While we were supposed to do this chemo group outpatient, Cade had some issues with blood in his urine (as in trace amounts and not visible) so we had to keep him on round the clock fluids and were checked into the stem cell wing of the oncology floor. He basically played Wii and ate for 5 days straight.
Our church was praying all week and fasting for him the three final days of the week, and I am amazed at how visibly full of life and health he was and is. He was sent home with some fluids this Saturday, and I got to be his at-home nurse and hook him up to an IV every night. I kind of love being in charge like that, not sure it was a good idea for the hospital to provide me with tools to be his nurse. ;-)
He was leaping off of furniture all weekend, and we had to keep reminding him to PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF YOUR PORT because it has a 3/4 inch needle in it. But he seemed virtually undisturbed.
For whatever reason, Cade's chemos last week were administered at night, and usually after he was asleep. Normally we bring people with us to the chemos to pray, but last week because they were so late, Chad and I got to do it. Two nights I drove up there and held him while he slept and prayed while he got them. It was such an amazing picture of what is happening in our lives. We sleep, and the Father works. We rest, and He performs.
We have two weeks off before another 5 day round just like this one. We are praying that he spends these next two weeks building strength and getting prepared- even in sleep- for what is ahead. God has been faithful every. single. day.
Thank you for praying for him. He is thriving because God is acting on behalf of our prayers.
I know I'll process this week here on the blog eventually, and some of the things I personally wrestled with throughout the past few days. In many ways, I feel like the inpatient stay was more for my heart than anything else. It brought so many things to surface. Namely, that I need the strength of God and not the strength of Charis. Turns out, the hospital in many ways is my kryptonite. I am so glad that when I am at my lowest, and the lies begin to flood in that reading the Word and worship and prayer can't possibly rescue me, He steps in. There is, I am learning, no situation that is too dark or deep that He is not sufficient in.
The simple obedience of spending time with Him every day, re-reading the promises He has spoken, laying all of my burdens out in prayer before Him, getting truly ALONE with Him, brings peace. There is no darkness He can't dispel. There is no burden He can't, or won't, carry for me. But I have to invite Him. I have to say yes again, and again, and again. He showed up this week- when I was probably the lowest I've been since November- and He was my friend. He is always doing that. Always showing up as a friend who can bear the weight of my heart. No one else, no matter how well meaning, can meet me in those places and offer anything of true substance. I am sure, no matter where you are in life, He can meet you. When no one else can, He can. He really is a faithful friend. A precious friend. I am so glad to know Him.
Still, some of the outcomes of this week in my mind aren't ready to share, so I'll just link a few of the songs we found helpful this week, and leave this brief update to say thank you for praying and to report that God is doing amazing things in Cade.
"Needy One, at the end of your road of self you will find Him waiting. The Author and Finisher of your faith is willing to meet you there. Back of you are the tears and the sorrows, the heartaches and the disappointments that are the gifts of the world devoid of faith and empty of belief in God; and the sunlit trail where Jesus stands, is bright and glorious with the light of His presence! Trust Him for His grace. Rest upon His promises. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift; and the road up which you will walk, together with Him, will shine more and more unto the perfect day." - The Real Faith by Charles Price
This Podcast by Shawn Bolz was really good for me this week; it's an interview about emotional health with the head of the Bethel Music movement Brian Johnson
And I've just been playing this song over and over again, on the piano, in the car, etc:
Kristene DiMarco: What a Friend I've Found
And this is Cade's favorite album right now- for whatever reason, he dances like crazy to it. I especially love this song:
Rend Collective: Counting Every Blessing
PRaying for Cade and you and Chad. As I was reading God’s word and praying for Cade, I read the prayer of Jeremiah 32. Ah Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands. O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almoghty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your seyes are own go all the ways of men. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and continued them to this day.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord responds to Jeremiahs prayer... He says... I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jer 33:6 I will bring health and healing. I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security. We have poured out our hearts to God for Cade’s healing... Now as we continue to trust him, we will sing praises to Him for His healing power as He continues to minister to Cade by His powerful outstretched arm. For there is nothing too hard for Him!! May He bring peace and joy to your hearts during this journey.