Isolation Day 1

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." and he worshiped the Lord there."

1 Samuel 1:27-28

How closely I can relate to Hannah's heart!  The very chapter, just verses earlier, contain her desire to have a child, and the Lord abundantly blessing her with a son named Samuel (the reason for our son's name).  I've heard many times to hold things loosely, since you never know when they will be taken away, replaced, or completely out of your control.  My husband and my son are currently taken away in a sense.  I'm really the one that's been removed, I know.  However, I place complete trust and faith in the Lord to provide for them, knowing their well-being and happiness is ultimately never really in my control.  Though, today it is much harder to open my hands and say "they're yours, they always are and always will be!"

This morning I prayed over my son, with tear-filled eyes, asking and pleading with the Lord to watch over him and Nate until I can return home... radiation and cancer free!  How can you pray for our family?  For Nate: patience, energy and rest!  Sam had two spells of vomiting, and was diagnosed with croup this morning while I was at the hospital getting my treatment.  While we are unsure what is causing his little tummy rebellion (whether it is from croup, food, or worry), it's very disheartening to be away, and not have the choice to go home and help.  I spent two very long hours in the middle of the night rocking him, and then Nate took over because I was exhausted.  While I don't need energy this week, Nate does, so please pray for quick healing for Sam.  Lastly, for me, please pray that I will have increased peace not being with my guys.  It's hard enough knowing that I can't be there, but knowing that Sam is more dependent than usual (especially in the middle of the night), I am obviously going to worry more.

My experience at the hospital this morning was less than desirable for many reasons, but the goal was met.  I swallowed a green pill (not metallic or black like in my nightmares) that contained I-131 radioactive iodine, and drove straight to my parent's house where I will spend the next 3 days in complete solitude, and then the subsequent 5 days with "limited public exposure."  I'm praising God for the invention of FaceTime!

What does all this mean?  Well, basically, my body not only contains radiation, but it is also emitting it.  The technician had a tool to measure the distance of the radiation around my body.  At three feet the machine was going absolutely bonkers (a very technical term, I know), and at six feet away it calmed a little.  Let's just say, when I arrived at my parents' house, their dog didn't come running or barking toward the fence like she usually does.  It's weird how animals can sense those things.  The radiation tapers off quickly, but the same tool will be used on Monday to see how radioactive my body still is, and what kind of precautions (if any) I will still need to take.

Blessings (because this whole post can't be a downer!) 

~So far, I've only had a little nausea that my wonderful mother was able to remedy with a Sprite delivery to the doorstep of my current residence.  My parents have the space and willingness to let me stay in my old room.  I named it "the one car apartment" when I moved into it in 2001, but it is so much more than that.  While it contains an office space for my dad now, it was my little haven on and off for many years.  There is a skylight over the shower, a TV, wi-fi, and a comfy bed to sleep on.  A private space where I can make meals, sleep and occupy my time without exposing my loved ones to radiation.  I am so incredibly thankful for their generosity.  I can't complain about the view either!

~Our dear friends that live down the street brought dinner to Nate tonight!  Thank you, Sanchezes!!!

~The amazing support we have from our family and friends (near and far)!  All the offers we have had for people to stay with Nate and Sam has been an overwhelming blessing.  Even though we are not taking anyone up on their offers, it is nice to know we have so many people willing to sacrifice their time for our family!

~Our pray-ers!  Without you, I know that I would be sitting here in a heap crying my eyes out right now!  Thank you!  I know Nate and Sam will live to tell the tale of "The 24/7 Papa and The 15 Month Old."

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post, and for your much needed prayer.  I apologize for being so wordy...  I've got a little bit of time on my hands!

Love,

Beth