{"id":133,"date":"2023-06-26T22:43:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T02:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hirtfamily.net\/chris\/?p=133"},"modified":"2023-06-26T22:52:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T02:52:12","slug":"round-2-ding-ding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hirtfamily.net\/chris\/2023\/06\/26\/round-2-ding-ding\/","title":{"rendered":"Round 2 Ding Ding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I’ve never been part of a sport with various rounds of competition. I imagine there is a level of mental preparedness that is necessary to compete, and then compete again and again…and possibly again and yet again?! The repeat of battering in a sport like boxing seems grueling. I would like a marathon any day over boxing, and today felt a bit like the boxing ring bells were going off as we entered the medical clinic for Round 2 of chemo (at a minimum Chris will need 6 rounds spaced three weeks apart). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We met with our doctor, and had positive reports of good levels of hemoglobin and platelets! This is fantastic news. The liver levels were improved but not satisfactory enough for the doctor so we will go and get a liver ultrasound tomorrow 5\/27 along with his “recovery shot” to boost the white blood cell count. The doc estimates that in many respects (maybe not all…remains to be seen) Chris is speeding ahead in his progress and may be closer to what many patients experience after three full rounds of chemo. Thankfully, the doctor is well prepared to handle Chris-the-often-over-achiever and told him to pay attention to the needs of his body, and that included slowing down if need be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That comment came on the heels of Chris telling him that he ran two miles, just yesterday. I am not sure why Chris also didn’t tell the doctor he did a high ropes course and had to climb a tower first to get to it…maybe he forgot that part? Yes, we had a good weekend and wanted to really enjoy our time with the kids before another chemo round. Chris was feeling much improved. This picture is a fun memory of our run, his first since this all began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS…my parents booked a week at a camp together many months before the diagnosis. The kids are having a wonderful time with my parents and we hope to return to the camp after some recovery from the chemo today. Today’s chemo experience went far better than the first time. He was very tired by the evening, but all within “normal” for chemo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Several days last week were tough and not the fun we were hoping. We were surprised by a case of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease for one of our kiddos. We have never had it before and were surprised when no, this was not a simple strawberry plant allergy…The kid (#2) was extremely brave and persevering despite significant discomfort and the need to be somewhat isolated and careful in hopes of not spreading it to others, especially Chris. We are praying it is finished! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an earlier post I mentioned a song that was on repeat in my head. Lately, the song by Natalie Grant “My Weapon” has been playing. Here are a few phrases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your presence is my greatest weapon<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your presence makes me free <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris and I are so grateful that we don’t enter our chemo appointments with boxing gloves and sweat towels, or white flags waiving. While the bells may go off in our mind reminding us of the significance of the appointment it is the presence of our Lord Jesus that is our weapon, not our strength, not our stamina, not our skill. His presence makes us free; free to love each other in the difficulty, free to receive news of more appointments, free to walk the path he has before us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isa 41:10<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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