"So...when is your hair going to start falling out?" I asked him.

 

"In about a week", my husband Germán answered.  Now, you can see he still has his hair, but losing it is a distinct possibility.  Being our first personal experience with this illness, we're not too sure what is going to happen.  Officially, he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's follicular lymphoma.  It may have a long wordy name, but it's still cancer!

Over the past couple of years, he has often told me, "I feel weird."  Like something was "off".  But it was usually attributed to his long-suffered gastric problems and IBS.  Finally, when a very painful episode landed him in the ER, they started to test from a different angle.  Germán became thoroughly tired of hospitals quite quickly!  So many appointments and tests.  But now we know why he has felt "weird"!

Germán's lymphoma is "only" stage 2,  though we understand  more problems can develop over time.  (For those who know something about it, his ki-67 was 40%.)  

Five days ago he was supposed to see the oncologist for THE discussion about when to start treatment.  A couple of hours after he left, he called me and said, "They are going to start the first chemo today, so I won't be home for a few hours."  Didn't expect THAT!

I took this photo of my good-looking guy yesterday, four days after the first dose.  He is doing well, considering!  He does rest a lot, and feels discomfort, but walks around, does little chores, goes out to do an errand here and there, and tries to be as "normal" as he can.

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So, how do we FEEL about this sudden blow?  Well, we decided before we received the test results that we would rejoice, whatever the verdict was.  As long as our faith and love remain intact, we can make it through whatever awaits our bodies! 

 We take great comfort in our Father's words and promises, so sweet to think on.

             "So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God;  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   (Isaiah 41:10)

           "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid...for the LORD your God goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6

           "...being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."   (Colossians 1:11)

           "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,"  (Matthew 28:20b)

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P.S. It's been an awfully long time since I've written a new post, hasn't it?  Hopefully, I'll do better now.  If YOU have any comments or advice, etc., about dealing with cancer, feel free to share your thoughts. Thanks!)