Another Round

by Charity Singleton Craig | Jan 30, 2008 | Archived Blog Posts | 13 comments

Today, I am back in the hospital for my fifth round of chemotherapy. This is the next to the last treatment I’ll have, and when the doctor confirmed that this morning, I rejoiced. I even did a soft scream, fists in the air, just after he walked out of the door. One has to maintain some level of decorum on the oncology wing of the hospital.

The other good news is that my blood protein marker they are using to track the destruction of the cancer and the effectiveness of the chemotherapy, CA125, is continuing to go down. As I may have mentioned before, it started at just over 400 following my hysterectomy, went down to around 200 three weeks later, then had gone down dramatically with each new round of chemotherapy. The elusive “normal” is less than 20. I hit 19 after two rounds, 10 after three rounds, and just found out that the fourth round of chemo caused it to go down a little more to 7. My oncologist said he’s never seen it go below 5, so I’m hoping to break the record with these last two rounds!

Needless to say, I am thankful to the Lord for all of this good news and feel very hopeful and encouraged.

But I also feel wary of myself, so easily tricked into ignoring eternity and focusing on the material world around me — my physical health, my house, my relationships, my job, my looks, my peace of mind. You know, a normal life.

Now that things seem to be going so well, it will be a greater challenge to remember that suffering makes me more like Jesus and death is not the worst thing that can happen to me. In fact, Paul says that to die is gain. Oh for that eternal perspective! I need that perspective to help me weather the next storms that come, and they will come, whatever they may be.

So I am praying for the faith, whether I am living or dying, to please Christ, just as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9.

“Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord–for we walk by faith, not by sight–we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”

13 Comments

Ted M. Gossard on February 10, 2008 at 8:44 am

Charity,
I had it strong on my heart to pray for you recently as well. And I do keep at it. But especially at this one point.

I hope you’re feeling better today, or very soon.
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L.L. Barkat on February 9, 2008 at 12:07 am

I was sorry to hear through Kelly that you’re really not feeling well right now. Last night, I woke feeling uncomfortable and it made me think of you and the nausea, and I prayed for you. Dear you.
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AIMEE on February 7, 2008 at 10:26 pm

to be pleasing to Him…amen! Hope you are having a cozy February and have thought about you yesterday and today as Lent is here.
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NaNcY on February 7, 2008 at 5:28 am

thinking of you! 🙂
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Shlomo on February 4, 2008 at 9:34 am

B”H

Hi Charity,

I’m also praying for you. We hope to hear a good report when you are able to return and join us here in cyberspace again.

Blessings,

Shlomo
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Every Square Inch on February 3, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Charity

I rejoice with you and even though I don’t know you in person, I’m honored to “observe” from a distance your walk of faith through this trial.

Grace to you
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Ted M. Gossard on February 1, 2008 at 11:58 pm

Charity,
Yes. Our hearts are so enamored with things that are passing. I often do feel closer to the Lord when I’m most disappointed in this life.

Good to hear you’re doing well, doing better, though not over everything yet….
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The Gyrovague on February 1, 2008 at 10:42 pm

I am so glad that that test is getting better and better. May you be a pleasant surprise to the oncologist.

We are still praying for you and when this is all over I will sit here in colorado and have a celebratory glass of wine with you!

5 years from now you are going to look at this time and see just how much you have grown in wisdom and stature… hang in there dear Charity!
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Kim on February 1, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Charity, you used the words “thankful,” “hopeful,” and “encouraged” to describe your feelings. Thank you for your example. Bless you and I pray that you will continue on the road to physical and spriritual wholeness.

All the best, Kim
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NaNcY on February 1, 2008 at 7:24 pm

i am easily tricked as well.
good to think about.
thanks

love Love
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L.L. Barkat on February 1, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Charity… good to hear from you again. And as for where your muse is, it appears she is quite close to home. 😉
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Jennifer L. Griffith on February 1, 2008 at 5:11 am

Great news, Charity…at least in the physical realm. I hear you about keeping the eternal perspective. It’s not always easy, but God is so good.

Thanks for sharing your news with us.
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spaghettipie on February 1, 2008 at 4:53 am

Hooray, Charity! I pray you will find balance – in being able to rejoice and also keeping that eternal perspective.
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