Facing the Giants Again

Mid-September.  We were hoping by now Paige would be finished with all of the IV chemo and well on her way to maintenance.  That was our plan.  As we have learned many times along this journey, our timing doesn't always match up with God's timing.  As for Paige's chemo, we have some catching up to do--starting tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the first of 3 planned hospitalizations with high-dose chemotherapy.  When I say high-dose, I mean high-dose.  Two "big ol' bags" (as Paige says) of chemo administered over 24 hours.  About five days in the hospital.  Lots of monitoring at home afterwards.  This is "make-up work" in her treatment--pardon the school reference, but I am a teacher after all!  After a very scary reaction the first time through this--way back in May--Paige's doctors have decided this particular drug is too important in leukemia treatment not to try again.  After much discussion with the leukemia team, which includes one of TCH's original researchers, they have put together a plan they feel will be safe and effective in continuing Paige's treatment.  These doctors have shown incredible compassion in caring for Paige--and the rest of our family--and I am certain God is giving them the wisdom and discernment they need to take care of my daughter.

Are we anxious?  A bit, yes.  But as we have done all along, we are trusting God and praying.  Praying that the chemo will get in, do what it's supposed to do, and get out ASAP.  Praying for peace and calm assurance.  Praying that God will continue to equip Paige--and our whole family--with the physical, spiritual, and mental strength we need to get through this next part of our journey.  As my uncle reminded me this evening, we know who holds tomorrow--and we know who holds Paige's hand.

Yes, we figured we would be closer to the maintenance phase by now.  However, our sense of timing really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.  God has a perfect plan, and He continues to amaze us with this incredible testimony He is creating in Paige.  She is a warrior, fierce in her determination to win this battle.  I have no doubt she will be victorious.  An overcomer.  Isn't she already?!?

A sweet friend and co-worker sent me the following excerpt from a devotional she came across--I thought it was a perfect close to this post:

"Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race;
Yet to the true and the faithful
Victory is promised through grace."
                                 --Crosby