In just a few short hours we will be leaving Savannah and heading down to MD Anderson for Mom’s 3rd Chemo treatment.  It will be a busy two days with travel, securing a room at the Hubbard House, blood work to be drawn late this afternoon, an early 8:00 AM visit to Dr. Gordon on Thursday and finally wrapping up the day with the “dreaded four hour drip.” Pray the treatment begins promptly at 11:00 AM.  We ran into a few glitches last go around which kept mom hooked-up into the dinner hour and exhausted.   Typically her treatment should end about 3:00 or 4:00 at the latest.

Mom has been in good spirits as her stamina has strengthened over the past week.  She has been trying to keep her hands busy with a few sewing projects. Her mind is always swirling with plans and I predict after the completion of this next cycle - she will be rearing to go as she will have reached her 1/2 way mark.  Mom and I have been looking forward to spending time with Susie who plans to meet us in Orlando.  Pray that her schedule will allow her to spend the night with us tonight to afford us more visiting time.

As you know there are currently three storms brewing out there.  Please pray God will allow us to dodge any adverse weather conditions both while we are in Orlando as well as our travel after the treatment. Pray that mom’s blood work comes out favorably so that she will be able to receive this treatment.  Pray too that for the availability of the Hubbard House room.

Thank you all for the time you have spent with God the Father on our behalf.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

Posted: September 3rd, 2008 under Medical Report.
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The last time my little grandson Brady (two yrs old) was visiting, one of his favorite toys was his Uncle Jonah’s jack-in-the box. Over and over again we turned the tiny crank listening to the tune “pop goes the weasel,” and each time the little clown popped out - Brady’s candidly suprised expression was as invaluable as the first.

This weekend I had the thrill & surprise of watching mom (after ten days of her second chemo treatment) pop back to normal in just one day, as she went from not being able to walk to the breakfast table to complete exhilaration for life. If you know our mom….then you know restricting that independence is quite the challenge.

Each chemo cycle lasts 21 days. The first 10 days are described accurately in previous posts as seemingly dismal, however the second half of the cycle is marked with Norma’s readiness to continue her uncontainable zeal for life. PRAYER REQUEST # 1 - however vibrant and anxious Norma is to get started on her next “adventure,” she still needs one (or 3) of us to steady the course. That would be Terry, Susie and myself. Pray we will find the balance in letting out the reigns with a mixture of wisdom and consideration for mom’s independence.

PRAYER REQUEST # 2 - we would ask God once again to intervene at the Hubbard House in order for a room to be secured for us on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd. The journey from Savannah to Orlando is long and mom’s day at MD Anderson starts early (6:30 AM) Thurs the 4th, running into the late afternoon hours.

As next week approaches one of us will post mom’s progress - as well as our current prayer needs. In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul encourages us to: “be anxious for nothing, but by prayer with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” Phil 4:6

Our peace comes from knowing that God is intimately acquainted with our every need and is lovingly working out His perfect purpose in and through our circumstances.

We love you and genuinely appreciate your concern for us.

Posted: August 25th, 2008 under Medical Report.
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It has always amazed me how the pages of the calendar seem to turn slower for those in the midst of trials & difficulties. A week of minutes & hours have passed since Norma’s second treatment and the milestones of the current treatment have mirrored those she experienced a month ago after her first dose of chemo. No matter how determined we are to push forward positively to September 4th, the days seem to drag for mom as she battles fatique, loss of appetite, digestive difficulties & general soreness of being. I’m confident in vicariously stating her sentiments regarding her hair loss though, “hair today, gone tomorrow.” Actually, I think she might have a few dozen strands left.

Although daily life demands its regularity for the Holland family, Terry delights in spending time with mom; watching the Olympic games & reading stories to her. I am especially thankful for her persistence in persuading mom to “PLEASE eat!” And, however unproductive her attempts may seem, she continues to “go for the gold!!” Week number two of mom’s chemo cycle is sure to prove momentum in that area as was our experience the first time around.

The precarious “Faye” is keeping us a bit on edge here in Savannah - knowing even the slightest wind storm might knock the power out sometimes for hours…….the last incident a month ago kept John and Terry without power for days. We welcome the rain but hope for the winds to keep to a minimum.

Please pray mom’s blood levels will stay steady in order to insure the next treatment set for Sept. 4th. Pray mom will continue to have the tenacity needed to endure the ongoing treatment, and that she will begin to experience relief from the physical discomfort which is often times discouraging. Finally, please pray we will continue to follow God’s leading in bringing beauty to mom’s unlovely circumstances. Your love, concern & prayers continue to strengthen us for the task at hand.

Posted: August 22nd, 2008 under Medical Report.
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