Despite being 800+ miles from home, we are staying pretty busy with things other than treating my cancer. Thankfully, I’ve felt so much stronger since the chemo devastation has ended, and we’ve been able to have some fun when I’m not having medical appointments and Jonathan’s not working. Our first fun outing was a short trip to Galveston. It was a beautiful Saturday and we had some of our favorite food – seafood! The beaches were extremely crowded, but we were able to find a quieter spot to get a couple of pictures.
On Sunday, we went to Beth Moore’s church in Houston for the second time. No, we didn’t see her, but it’s neat to think it’s her church. If you aren’t familiar with Beth, she is known nationally for her Christian books and video Bible studies. She’s extremely down to earth and real – her study on the disciple John was the first Bible study I attended back in 2003 (with a breast feeding baby in tow!). Anyway, I think she’s great! After church, Jonathan’s cousins hosted us to a relaxing afternoon in their beautiful home. We had a great time catching up with 3 of Jonathan’s cousins and 2 of their wives along with enjoying some delicious food.
Our oldest had her fifth grade graduation last night! Yes, we are now parents of a middle-schooler! Thank you to my parents, Jonathan’s parents and my Aunt Marianna & Uncle Gene for making her special evening a great celebration! One more milestone we will celebrate again later. . .
Okay, so, in addition to finally getting out into the world and socializing, there is also a battle going on to reclaim my health. I’m forcing myself to get out despite my ongoing baldness and the lovely addition of losing most of my eyelashes and eyebrows. Ugh! Radiation is going along fine. I had my 6th treatment today. The main side effects so far are redness, dry skin and swelling around my eyes. I think the lymphoma is flattening, but I’m cautious to get excited because of so many previous rounds of disappointment. I’m just trucking along, praying for healing and trying hard to be patient as I attempt to surrender it to God.
Because cancer alone is not enough, I also visited with a cardiologist oncologist this morning. I’ve had some chest pressure, palpitations and a fast heartbeat since beginning the second chemotherapy regimen. MD Anderson always puts their patients on beta-blockers prior to the cardiotoxic drugs I was given, so we are starting those ASAP to prevent any further issues and I’ll be doing a regular ECHO test Friday and a stress ECHO on Tuesday. Despite my physical exam and EKG being great, my symptoms and new resting heart rate of 90+ warrant a further look.
Phew! That’s a lot of stuff! Please pray for effectiveness of treatment and that no damage has been done to my heart. Thank you!
Dear April,
What I’m saying is not important but the story you told was awesome, awesome, awesome and awesome. I don’t think God could have sent you a more appropriate angel than a wonderful, kind, loving, black man. I can almost see him in my mind right now.
I am sorry you have had to go through this experience but only God knows why and as you indicated there are a few silver linings to our clouds. If we have lived once surely we will again. I think Martha experienced many of the feelings that you have experienced and I believe that one day you will look back at this as being partly a bad dream and partly a blessing that you would not want to part with.
Thank you for taking the time t o write your blog. It is a blessing to all of us.
God bless you and Jonathan and we love you very much.
Uncle William
We have been busy with end-of-school stuff as well (Griffin is also going to be a middle schooler next year!) but have been keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I hope the heart tests checked out okay and that your spirits are good. Please keep us posted on the stem cell match – I’m going to go check out the site you listed and talk to family about registering as well. We are looking forward to hearing some good news about your results very soon!
We continue to pray for your family with the kids at bed time prayer every night as well! Keep up your positive attitude and strong faith.
We continue to pray for your family with the k
Dear April,
I continue to read your blog and am constantly impressed by your great spirit through all of this. You look great in the pictures! It is wonderful that you and Jonathan
found and enjoyed some fine seafood in the Galveston area; my favorite kind of eating.
Our hope and prayer is that the radiation will destroy all the remaining lymphoma cells as radiation did for Isaac’s tumor.
God’s blessings upon you, Jonathan and your family,
Uncle William
Love this update. Thank you so much for the ministry of this blog. I check it every day and read and reread and rereread.
Please know that we pray every day and the children remind us to “Pray for the Scheeles!” at every meal blessing. We are here loving you and lifting YOU up – THE collective YOU as in ALL OF YOU!
Love the pictures! You look great and I’m so glad you are feeling stronger!!! Miss you!
Prayers for a complete healing! I Love your photos and how you share with us. Iam looking at these photos and thinking How Beautiful you are April. Inside and Outside. Such a Great couple. I Love you all. Miss seeing your Beautiful face and Sweet Spirit. Prayers for you all,