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General

 From Paul:

Cycle Four (continued):

We continue to navigate through Cycle Four with the 400 mg per day of chemo pill #2. There was a time when Doris really needed more help to deal with the pain associated with side effects of her treatments. We reached out to the Cancer Institute, and they responded quickly, and she benefited from that additional pain relief. We were talking on Thursday, and Doris had the impression that perhaps the added pain relief medication may have its own negative side effects in the form of persistent headache. She modified her approach to pain management. She has set that medication aside for now and seems to be managing well without it. She still uses acetaminophen, but that is it. The pain is not gone, but it is managed effectively it seems. This development brings more hope of managing all the side effects of the medication.

The side effects of the medication are significant and unpredictable in gastrointestinal issues. We have implemented some modifications to the pre-emptive non-prescription pills for acid reduction and gas reduction. While those side effects are not completely managed, I hope that her body will adapt to these side effects, or that we will receive insight into the timing of mini-meals, the type of foods she eats, and the timing of the intervention medications Doris will take. So far, she has not had to use anti-nausea medication. We are grateful that it has not been necessary.

As we listened to the general conference sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints this weekend, we both found great comfort in the words of Elder Henry B. Eyring, as he seemed to be speaking directly to our needs. I will let Doris’ quote be sufficient in her quotes section. You can review the summary and read some of his notable quotes here.

Elder Henry B. Eyring: 'Proved and Strenthened in Christ'

I have been praying that the promised blessings outlined in Alma 7:12 might be extended to Doris at this time. I believe what we are experiencing is a measure of this promised succor from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Alma 7:12

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 

From Doris:

As a little girl I hated the years when my birthday fell on a Sunday. My parents always made sure our family watched the only General Conference session of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints broadcast on our local television station. It was broadcast on Sunday morning. From a child’s point of view, trying to stay awake while old men talked was not the way to celebrate a birthday.

As the years passed, I learned to cherish General Conference. To have the privilege of hearing the word of the Lord from his servants is a priceless gift, better than any birthday present. I watch every session and every General Conference seems to end far too soon. 

These last two days the messages have brought an increase of hope and comfort to my weary soul.  God is good.  He sent me messages of love. I eagerly anticipate listening to every talk again and studying each one over the next six months.

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