Steroids and sleep just don't mix...

It is 4:28 and all is well...except that I am UP at 4:28! So I figured I would be productive for a few minutes. Yesterday went as expected and I am 75% done the A/C portion of chemo! That is a big thankful thought. But the steroids they give me always keep me restless. They gave me Ativan while I was there yesterday and it helped tremendously with the 'jitters' and I slept 2 hours when I got home. Very sweet sleep. The reslessness was still there all evening but not jittery. More Ativan later, and I did sleep but not too long! Tired but not sleepy...ever been there? So, I caught up on my "Words with Friends" games going on, and make no excuses for some of the words.  It's 4 am!  :)  But, that was a nice diversion, and now I'm writing to you.

I'm okay...prepared for the next few days, and content with what they will be, although not always pleasant. You all help in that respect. Your notes, meals, messages, etc. help reflect the love you have for me and the love of the Lord...and it is significant in helping carry me through. I only hope I learn more to be like all of you, and remember this later to pass on the same kind of love and care so tenderly given.

"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."

Isaiah 66:2

Cultivate a spirit of humility today by doing a simple act of service and doing it anonymously. Folding towels for your roommate... cutting roses for the desk of a new employee... baking cookies for your co-workers... taking out trashcans for an elderly neighbor... scholarshiping a disabled kid to camp... giving a gift certificate to a working single mom... washing a car for a friend.

 As so often, this is from Joni's morning devotions. Simple little things like this can mean the world to someone and some variation of these have been done here. I am thankful when I have better days and can do something for my family or others for a change, since they serve me so well. It brightens my own day as I pray it will brighten theirs!

Thankful thoughts:

• Skull cap wigs - my sister showed up yesterday at chemo with her matching hat I got her. She had tried to fit a skin-looking skull cap wig under it to match my head! We were off to a laughing start.
• Boston Market creamed spinach - saved my stomach yesterday.
• A 3rd piece of chocolate - thank you, Marci! A fun way to mark time.
• A great first day for Kristen!
• A ride for her to and from work! Thank you, Kings.
• Rearranging our room - I got busy before I left yesterday and rearranged the sitting area where I am spending so much time. Simple pleasures, but it felt good. Now I can actually see out one of the windows!
• The kindness, patience and wisdom of the nurses...gave me some other practical tips on managing some side affects. And were so patient with all my questions that kept popping up!
• A delicious feast waiting when I got home, exhausted. What a gift. So many of them, I have lost count!
• A worker-bee husband who doesn't complain. Always ready with a therapeutic hug. After long workdays, comes home and caters to me when I need it. I don't know what I did to deserve him.

Well, I suppose I should try for a few more minutes of sleep, but it's been nice catching up with you. I am always humbled by your reading this, and I thank you!

Have a blessed day.

Andi