This struck me as worth blogging. In fact, this really sheds light on a cultural / social issue that is crucial. Yesterday I had the tv news on. I heard our President, that's right, yours and mine, make this statement. Here is the quote:
OBAMA: "Knowing you can offer your family the security of health care, that's priceless. Now, you can do it for the cost of your cable bill, probably less than your cellphone bill. Think about that, good health insurance for the price of your cellphone bill or less." – Speech in Largo, Md., on Thursday.
Think about it. Americans now have the mindset that cell phones and cable tv rank the same on the importance scale as healthcare. That sounds like no big deal, unless you understand that for me, my cell phone and my cable tv are not even in the same world as my cancer.
(Oh, and by the way, like a majority of words that come from political talking heads, the part of this quote about cost isn't entirely true either.)
Lord help us. God bless America.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 28
Update: Today we completed our second chemotherapy treatment. We are home and thanking Jesus that the main side effect right now is simple fatigue, caused by a very common digestive issue. Along with some medication, I can work through this as the days go on. Just as last time, I wear a pump that continues to distribute the chemo for 42 hours. I return the pump on Wednesday. All in all, I am not looking at the drugs associated with chemo as poison, but as healing medications. God uses many ways to heal. I will continue to seek His will and follow whatever path He chooses for me to take to be healed.
One more thing. Of all of the careers who work with people, oncologists, their nurses, and all those who work in that field, are special people. It pretty much takes all day to take a chemo treatment. That means that I have the opportunity to observe these people for many hours. Their attitude of love and care is amazing. They genuinely care for their "patients." I know. I am one. And I can feel it each time I go there. I am thankful for the people of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center.
My latest vision: Because I believe in Philippians 4:13
I will live
I will love
I will lead
One more thing. Of all of the careers who work with people, oncologists, their nurses, and all those who work in that field, are special people. It pretty much takes all day to take a chemo treatment. That means that I have the opportunity to observe these people for many hours. Their attitude of love and care is amazing. They genuinely care for their "patients." I know. I am one. And I can feel it each time I go there. I am thankful for the people of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center.
My latest vision: Because I believe in Philippians 4:13
I will live
I will love
I will lead
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Saturday, October 26
Okay, so most everyone knows that I am a UNC Tarheel basketball fan. I have pulled for the heels for as long as I can remember. I've pulled for them when they had good players with what I perceived as good morals. And I have pulled for them when ol' Roy recruited what I perceived as a thug. On this year's team the good guy will be James Michael McAdoo. I have met him personally, he is a Christian. The thug will be P.J. Hairston. I have not met him, but according to this summer' antics and the folks he hangs out with, well . . . When basketball season gets really underway, I will still pull for the team dressed in Carolina Blue. And hey, I've still got some football games to pull for and can only hope that the Heels don't find a way to lose.
My first instinct is to wish that Hairston will get removed from the team. (No, really I do) But then again I really do wish that every political thug, every religious thug, every academic thug, and every thug in every facet of our lives would be removed. But that wasn't Jesus' first instinct. Jesus' first instinct was not to kick people off of the team. What He wanted was for thugs to experience a changed heart. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a thug like me."
Or something like that.
So maybe the better prayer would be for changed hearts. Mine, yours and theirs.
My first instinct is to wish that Hairston will get removed from the team. (No, really I do) But then again I really do wish that every political thug, every religious thug, every academic thug, and every thug in every facet of our lives would be removed. But that wasn't Jesus' first instinct. Jesus' first instinct was not to kick people off of the team. What He wanted was for thugs to experience a changed heart. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a thug like me."
Or something like that.
So maybe the better prayer would be for changed hearts. Mine, yours and theirs.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 22
Update: These last days have continue to be good ones for me. The effects from the first round of chemo last Monday has not been anywhere near as severe as previous times. We will continue to thank God for good days. Next treatment is scheduled for next Monday, October 28th.
Meanwhile, here is one of the many lessons that I have learned from my cancer journey. You never know what the person standing, sitting or driving in the car next to you is going through. Two years ago when we were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we realized that we wanted to be in this for the long haul. (duh) Diane instantly took over the role as care-giver, doctor, therapist, and especially as pharmacist. Medication makes all of the difference in how we act and react to the side affects of the disease. In order to help her with that, we chose a pharmacy that we thought that would provide help with that. We have been at that pharmacy the entire time, and the sad truth is, they have not been able (or willing) to provide the help that we needed. There are many instances that prove this out, but the details don't matter.
Today I went into the pharmacy myself. I spoke to them in a very controlled, low tone of voice. I shared our perception of their service, attitude and just plain apathy on behalf of the staff. When I finished, they asked me if there was anything that they could do. As far was we are concerned, we can do business in other places. So as I shared with the folks today, this was for them, not for me.
I reminded them that when folks walk up to their window, that person has a real need. The staff has no way of knowing that this person might be a wife who has left her struggling husband at home in pain just long enough to go get some medication. They don't know if that person is a mama or a daddy who is scared to death concerning something wrong with a child. They don't know if that person himself or herself just received dreaded news from the doctor that very day. They don't know - but no matter what the situation, that person needs to be treated with love, compassion and respect.
The same goes for you and for me. Sometimes there is no way of knowing what a co-worker or a stranger is going through when we have an encounter with him/her. If we did, would we treat that person differently? Maybe.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry
Meanwhile, here is one of the many lessons that I have learned from my cancer journey. You never know what the person standing, sitting or driving in the car next to you is going through. Two years ago when we were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we realized that we wanted to be in this for the long haul. (duh) Diane instantly took over the role as care-giver, doctor, therapist, and especially as pharmacist. Medication makes all of the difference in how we act and react to the side affects of the disease. In order to help her with that, we chose a pharmacy that we thought that would provide help with that. We have been at that pharmacy the entire time, and the sad truth is, they have not been able (or willing) to provide the help that we needed. There are many instances that prove this out, but the details don't matter.
Today I went into the pharmacy myself. I spoke to them in a very controlled, low tone of voice. I shared our perception of their service, attitude and just plain apathy on behalf of the staff. When I finished, they asked me if there was anything that they could do. As far was we are concerned, we can do business in other places. So as I shared with the folks today, this was for them, not for me.
I reminded them that when folks walk up to their window, that person has a real need. The staff has no way of knowing that this person might be a wife who has left her struggling husband at home in pain just long enough to go get some medication. They don't know if that person is a mama or a daddy who is scared to death concerning something wrong with a child. They don't know if that person himself or herself just received dreaded news from the doctor that very day. They don't know - but no matter what the situation, that person needs to be treated with love, compassion and respect.
The same goes for you and for me. Sometimes there is no way of knowing what a co-worker or a stranger is going through when we have an encounter with him/her. If we did, would we treat that person differently? Maybe.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday, October 18
Happy Friday Blog family,
I suppose that the best way to describe this week for me, and yes, I just realized that my last post was on Monday, is that this week has been a surprise from God. You might be surprised how good you feel when you feel so much better than you thought you were going to feel. (You might have to read that several times.)
As you may remember, this is my third experience with chemotherapy. The first two made me sick, no other way to say it. In fact, I was slammed. Even the oncologist 'fess up to that. One can imagine then, my expectations for this round. But, as I stated, God has given me an awesome surprise. Due to minimum discomfort, I have felt well enough to spend a lot of energy doing church work things that I love doing. That being said, it is Friday afternoon and my body is reminding me to do a better job pacing myself.
Still, I am most grateful for this week's surprise from God.
Can you look back and rediscover a surprise from God this past week?
I suppose that the best way to describe this week for me, and yes, I just realized that my last post was on Monday, is that this week has been a surprise from God. You might be surprised how good you feel when you feel so much better than you thought you were going to feel. (You might have to read that several times.)
As you may remember, this is my third experience with chemotherapy. The first two made me sick, no other way to say it. In fact, I was slammed. Even the oncologist 'fess up to that. One can imagine then, my expectations for this round. But, as I stated, God has given me an awesome surprise. Due to minimum discomfort, I have felt well enough to spend a lot of energy doing church work things that I love doing. That being said, it is Friday afternoon and my body is reminding me to do a better job pacing myself.
Still, I am most grateful for this week's surprise from God.
Can you look back and rediscover a surprise from God this past week?
Monday, October 14, 2013
Monday, October 14
Good morning Blog family,
We have all heard this many times. Most of us have said it ourselves. "I hate Mondays."
Well, here I am, even as I am writing this, taking a round of chemotherapy. This ain't my first rodeo. We've been here before. In the past, these things have dang near killed me. But that was the past. This Monday is the present, it is now. This Monday I am at such a peace as I bask in His "glory strength." Prayers have initiated the presence of The Holy Spirit here.
This is the way that I am looking at this Monday. This might be a good time for you to look at this Monday - your Monday.
We have all heard this many times. Most of us have said it ourselves. "I hate Mondays."
Well, here I am, even as I am writing this, taking a round of chemotherapy. This ain't my first rodeo. We've been here before. In the past, these things have dang near killed me. But that was the past. This Monday is the present, it is now. This Monday I am at such a peace as I bask in His "glory strength." Prayers have initiated the presence of The Holy Spirit here.
This is the way that I am looking at this Monday. This might be a good time for you to look at this Monday - your Monday.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Saturday, October 12
End of the week musings:
God has given me a good week physically. I was able to get a lot of paperwork and the such finished off this week. I am especially thankful for that, considering that when Monday morning comes and we begin these new rounds of chemotherapy we don't know what to expect regarding how my body will react.
God has given me a good week emotionally. Even though it is a natural thing to be concerned about restarting treatments, my family, church family, and friends have given me encouragement through the many ways that they show their love.
God has given me a good week spiritually. Due to much time and effort on the part of my younger son, Gabe along with many others, we had a great run/walk event at GC today. Yes, an "event" can be spiritual outside of normal worship. And I am so looking forward to tomorrow when we celebrate our annual Homecoming Day at Garris Chapel. I am looking forward to a time, not only of worship, but a time of reflection and a time of anticipation. It will be an extra blessing due to the fact that my older son, Brad will be bringing the message. I'm praying that God will send the people who need to be there. And I would really appreciate any of you who are part of my blog family who will come tomorrow and let me know that you follow me here. That would be such a blessing.
And finally, I would appreciate it if you will take an extra moment during your personal prayer time on Monday to send up an extra prayer that these weeks of chemo treatments will do the job of helping me to heal without kicking my butt so much.
Why not take a moment this evening to consider what God has given you this week. Write them down. You might be surprised what comes up.
God has given me a good week physically. I was able to get a lot of paperwork and the such finished off this week. I am especially thankful for that, considering that when Monday morning comes and we begin these new rounds of chemotherapy we don't know what to expect regarding how my body will react.
God has given me a good week emotionally. Even though it is a natural thing to be concerned about restarting treatments, my family, church family, and friends have given me encouragement through the many ways that they show their love.
God has given me a good week spiritually. Due to much time and effort on the part of my younger son, Gabe along with many others, we had a great run/walk event at GC today. Yes, an "event" can be spiritual outside of normal worship. And I am so looking forward to tomorrow when we celebrate our annual Homecoming Day at Garris Chapel. I am looking forward to a time, not only of worship, but a time of reflection and a time of anticipation. It will be an extra blessing due to the fact that my older son, Brad will be bringing the message. I'm praying that God will send the people who need to be there. And I would really appreciate any of you who are part of my blog family who will come tomorrow and let me know that you follow me here. That would be such a blessing.
And finally, I would appreciate it if you will take an extra moment during your personal prayer time on Monday to send up an extra prayer that these weeks of chemo treatments will do the job of helping me to heal without kicking my butt so much.
Why not take a moment this evening to consider what God has given you this week. Write them down. You might be surprised what comes up.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Wednesday, October 9
WoHoo Mike, Mike, Mike. Oh, that's right. I'm not a camel either. I might be a donkey, I don't know. But today is Wednesday, which is hump day for many. Rejoice and be glad in it!
As you know, I watch more commercials than I do actual television shows. Part of that is because the quality of good television is almost completely gone - if there really ever was any. I continue to pray for WHFL-TV Christian Television to be strong and steadfast.
Also, I watch more commercials than I watch the news shows. The main reason is that I know that when I watch a commercial that sooner or later they are going to tell me what they are selling. That also applies to the news show. If you watch it long enough you will sooner or later figure out what they are selling. But I have come to the conclusion that I trust the car salesman or the guy that screams out, "but wait, that's not all. If you order today. . ." (you know the ones I am talking about) more than I do the news reporter.
Sadly, even though we live in the greatest country in the world today, it is hard to know what or whom to believe. So we, as Scripture tells us, continue to pray for those in authority.
For several days now I have turned on the news just to see if our government is still shut down, or to see if somehow the common sense fairy has sprinkled some duh huh dust into the eyes of those who will make important decisions. So far, I'm still watching the commercials. And so far, I'm still trusting in the ONE and Only Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. WoHoo!
As you know, I watch more commercials than I do actual television shows. Part of that is because the quality of good television is almost completely gone - if there really ever was any. I continue to pray for WHFL-TV Christian Television to be strong and steadfast.
Also, I watch more commercials than I watch the news shows. The main reason is that I know that when I watch a commercial that sooner or later they are going to tell me what they are selling. That also applies to the news show. If you watch it long enough you will sooner or later figure out what they are selling. But I have come to the conclusion that I trust the car salesman or the guy that screams out, "but wait, that's not all. If you order today. . ." (you know the ones I am talking about) more than I do the news reporter.
Sadly, even though we live in the greatest country in the world today, it is hard to know what or whom to believe. So we, as Scripture tells us, continue to pray for those in authority.
For several days now I have turned on the news just to see if our government is still shut down, or to see if somehow the common sense fairy has sprinkled some duh huh dust into the eyes of those who will make important decisions. So far, I'm still watching the commercials. And so far, I'm still trusting in the ONE and Only Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. WoHoo!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Saturday, October 5
Saturday morning. The house is quiet. Diane is at a class at the church. I don't know what your Saturdays are like, but this is not the way that they have been at the Mitchell house in a very long time. As a preacher, I always go back over my next day's sermon on Saturday. Sometimes I get an affirmation from that. Sometimes The Holy Spirit completely changes the sermon direction.
I think that for this week's sermon I am pretty much on target. As I sit quietly alone this morning, I am reminded that this cancer journey is mine to walk. However, at the same time, I am reminded that I don't have to walk it alone. If you are reading this blog, you are walking with me, even if I don't know it. (My stats show me how many visits the blog gets, but it does not show who visited).
Most importantly, Jesus walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. (Remember that precious old song?) I am thankful most of all for Jesus and the many ways that he shows Himself to me through many of you.
Take a minute. Whom have you seen Jesus in lately?
I think that for this week's sermon I am pretty much on target. As I sit quietly alone this morning, I am reminded that this cancer journey is mine to walk. However, at the same time, I am reminded that I don't have to walk it alone. If you are reading this blog, you are walking with me, even if I don't know it. (My stats show me how many visits the blog gets, but it does not show who visited).
Most importantly, Jesus walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. (Remember that precious old song?) I am thankful most of all for Jesus and the many ways that he shows Himself to me through many of you.
Take a minute. Whom have you seen Jesus in lately?
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wednesday, October 2
Finally, word from the medical experts. Dr. Chang in Goldsboro and Dr. Javle in Texas both agree on some very important things. Keep in mind that to Diane and me - this is VERY good news.
In fact, this may be the VERY best news we have received in years.
Here is the deal: I have pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2011. In "normal" people, this means that this is a short-term terminal prognosis. But I am not normal. Here is what the doctors now agree upon.
*My pain is coming from a very small cluster of cancer cells in the region of the original sight. As we know, the cancer numbers have been bouncing all over the place for two years, so this cancer is also where that is coming from.
*Good news. Now we know. That is much better than not knowing.
*Better news. This cancer has probably been there for the entire time. It may be that they could not get it during my surgery, or that it just developed there shortly afterward. Whatever the case, this cancer is very "slow-growing."
*Better news. My oncologist are calling this disease "chronic" instead of "terminal." For those of you who have not had to understand the difference between the two, terminal means that I am supposed to die from the disease. Chronic means that I will probably have to deal with this disease for the rest of my life.
*Best news. Chronic means that this cancer is treatable and that the rest of my life may be "long-term."
*More best news. We have a plan. It does involve more chemotherapy, but on a much lower physical punishment level for me. Since it is long-term, we can make slight changes as we go along to improve my quality of life while taking it.
*Absolutely best news: God has a plan and I am still a part of it. No matter how long "long-term" is, I am thankful.
Please take a moment to pray a prayer of thanks to Jesus for me. I know that you have been praying for some good news. Now that we have some, please thank Him.
In fact, this may be the VERY best news we have received in years.
Here is the deal: I have pancreatic cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2011. In "normal" people, this means that this is a short-term terminal prognosis. But I am not normal. Here is what the doctors now agree upon.
*My pain is coming from a very small cluster of cancer cells in the region of the original sight. As we know, the cancer numbers have been bouncing all over the place for two years, so this cancer is also where that is coming from.
*Good news. Now we know. That is much better than not knowing.
*Better news. This cancer has probably been there for the entire time. It may be that they could not get it during my surgery, or that it just developed there shortly afterward. Whatever the case, this cancer is very "slow-growing."
*Better news. My oncologist are calling this disease "chronic" instead of "terminal." For those of you who have not had to understand the difference between the two, terminal means that I am supposed to die from the disease. Chronic means that I will probably have to deal with this disease for the rest of my life.
*Best news. Chronic means that this cancer is treatable and that the rest of my life may be "long-term."
*More best news. We have a plan. It does involve more chemotherapy, but on a much lower physical punishment level for me. Since it is long-term, we can make slight changes as we go along to improve my quality of life while taking it.
*Absolutely best news: God has a plan and I am still a part of it. No matter how long "long-term" is, I am thankful.
Please take a moment to pray a prayer of thanks to Jesus for me. I know that you have been praying for some good news. Now that we have some, please thank Him.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 1
Well, here it is - another month passed. October is here. I must admit that I have experienced a moment or two in the last 23 months when I wasn't sure that I would live to see the next month.
But alas; here we are.
I have been asked many times about where I get the ability to keep going without knowing what the future holds. While I will admit that cancer does shine a bit more of an urgency light on my life, I would simply ask any of us to get our heads out of the sand and simply look around. From the local to the international community, I have not heard one person who claims to know what the future holds.
So cancer aside, none of us really knows how and when this thing called life will end. However, some of us DO know that one person who does. His name is Jesus. Need more information? Call me. I can't show you answers. I can show you HIM - His name is Jesus. And it's all about HIM!
Oh, and one more thing. The path reports have been read. As mentioned earlier, tomorrow we meet with medical experts for more concrete info and guidance from HIM to them to us.
PEACE
But alas; here we are.
I have been asked many times about where I get the ability to keep going without knowing what the future holds. While I will admit that cancer does shine a bit more of an urgency light on my life, I would simply ask any of us to get our heads out of the sand and simply look around. From the local to the international community, I have not heard one person who claims to know what the future holds.
So cancer aside, none of us really knows how and when this thing called life will end. However, some of us DO know that one person who does. His name is Jesus. Need more information? Call me. I can't show you answers. I can show you HIM - His name is Jesus. And it's all about HIM!
Oh, and one more thing. The path reports have been read. As mentioned earlier, tomorrow we meet with medical experts for more concrete info and guidance from HIM to them to us.
PEACE
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