Today Jewel completed her third and last chemotherapy treatment.
It was a long and grueling day at the Cancer Clinic. The caring medical team slowed down the speed of the intravenous drip so that Jewel would experience less pain while the chemo was administered. After six and a half hour of treatment the process was complete. A huge smile of thanksgiving came across Jewel’s face as the IV needle in her hand was removed.
Throughout the day, several other patients came in and out of Jewel’s treatment room. As the strangers in the room shared their courageous stories there was an almost instantaneous bonding. There was the Vietnamese man who has been receiving chemo for 2 ½ years and is now getting an experimental drug as a last resort. There was a 39 year-old woman from the Philippines battling advanced cancer. Another woman travels regularly to Vancouver from another city to receive treatment for ovarian cancer. Then there was a man who seemed to keep a smile on his face the entire time even though it was his 28th cycle of chemo. Each of these cancer fighters came with their own story, their own journey. On the way home, Jewel prayed for each one of her roommates for the day.
As we arrived home, Natasha had prepared a wonderful turkey dinner in respect for the American-side of our family. Lots to be thankful for today. In particular, we are thankful that Jewel’s chemotherapy has come to an end and that the Lord has given great strength for this often unclear journey.
As we end this day, Jewel is extremely tired but is resting well. She now has four weeks to recover and gain strength before she begins her 5 weeks of radiation.
But today is not the day to think about the next treatment but rather be thankful for how far Jewel has come along.
Yours on the Journey,
Geoff
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