Calming the Waters: Seven Days of Inspiration and Prayer for Cancer Patients
60
Calming the Waters: Seven Days of Inspiration and Prayer for Cancer Patients
60Paperback
-
PICK UP IN STORECheck Availability at Nearby Stores
Available within 2 business hours
Related collections and offers
Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781452023977 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 09/08/2010 |
| Pages: | 60 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.14(d) |
Read an Excerpt
Calming the Waters
Seven Days of Inspiration and Prayer for Cancer Patients
By Velma L. Crumbley
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2010 Velma L. CrumbleyAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-2397-7
CHAPTER 1
Day One
Acceptance
Keep Praying and Wait on the Lord!
-Unknown
Acceptance is a monumental step. You must acknowledge the fact that you are ill, not necessarily sick, but your life is going to change. Take time to digest the information and gather as much information that you can through pamphlets and WebDr.com.
If possible, talk to others who have been through what you are about to embark upon. But know that you are unique and your treatment plan may be different and your side effects may be different from theirs. Keep things in perspective and stay optimistic.
Know that God is walking with you through this entire journey. You can talk with him anytime and anywhere. You'll get through the storm with the help of God — you'll wade through the water.
What you can do:
• Cry ... if you must, but forget the "pity party." Instead, rejoice and give thanks to God that you were given a treatment plan. Remember what your options are if there is no plan for treatment!
• Share your thoughts, concerns, and fears with a loved one who is a good listener.
• Attend church.
• Stay positive!
Preparation
Do not be taken by surprise! Know what to expect! Instead, prepare yourself, your family, and friends for the journey. Read, listen, and research your illness.
Day Two
Preparation
"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding."
— Proverbs 3:5
Prepare yourself for the journey mentally and emotionally, keeping in mind your caregivers are experiencing some of the same emotions and uncertainties you are experiencing. Keep an up-beat attitude by assuring each other that you will endure this journey together as one.
What you can do:
• Pray to God for the intelligence and knowledge you need to make the right decisions at this time. God will give you the tools you need to Understand why the treatment plan prescribed is best for you.
• Ask questions and take notes. Get a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Post your scheduled treatments and make arrangements to keep your appointments.
• Follow your doctor's directions in regard to your treatment plan.
• Decide how you will use your time during treatment.
• Plan your wardrobe. Dress comfortably and in a manner that allows easy access to your IV port.
• Determine who your primary caregiver/s will be and take time to thank them. And then take time to thank God for putting them in your life and keeping them there. Identify any alternate helpers who will be able to give relief to your primary caregiver/s. This not only allows your primary caregiver an opportunity to de-stress but it also allows others to help out, something they might need for themselves.
Appreciation
Do not constantly complain about your situation to others!
Instead, appreciate the care and concern
your support group has shown you!
Day Three
Appreciation
"People harvest only what they plant."
— Galatians 6:7
Appreciate life; don't just accept the fact that you are alive. Make a conscious decision to live. Continue to make plans to do all the things you had planned — and make arrangements to do them! Appreciate the blessing of family and friends, and know that they are going to be there for you.
What you can do:
• Thank God for all your blessings. Give special thanks for family and friends. Buy thank you cards.
• Call your pastor and thank him for keeping you in his prayers and asking others to pray for you.
• Take time to send thank you cards for the gifts of love you received during your initial diagnosis, but most of all thank them for their prayers, visits, and phone calls.
• Take time to reflect on how much you are loved; know that God loves you most.
• Stay clear of folks who send out negative vibes.
• Call three people whom you enjoy talking to and who will make you laugh.
• Take a walk and enjoy nature. Take a long look at the clouds, the sun and the moon, the flowers and the trees. Know that the Same awesome God who created these things, created you. And he will always be with you!
Create an Oasis
Do not surround yourself in darkness!
Instead, create a bright, fertile refuge that will allow
you to grow strong from your experience!
Day Four
Create an Oasis
Depend on the Lord; Trust him, and he will take care of you.
— Psalm 37:5
Home is where you will spend most of your time, particularly your bedroom or family room. Make sure it is comfortable and relaxing. Prepare your bathroom, put out your nice towels, and bring out your favorite bubble bath instead of the generic bar soap. Make sure your "cuddle" blanket is clean and fresh. Get your favorite CD and just prepare to "relax."
What you can do:
• Create a comfortable environment to retreat to at home after your treatment.
• Stock your refrigerator with your favorite foods, juices, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy choices that you will enjoy as a treat.
• Shop for comfortable, lounging attire, shower gel/bubble bath, and aromatherapy candles and/or oils.
• Visit the bookstore or the library and choose a good book or two.
• Update your telephone directory and address book.
Reflections
Do not harbor ill feelings!
Instead, reflect on the positive! Celebrate all the friends
and family that have taken the journey with you!
Day Five
Reflections
Nathaniel said to Philip, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip answered, "Come and see."
— John 1:46
What you can do:
• Take a vacation with a loved one. It can be fifty miles or fifteen hundred miles away; just get away and enjoy yourself before you begin your medical journey. God wants you to live life, not just be alive! Plan a getaway, and God will make a way.
• Take time to thank God for your time away.
• Take time to reflect on all the blessings you have been given and avoid dwelling on the negative.
