God's phone number

BOX SCORE
Element	Current	Std. Range	Trend
Hemoglobin	11.5	13-17	v
Platelets	33	140-375	v
ANC	1450	1800-8300	^

The sun is shining; the temperature is low; the last roses of summer are still clinging to the canes. It is definitely fall in Dallas. My next round of chemotherapy begins today. For the next five days, I will receive injections of medication that is aimed at halting the assault of cancer cells on my bone marrow. In addition, for the next ten days, I will take oral medication that has the same target. These treatments are not difficult in and of themselves, but there are some caveats involved. 

During "Chemo Week" (which totals 12 days) I need to be mindful to take my medications. Fortunately, I have an electronic medication dispenser that faithfully reminds me when it is time for more pills. I must refrain from any alcoholic beverages, so no home brew will be on the menu. The chemotherapeutic agents take about 48 hours to metabolize out of my system. That's why the "week" extends to 12 days: ten days of medication and two days for the last dose to clear my system. 

After the 12 days of "Chemo Week," I will have 30 days without treatment, unless there is an unexpected event. The most likely thing to qualify in that category is low platelet or hemoglobin counts. If they are low enough, I could need a transfusion. That hasn't happened in quite some time, so fingers crossed, I will plod along in expectation of business as usual. That means a weekly blood draw. period.

Now, all of that having been said, you will notice that the Box Score shows my platelet count is at 33. That's pretty low. The protocol calls for a platelet transfusion at 30, if I am having bleeding episodes, such as bloody nose. If the count drops to 20, I might need a transfusion if I begin to have symptoms such as severe bruising or sores in my mouth. When the number hits 10, a transfusion is automatically ordered. Since the number today is low, I will have another blood draw later this week to keep tabs on things. It's all within our "comfort zone," since "this is not," as the old saying goes, "my first rodeo." The previous week, my ANC dropped below the baseline, and we had to quarantine for a week, make slight dietary alterations and take some extra pills. Again, this was just part of the game.

So, those are the latest developments in terms of what my blood is up to. In the meantime, I am feeling well, and we have been able make our two mile walk every day. I have been able to do some projects around the house, and we have plans to host Laura (our daughter) and Tim and their boys right after "Chemo Week." In addition we are planning to host Thanksgiving for Patrick (son) and Katie and their girls, and for daughter Tara. 

Thanks to the mercy of our Lord, we are able to live a pretty normal life, in spite of AML. Of course, we give credit to our wonderful medical team, who are very attentive, professional and above all compassionate. Their efforts are much appreciated, but they, like me, are dependent on the incredible creation that is the human body for its ability to heal itself. So, we are all in this together, and the Great Physician is in charge. 

As I was reading a devotional this morning, there was reference to a Bible verse I love. Jeremiah 33:3 -

“Call to Me, and I will answer you—
I will tell you great and hidden things, which you do not know.”

When I first read this verse it was during a Bible study, in which the author of the study referred to this verse as "God's telephone number." I love that concept, and I can tell you from personal experience, He is true to His word. Many times during prayer time, or while I am wakeful in the night, I have called to Him, and He has told me wonderful things that I did not know. 

If you are troubled today: 

"Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua." (Philippians 4:6-7 TLV)

Give Him a call. He always answers.