top of page

October 7, 2021

Things are all set for cycle two of chemo to begin. We had an appointment this morning where they checked Lucy's blood and gave her a COVID test. Everything checked out so far so Friday she will have a bone marrow biopsy and 5 hours of chemo outpatient. Then Sunday the 10th Lucy will be admitted for a week. She will have daily chemo and steroids, and 3 lumbar punctures. It will be very similar to the chemo week we just went through at the hospital, which means it will be very intense. Lucy has been struggling with a lot of anxiety with everything so please be praying for that.


Our time at home has been both hard and restorative at different times. Lucy lost her hair, and has struggled through physical difficulties, anger, fear and social anxiety. It was difficult getting a shot everyday, eating when she didn't feel like it, anticipating the procedures ahead, and finding a place with her cousins taking into account her new reality.


But I have also seen her be brave for things like her shots, and be giving in ways like making lunch for everyone or does the dishes when she doesn't have to. I've seen her learn to accept her new look and even make new friends. And I've seen her work to control her emotions instead of be ruled by them.


It's also been really neat to see how her cousins have stepped up to help her. I've been impressed with their patience and love through some difficult moments and even bravery as they held Lucy's hand during her shots. I'm so proud of them.


It's hard not to feel a bit of dred over what's coming. Lucy's anxiety seems to be getting worse, not better. She is very jumpy even in moments when she should be able to relax. The chemo will once again make Lucy's stomach hurt and wipeout her immune system. The steroids will cause dramatic mood swings and sometimes screaming fits. There will be little sleep as procedures can go into the night.


Thank you so much for all your prayers. They have carried us through as we fight this. On the way to the appointment this morning, I was telling Lucy that she could be brave and she said, "Well, there are a lot of people praying for us, right?"

Yes, yes my dear girl. You have an army of prayer warriors behind you that are calling on the heavenly army for help. Together, with His strength, we will make it.


Prayer needs:

- Protection for Lucy's body during chemo

- That the chemo will be effective with minimal side effects

- For Lucy's heart and mind as she struggles with anxiety

- For strength for JD while he helps Lucy in the hospital

- For grace with the hospital staff as we try to work with their strict policy on letting me visit

- My sleep (I haven't been able to stay asleep most nights)

- For continued strength and peace to handle this well and be witnesses to those around us


A Bible verse that touched my heart this week:

"We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul," Hebrews 6:18b-19a


Something fun:

Lucy has exchanged cheesecake for the power of Mac and cheese. But she didn't like the fancy kind in the hospital. She only likes what she calls "homemade" Mac and cheese (aka boxed stuff like Kraft). My girl has cheap tastes I guess. 😆

108 views4 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Lucy's End of Cancer Party!

You are invited to come celebrate the end of Lucy Atkinson's cancer treatment!   We want to celebrate all that God has done for us and...

March 9, 2022

Lucy has a Dr appointment on Monday. Since she no longer has her port, she had her blood drawn the standard way from a vein in her arm....

February 23, 2022

Lucy is doing great! Her port removal surgery went well last Friday. They let both JD and I be with her the whole time except surgery....

4 Comments


Guest
Oct 09, 2021

Praying for Lucy and all of you. I can't imagine what you're going through, but I can offer it all up in prayer to the Father. And whenever you need a shoulder to cry on, feel free to hit me up and just vent away. Blessings, and much love all the way from Chile.

Like

Guest
Oct 08, 2021

Praying for you all and dear Lucy! Hang in the Lucy ❤️ I can remember the food issues. Prednisone could really make Paul ravenous . It was funny to see him as a 3 year old polish off a huge Greek salad of all strange things.

Like

Guest
Oct 08, 2021

I continue to lift you all up in prayer.

Like

barbaradupaul
Oct 08, 2021

I am praying for your family daily. May our God carry you all through this very very difficult time and show you his mercy.

Like
bottom of page