Explanation: I’m taking an online blogging challenge through WordPress beginning today. The first exercise involves writing whatever came to mind for twenty minutes. The real challenge came in their direction to publish what was written in that time. What follows is the result – no editing.
Twenty minutes of writing whatever comes to mind. And then publish? No way! But this will still be interesting. I have a second second chance in life. Oh, I’m sure there are many more that these two, but I’m thinking of the Big C scare. More than three years ago, it was uterine cancer and it had to be removed surgically – but that was the end of it without any chemo or radiation.
Two weeks ago, with a standard blood test so my doctor would have a baseline to go by before I begin working with another doctor to get rid of some allergies and the root cause, all those plans had to be put on hold. My white blood cell count was drastically low, especially when compared to the counts from last August. Cancel the new doctor appointment and make an appointment with a hematologist at the same cancer center where I still go for follow-up visits with my oncologist.
Today was the day I would meet with him for the first time. Taking Tom with me for an extra pair of ears, we met with the PA first. Just before she did the basic heart check, I asked her if there was any chance the blood test could be wrong. She was less than encouraging in her answer. And then we got to wait longer, this time for the doctor. But not before she described what problems a person has when their counts are low in the areas of white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. Tom and I were both confused, because I haven’t been sick (other than the same upper respiratory infection he had in February), I definitely don’t have a problem with blood not clotting, and I haven’t been tired. It just didn’t fit, no matter what the numbers said.
The doctor told us there was always the possibility the blood work could be wrong, which is why he was having more blood drawn today. He did say, however, that if it was still the same as two weeks ago (0.8, for all of you who are familiar with those numbers), he would schedule me for a bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday. I hesitated, but then asked if I could expect him to describe what I would be facing with that biopsy when he called later today with the results – if it was necessary. He agreed that it would be best not to go there unless it was needed, and we would talk soon.
Blood drawn. Now we wait. But not for long. Just after lunch, not even two hours after the test, the PA called to say that number is now – only two weeks later – 5.0! Well into the normal range. And the other two numbers are now equally as good! In just two weeks???
How do I explain it? Jesus Christ is still I AM! It’s not because I’m so great, or walk without fear, though I definitely had less fear this time than the last. I was in much peace, even with the idea that I could be in for another type of cancer and treatment. But God! It’s His faithfulness. He has given me another chance. No, that’s not right. He is always with me, and it’s not a matter of chances. That would mean He’s working with me till I get it right. I never will. That’s why I need Jesus.
So I guess I just need to leave it at Jesus Christ. Period. What I do know is it has reignited the appreciation for life I found at work when I was told all the lymph nodes they removed during the hysterectomy were clear. The cancer had been eliminated completely. Three years later, I had allowed life here to have too much pull in my attitude. This latest scare has definitely brought me back to appreciate the life I have been given, for however long I have it. And now I want to share the hope in Christ alone, not in what may or may not happen in our bodies. He is life! He is love! He is eternal! And He lives and dwells in me and I in Him!
What a glorious Lord and Savior is my Christ Jesus!
To Make Christ Known 