Be with me Lord...

"Be with me Lord, I cannot live without you. I dare not take one simple step alone..."

It's Meredith again...

Today, my mom is halfway done with her radiation treatments-- five down, five more to go. Radiation began first thing Monday morning, with her scheduled to have a treatment at 8am and 2pm every day this week-- her 8am treatment went well, she did great! The afternoon treatment didn't go as planned: the "radiation machine" went down and they were unable to repair it. After three hours in the waiting room, we were sent home with the hopes that a part overnighted from Maryland would fix the problem, and her treatments could resume as scheduled on Tuesday. Hooray, they got it fixed and she was able to receive two treatments both Tuesday and Wednesday-- tomorrow (Thursday) she'll go in very early in the morning, then again in the afternoon, and back again in the evening (each treatment must be 6+ hours apart). She'll have three treatments tomorrow to make up for her missed treatment on Monday. Then Friday, she'll finish her last two and have the catheter removed for the weekend!

She'll tell you she's getting more comfortable with the port/catheter, and that the radiation really hasn't been very bad at all... really, it can't possibly be as easy as she makes it look-- truth be told, she's simply AMAZING. She's so strong, so incredibly positive and resilient. She never complains, she rarely even lets you know she's uncomfortable... our whole family is in awe of her grace, her patience and her stamina.

We've been blessed to have met some precious people this week... even the staff at the treatment facility has been incredible. It's so refreshing that even in the midst of something so unpleasant, we are able to see God's hand, His goodness, His presence all around.

It wouldn't be right to go without continually thanking each of you for your prayers as this journey continues-- for the meals you have so graciously prepared for my parents-- for the overwhelming encouragement, support, and blessings you have showered over my precious mom. As far as we know Friday will be the last radiation treatment and port removal, then she will have a "week off" next week, and is set to begin chemotherapy the week of the 17th. As we receive more information and details, we'll update you all.

May the Lord bless you and keep you... thank you for being so wonderful to our family!