Since I have been slack in blogging, I almost forgot the purpose of the thing. I need to tell you that my chemo treatments up to now have been going well. However, the last two or three days have been very unpleasant. No fun in the snow when you feel like you need to throw up at both ends - oops, too much info, huh?
Have fun! God is good!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
January 30
I suppose that I have taken enough "time management" workshops in my lifetime to add years to my life. Most of the concepts covered during these seminars are good, common sense reminders. One of my favorite examples is distinguishing the difference between the urgent and the important. Here is the bottom line. When you measure and rank your activities for a time period, according to their perceived importance, it can be difficult, but not impossible. Some things are obviously more important than others. Then suddenly, something happens in your life that is so urgent that the important is not so important any more. The urgent will always be first. I believe that God often uses the urgent.
Over the past days you may have had dozens of things to do, each of them important. Then fell several inches of snow. (The prognosticators were finally right) With the snow came treacherous traveling conditions. With very little self debate your safety became more important than your assignment. The urgent overcame the important.
Some of us are able to work from home. We have the opportunity to use the tech stuff without going to the office or warehouse or wherever. Others don't have that type of vocation. Either way, consider this. Take a moment to look outside at the beautiful white terrain. Everything looks clean and pure. God could be reminding us to take a minute and enjoy His creation. You may not think that it is urgent for you to do so, but it very well may be.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, January 20
Sometimes life just doesn't make sense, especially when someone else is in charge.
Yesterday they called off Wayne County Schools early because of bad weather: it was 62 degrees outside. Today we, the leadership at Garris Chapel, called off X/O (Xtreme and Orange) for tonight and yet, things look pretty clear now. I am sure that we all have our reasons for making the decisions that we make, whether it be safety for youngsters or more seasoned people or for other reasons.
Here is one for you. One of my scans on Monday revealed a T12 compression fracture of my vertebral column. My back has been hurting for several weeks. The bad news is that it is a fracture in my spine and it hurts like heck. The good news is that Dr. Massey, who is a neurosurgeon, agrees with Dr. Chang that this fracture is not tumor related. (Can you say 'thank you Jesus?') Dr. Massey also said that an outpatient surgical procedure called a Kyphoplasty will eliminate the pain. (Another thank you Jesus?)
But . . . Blue Cross and Blue Shield must approve the procedure. Now, I can just picture some snotty nose kid with an undergraduate degree in Multicultural Studies sitting behind this little 2ft x 3ft metal desk, all dressed up with his starched white shirt, his Joel Osteen tie, and his Allen Edmonds shoes. As he glares at his desktop computer screen he is thinking something like "is this 61 year old preacher worth the money that this insurance company will need to spend to give him some relief from his pain?"
And so here I sit, waiting to see if I am worth insurance approval. Until then, I am reminded that even though I am not worth the very life of God's Son, Jesus, He loves me still. And even though I don't deserve peace and pain free days, I don't have to wait for His approval.
(Okay, can you say thank you Jesus one more time?)
Yesterday they called off Wayne County Schools early because of bad weather: it was 62 degrees outside. Today we, the leadership at Garris Chapel, called off X/O (Xtreme and Orange) for tonight and yet, things look pretty clear now. I am sure that we all have our reasons for making the decisions that we make, whether it be safety for youngsters or more seasoned people or for other reasons.
Here is one for you. One of my scans on Monday revealed a T12 compression fracture of my vertebral column. My back has been hurting for several weeks. The bad news is that it is a fracture in my spine and it hurts like heck. The good news is that Dr. Massey, who is a neurosurgeon, agrees with Dr. Chang that this fracture is not tumor related. (Can you say 'thank you Jesus?') Dr. Massey also said that an outpatient surgical procedure called a Kyphoplasty will eliminate the pain. (Another thank you Jesus?)
But . . . