A Symptomonious Symphony

Over the years, I have always enjoyed opportunities to direct music. Whether church choirs, worship teams, church congregations or small singing groups, it has always been a source of joy. One thing i have never had the opportunity to do, however, is lead a symphony orchestra, The closest I have come to that pinnacle is by standing in front of my stereo system, cranking it up to maximum volume and directing some of the greats … like Beethoven’s Fifth, Korsakov’s Scheherazade or Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Working up a sweat in such activity was always a source of pleasurable exercise.

Today, however, I am conducting a different sort of symphony and my orchestra is strange, rag-tag and somewhat disconcerting.

Beginning with a cancer diagnosis in January, followed by the discovery of a brain bleed on the day after my birthday (Feb 12), and then my first immunotherapy infusion on the 20th of February. my orchestra has been gathering regularly and playing loudly in a frenzy of discordancy.

• Over in the Woodwind section are a recurring light-headedness, and dull headaches
• In the String section I have skin that is sensitive to touch, a sore on the side of my tongue and mild discomfort when swallowing.
• For my Percussionists I have middle of the night pulse rates above 90 bpm and sometimes irregular, Blood pressures that range from 148/48 to 105/55, deep and lengthy belching with some lighter toned gas passing and the dreaded constipatory issues. Add to that the thundering bellows emanating from my bloated stomach.
• In the Brass section are the blaring horns of my painful, ever present stomach spasms.
• So far, these musicians have not achieved any harmony, nor do they play all at once, and they certainly do not follow my direction.

In view of all this, when someone asks me “how are you feeling”, the only safe and predictable answer is “With my fingers!” Beyond that it really depends on who is playing in my symptomonious symphony.

As I wrap this up I am blessed by the seating of a new player … the one I’ve been waiting for (I think) to bring relief from the constipatory issues by chasing off my Brass players and some of the Percussionists. Bane, or blessing, we will see but for now I’m welcoming it!

In all of this, I have this to ponder this morning … Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3.5,6

Keep praying … it’s deeply appreciated!!!