Round One Complete

June 6, 2011 will be remembered in the history books as "Round one complete, with all praise, honor and glory going to the Lord." Joy has successfully completed her first treatment of chemotherapy. We began our journey pulling out of the driveway at 6:15am yesterday morning. Since she is not able to drive yet, I quickly became an international driver with a great introduction on their busiest highway.

We arrived around 8am at the Odette Cancer Center in Toronto. We had prayed for, and received, traveling mercies and a parking spot easily accessible to the entrance. Joy didn't have much of a wait before she was settled in for her treatment. Because this was her first time it made for a longer day and more anticipation of what was to come. Things ran fairly smoothly throughout the day. All of the nurses who looked after our precious Joy were wonderful. Due to the length of her treatment Joy was given a "bedroom", complete with four other people. (smile) There was always a nurse in the room tending to the patients. There was one bump in the road when she developed a small rash about 15 minutes after the first drug started running through the IV. As soon as the nurse saw what was happening, she called the surgeon and administered an antidote which had Joy back on track in no time.

If one knows what to look for they could see the Father's fingerprints all over this medical staff who were taking care of our Joy. I think about how the  pharmacist sat tenderly beside Joy's bed, respecting her privacy as she spoke about her medicines and answered her questions. Volunteers came around with cookies at just the right time. Other patients watching as Joy took this chemotherapy into her body to win the battle against cancer saw the quiet courage of my best friend. I watched her stay vigilant for those other four people in the room yesterday. I have no doubt she went before the Father on their behalf many times during the day. As she would glance around the room her heart was heavy for the woman to her left, the young lady and other two men across from her. Each of these roommates were there for the same purpose that had brought her here, to beat this nasty disease called cancer. Prayer is a mighty and powerful weapon, do not doubt it's power!

We finally arrived home at 6:12pm almost 12 hours after leaving in the morning. Joy rested in the evening. Round one was over.  We were both totally exhausted after facing so many unknowns, but the day was a testimony to the Lord. Last night I watched her yawn and nod off as I was working on writing this post. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Please keep the encouragement coming. I will write more soon and post some pictures.

A praise report from today is that the follow-up ultrasound after Friday's mammogram showed no cause for alarm to the technician.  We are rejoicing over this good news.

Joy's father is still in ICU and may be moved to an out of town hospital due to lack of beds. This would cause hardship on the family. Pray for God's grace and wisdom.

Will you pray this prayer for anyone that may have cancer?

Father, we pray that You touch every cancer patient, heal them or grant them
sufficient grace to make it through. We pray for all the doctors and nurses taking 
care of these dear ones. We pray for family members and that You, Lord, will comfort 
them and grant them peace.
We ask all this in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.


Standing in the gap with "Faith"
Diane "Hope"