Encouragement from the Flock

“He Giveth More Grace”

Dear Sisters in Christ,

Last year was an experience I never dreamed of going through, since I had always considered myself to be in good health.  I started having pain and numbness in my left leg the summer of 2004 and went to a neurosurgeon to check it out.  Before the MRI it seemed like a disc problem, so I was surprised when a tumor was found pressing on nerves at my fifth lumbar vertebrae.  The surgeon scheduled me for surgery the next week.  This procedure was fairly routine and I was home the next day, but still with pain.  However, I was unprepared for the results of the biopsy.  The tumor was a plasmacytoma, and from my limited medical knowledge and the look on my husband’s face, I knew it was not good.

Other tests were ordered, including blood tests, a bone survey and a bone marrow biopsy.  The results showed multiple myeloma, a type of cancer of the bone marrow.  I had never heard of it and was totally overwhelmed by the situation, and the unknowns ahead of me.  The first visit to the oncologist was quite distressing. Though the doctor was compassionate and understanding, he was frank about the prognosis.  This was the first time I had to face my own mortality in a very real way.  A flood of emotions encompassed me in the days and weeks to follow.  I began treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, and mentally prepared for a stem cell transplant later.  In the meantime, I read all I could about multiple myeloma.            

During the time leading up to the transplant, thoughts swirled in my head, so many that I had trouble sleeping at night.  I could only find rest and peace through a verse that had always been special to me.  Isaiah 26:3, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.” A recording of our daughters singing “He Giveth More Grace,” added strength and helped me through the difficult times.  I played this hymn and listened to the words often, especially at night.

That hymn and verse became my constant companions. I was in the hospital for three weeks surrounding the stem cell harvest and another three weeks for the transplant.  The days were long and the nights longer.  I was thankful for all the prayers and cards of encouragement.  At home, recovering my strength and trying to get back to a “normal” life, I continued focusing on God’s peace to calm my fears.  His grace increased daily.  Each day became another victory from the Lord.  This hymn says it better than I can:

                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In His love,

Sandy Stocks

 

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