As Donn and I gathered up all the paraphernalia we needed to go for my treatment on Tuesday, I shook off my misgivings, gathered my courage and told myself, “Here we are, off for another adventure!” I smiled and my spirits lifted.
We arrived at the Hillman Cancer Center in New Castle in plenty of time, and I went to get checked in. Each time I go for a treatment, I’m given a piece of paper by the receptionist with the name of the oncology nurse who’ll be in charge of my treatment that day. On Tuesday we were delighted to discover that I would be in Annie’s pod again since she had seen me through my reaction the previous week. She knew exactly what had happened and what had been done. (Actually, I had been in Annie’s pod all three times I’d come to the Cancer Center.)
When Donn and I walked into Annie’s section, I immediately noticed two Old-Order Amish people sitting in our area—the elderly man for treatment and an older woman accompanying him. Since my parents were raised Old-Order Amish, Donn and I are always on the look out for relatives!
So as soon as I got my belongings settled, I walked over to ask if either of the Amish folks had the last name of Byler—there are many in this area. Turned out both of them had that last name—John Byler and Esther Byler, although Esther said they weren’t related. (My paternal grandfather’s name was John Beiler, but my paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Byler, so I always tell folks I am twice Beiler/Byler!)
John didn’t have much to say but Esther and I had a lovely conversation until someone came to take them to another area. There was also a lovely mother and daughter seated near us—mother for treatment/daughter accompanying—and the daughter told us about some of their Amish acquaintances.
Soon Eileen, the mother, began telling us how she’d discovered her cancer while visiting her daughter in Italy. I soon sensed that she might be a Christian. Then she said, “I had peace about everything except the port they wanted me to get. Then one day I read the same verse in Habakkuk three different times, the one near the end of Chapter three about having hind’s feet, and I knew that was my answer.”
I love the last three verses of Habakkuk 3, especially verse 19: The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places. I asked Eileen if she had read Hannah Hurnard’s book, Hind’s Feet in High Places, another favorite of mine. She said when she shared verse 19 with her pastor, he suggested she read that book, which she did.
Annie came in then to tell us that IF I had chemo today, this is what they would give me, so I knew it wasn’t a given I’d have chemo until they looked at my lab work for that morning. My oncologist was back from vacation, so the decision would be hers.
While we waited for the decision, Eileen told us this was her last long treatment (five hours). We continued to chat with her and her daughter, Becky, until Annie came to start the preliminary meds through my port—apparently, all systems were go. The hours passed quickly as we continued to have sweet fellowship with Eileen and her daughter, Becky.
Eventually, Becky said, “You folks look familiar. Where do you think I might have known you from–where do you go to church?”
We told Becky we attend the Greenville Alliance Church and eventually she mentioned that they used to go to the Grove City Alliance Church. I responded, “That was our church home for many years before we moved to Greenville after returning from Japan!” We’d found the connection. Such a small world.
Eileen also told us her daughter in Italy had written a book so we decided to exchange books! Donn got a copy of Homespun Faith from our trunk for Eileen and she will leave a copy of her daughter’s book with Annie for me. We had so much in common.
When we reached the point in my treatment where I’d had the reaction the previous week, Annie slowed down the flow of chemo, and “set up shop” to do her charting a few feet from me so she would be there if I needed her—asking me often if I was okay. What a blessing!
My treatment finished without incident, praise God! As we prepared to leave Annie’s pod, Donn remembered that she had told us she was taking off Monday (our day to return for treatment) in order to get a long weekend with the 4th of July.
Annie gave me a reassuring look and said, “Someone else will take good care of you on Monday, Daisy.”
“I know they will, Annie.” I answered. “But it was so comforting to have you here today because you knew just what happened last week and just what needed to be done.”
Annie walked across the room to give me a warm hug before we said good bye.
Every time we go for treatment, there is something for which we can praise God. This week, in addition to Annie and the Amish couple, one of the biggest was the sweet fellowship with Eileen and Becky. I wonder if this is what heaven will be like? Fellowshipping with strangers as if they were our best friends.
Father, thank you that when we belong to your family, we are apt to find “relatives” everywhere we go. Thank you for the sweet fellowship that is ours! Amen.