Faithfulness
Do not stop praying!
Instead, be faithful and pray more! Be a
blessing and inspiration to others!
Day Six
Faithfulness
"My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need."
— Philippians 4:19
Continue to have faith in the Lord that he will be there; know your steps are ordered. Think about his plan for you and how this journey will fit into his plan. Be a blessing to others; show courage and strength. Know that clergy is available for spiritual guidance and prayer. Expect that they will do what they are called to do, and be open to their spiritual guidance.
What you can do:
• Pay-it-forward. Do something nice for someone without the need to tell everyone what you did.
• God loves a cheerful giver! Donate to your favorite charity.
• Volunteer your services at your church, school, soup kitchen, hospital, museum, library, or wherever you are needed.
• Send a card, make a phone call, send flowers, or visit someone who is currently in treatment, shut in, or in the hospital.
• Compliment three people.
• Make three people laugh.
Gratitude
Do not be ungracious! Instead, show gratitude for all the hope and possibilities God has revealed to you!
Day Seven
Gratitude
"Be still and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10
Show and express your gratitude for all you have, in spite of your present circumstance. You may not feel like being grateful in the midst of the storm, but you must envision the rainbow. You need to know there are others who have the same diagnosis but at a different stage than yours, and that their treatment will be longer and more taxing on their bodies, so be grateful. Appreciate the fact that you have faith and family in your life, knowing that they will be there to help you manage the storm.
What you can do:
• Attend church services.
• Relax; take a soothing, hot bath or shower while listening to your favorite music.
• Thank God for all your blessings and the fortitude to recognize them.
• Enjoy your favorite meal at home or at your favorite restaurant.
• Be intimate with your spouse or significant other.
• Think positive thoughts.
• Pray.
• Get a good night's sleep.
Every Day
Keeping your Head above the Water Instead of Wallowing in It!
"As I wait on the Lord, with good courage, He shall strengthen my heart."
— Psalm 27:14
• Know your chemotherapy schedule and be aware of the possible side effects.
• Review your insurance policy; know the amount of your co-pay.
• If insurance is an issue, talk with a financial counselor; don't let this become a concern.
• Be cordial and friendly, but avoid small talk in the waiting area regarding your treatment plan.
• Stay positive ... everyone's plan is designed specifically for them, avoid comparisons.
• Talk to your doctor regarding side effects — there may be relief in sight!
• Read the directions and consult your pharmacist regarding your medications. Know which medications make you drowsy — and take those at night!
• Keep a positive attitude, and avoid activities that may cause anxiety.
• Dress appropriately; it may be warm outside, but the air-conditioning inside may cause you to get a chill.
• Always thank your health-care team for their support and encouragement.
• Thank your caregiver for being there to support you.
• Buy yourself something special or go somewhere special — do what makes you happy!
• Thank God that you are still here!
Notes
Possible Side Effects
Nausea and Vomiting
• Anti-vomiting and anti-nausea drugs help almost everyone. Follow you doctor's instructions and ask if you can take them preventively.
Hair Loss
• Most chemo drugs have this effect. Let it go graciously, and be prepared to purchase a wig. After treatment, it will grow back — often fuller than before!
Fatigue
• Almost everyone on chemo gets tired — it can range from feeling a bit out of sorts to feeling completely wiped out. Take breaks and naps and let others protect your time during these periods. Check with your doctor; if he or she approves, gentle exercise (like walking) has been shown to feel energizing and beneficial.
Mouth Sores
• Some therapies irritate the lining of the mouth and throat, causing sores and making it difficult and uncomfortable to eat. Ask your doctor about ointments and mouthwash.
Diarrhea and Constipation
• For diarrhea, avoid caffeine beverages, high-fiber foods, and milk products. For constipation, get exercise and drink fluids. Talk to your doctor before taking a laxative or stool softner. When out and about, always locate the restroom, so you can go at the first warning!
Fuzzy Thinking
• Symptoms collectively dubbed "chemo brain" include an inability to concentrate. You may also feel a bit down. Stay positive and remember: it is only temporary.
Nerve Damage
• Certain drugs may affect the nerves in ways such as tingling or burning sensations, or numbness and weakness in fingers or feet. This is usually temporary. It is important to tell your doctor about this side effect — you may require a break or a different drug.
Inspirational Music
• "Just Stand" by Hezikiah Walker
• "Never Would Have Made It without You" by Marvin Sapp
• "Silver and Gold" by Kirk Franklin
• "If I Should Die Tonight" by Marvin Gaye
• "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart
• "Blessed" by Susie & Jim Mertz
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Calming the Waters by Velma L. Crumbley. Copyright © 2010 Velma L. Crumbley. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Dedication, v,Foreword, ix,
Introduction, xi,
Day One Acceptance, 1,
Day Two Preparation, 5,
Day Three Appreciation, 9,
Day Four Create an Oasis, 13,
Day Five Reflections, 17,
Day Six Faithfulness, 19,
Day Seven Gratitude, 23,
Every Day Keeping your Head above the Water Instead of Wallowing in It!, 25,
Notes Possible Side Effects, 27,
Inspirational Music, 29,
Afterword, 31,
About the Author, 35,