Perseverance

To get through difficult times we all have learned methods that help us to make it. Chemotherapy treatments have opened up a whole new set of 'getting through it' skills.  Last Wednesday night in midst of a huge headache, I was trying my best to be physiologically ready for the looming chemo treatment the following day.  I happened to open the Bible to  ....“And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." -- II Corinthians 12:9-10.  Unable to read any more because of my headache I went to sleep with a back rub from my husband and "... when I am weak, then I am strong" echoing in my mind.

The next day, as we sat in the waiting room, I kept repeating "... when I am weak, then I am strong".  Upon being escorted into the treatment room (which just reminds me of a dairy barn ... people all lined up hooked to machines and the smell is something else ...).  I was given the nearest bed.  A kind nurse asked me how I was feeling ... nauseous.  The treatment had not even started, yet.  She suggested that it might be the smell of the treatment room and asked if I had anything pleasant to smell.  Amazingly, I had peppermint oil in my purse. A little on my temples and a few sniffs and the nausea began to subside.  God once again had provided a way to lesson my misery.  I do not remember much about this treatment because of the drugs given to stop allergic reactions to my current drug mix except that I continued to repeat "... when I am weak, then I am strong".

The best advice that I received early on in my chemotherapy treatments was  to "Hold God's hand tight, and listen to the Holy Spirit as he speaks to you, encourages you and comforts you".  Praise the Lord that in my delirium, I was able to remember enough of a Bible verse to get through this one.... 3 more to go ... and I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. By holding tight onto God's hand and with His help I will persevere.