Come what may

 Cycle Two (Continued)

“Come what may”

This week will conclude Cycle Two. In general, we hover between two perceptions: 1) Time is going so fast. And 2) This treatment will take such a long time.

The months, weeks, and days seem to race by, but because the duration of this treatment is anticipated to be 24 months, the time measured in terms of completing treatments creeps along slowly. We are anxious about the next step because we continue to hope for successful outcomes. Yet, we know there are risks and discomforts associated with increasing the treatment regimen. Since each cycle is 28 days – or four weeks – that means 26 cycles for us. But there may be some adaptation occurring over the course of treatment.

Nevertheless, this upcoming week represents a new step in the intended treatment plan. Beginning on Thursday Doris will be given an additional oral chemo medication. We will learn more about things this week, but based on our understanding, this new medication will attack and kill the cancer cells. It is a very potent medication, and Doris will begin her medication with a “starter pack.” It will take five weeks to ramp up the medication to the full dose. Because of the risk of Tumor Lysis Syndrome, Doris will undergo blood draws and tests to make sure things are not happening too fast. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs when there is excessive cellular death. It is ironic that we want those cells killed – just not too fast.

Obviously, we have concerns about this cycle of treatment. We will follow guidelines very carefully and Doris will submit to all her required blood draws so we can monitor the situation appropriately. We appreciate your prayerful and faithful considerations on Doris’ behalf.

Today, as I was listening to Music and the Spoken Word, one of the verses resonated with me. The text is shown below.

1. I believe in Christ; he is my King!

With all my heart to him I’ll sing;

I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised.

4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!

From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I’ll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

Text: Bruce R. McConkie, 1915–1985. © 1972 IRI

Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. © 1985 IRI

 

https://youtu.be/aei1ELCnlGY?si=HAQjipXbvpfOvblh

 

There are many things that can qualify for “come what may.” Whether it is a job loss, waiting on the Lord to validate faith-based questions, loss of a loved one or illness. This current season in our lives is a “come what may” type experience. Many years ago I was taught that the Lord sometimes allows us to experience trials and challenges for a divine purpose. For example, when God commanded Abraham to offer up his only son, Isaac as a sacrifice. The test was not because God wanted to see what Abraham was made of, but rather, God wanted Abraham to see what Abraham was made of.

This mortal existence, which we all know will end with death, is a test. The “come what may” experiences in our lives are the test.

Speaking of Abraham:

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell⁠;

25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

(Abraham 3:22-26)

There are a couple of terms that may be unfamiliar to some of you. The “first estate” refers to the life or consciousness we had before we were born. We existed as spirits and we were able to move about, communicate with one another, and to make choices. Those who “keep their first estate” means all of us who have lived on earth, who now live on earth, or will yet live on the earth. They who “keep their second estate” are they who choose to follow Jesus Christ. In the vernacular I am describing here, those who “keep their second estate,” are they who follow Jesus Christ “come what may.” We aspire to believe in Christ, and act on that belief “come what may.”