Next week in Colombia

    So many last minute things to get ready for our trip.  Check car, trim hair, travel to DC on Monday and pray the weather is good.
    Today, as I was reflecting on Psalm 46, I again realized that I, as a believer, have the stability and hope that the Lord is with me through everything that goes on in my family's life, in my plans now and in the future, and my personal life as it is now.
    Every day is a new experience and challenge.  Friends and acquaintances around me have lost loved ones recently, or, they are about to be one of those loved ones.  We have no idea when our "time" will come, but, we face the challenge every day to keep going.
    Last time I went for chemo, I was told I had a low fever.  I was surprised, so I asked Chad, my nurse, to take it again.  He said, sure, and it was normal.  Now I realize that putting the thermometer in different places will show a different story, but I went on with it and got chemo.  The thing is, my platelets were "OK", but still just a bit above what they would consider not high enough.  
    Yesterday, 6 days after chemo, I had 2 nose bleeds.  This time I knew what to do.  The unfortunate thing is the first one started in the supermarket.  I had decided to try to have chemo 2 1/2 weeks (instead of 3 weeks) after the last treatment so I would have more time to recuperate before our trip.  It did have its pros and cons, but so far, I am "recuperating" well each day and will not take Eliquis for 2 doses and hope that helps some.
    The interesting thing is that the last treatment I also had nosebleeds soon after the treatments and figure, as I have been reminded, that my platelets get low after a treatment and the combination with taking a blood thinner anyway, can cause this.
    I am also thankful this time "no diarrhea, no constipation"....what's that all about?  Who knows:)  But, I guess God knows:)
    So, I was meditating on Psalm 46.   Even though these days I have many prayers on my heart for my family around me, for friends who need prayer and even this impending trip, I have trouble concentrating on praying.  My mind goes wondering, or skipping or just losing track of thinking.   But, I know that the Lord tells us in His Word, that He is with us all the time, even though we mentally don't have the capacity sometimes to concentrate.  He knows our hearts even though we don't "know" our minds sometimes.  I blame this on chemo brain, but I really have guilt feelings for my mind being so "messed" up with the chemo.  At least I blame it on that and not old age:)
Next week we fly from Washington DC to Bogota to Armenia, all within an 8 hour period, which will include one airport change.  There is no time change since we go south not east or west.  I intend to carry antibacterial wipes to wipe all I can and have my mask ready to ward off "infected looking" people☺
Excuse the length of this entry but, hey, what is blogging about but typing on your PC all your thoughts as best they come out and hope they are understood by any interested readers out there.
    I am ready for some warm weather in beautiful coffee country with beautiful family and friends provided by God who has blessed me with another chance of life this year!  By the way, before I end this, my tumor marker remains at a 8, even though last time, I think it was down to 5 something. Just think that I started this "journey" out with it being in the 4000s!!   It is staying low now for the time being. 
   And not to forget the gratitude I have for my very supportive family and for my loving husband who is a constant and committed support to me.
   We will be celebrating Valentine's Day in Colombia this year💘 

Psalm 46 The Message (MSG)

A Song of the Sons of Korah

46 

1-3 God is a safe place to hide,

    ready to help when we need him.

We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,

    courageous in seastorm and earthquake,

Before the rush and roar of oceans,

    the tremors that shift mountains.

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,

    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

4-6 

River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city,

    this sacred haunt of the Most High.

God lives here, the streets are safe,

    God at your service from crack of dawn.

Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,

    but Earth does anything he says.

7 

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,

    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

8-10 

Attention, all! See the marvels of God!

    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,

Bans war from pole to pole,

    breaks all the weapons across his knee.

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,

    loving look at me, your High God,

    above politics, above everything.”

11 

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,

    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.