thank you Jesus. God is at work here. Nelson is in my prayers.
Praying for Nelson to feel better and for the new treatment to be successful. Also for Ann Sophie to be encouraged and have perseverance as she cares for her family! For her and the baby to stay well and for her not to get worn down. Big hugs!!
This is great news. God surely is with you all and always has been. Remember his promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Prayers always. May God grant to you all some peace of mind and healing soon. God bless,
The Janusz family
We continue to lift you and your family up in our Prayer and Praise times on Wednesday evening, here at Bethany Beach. May you know HIS arms around you at all times!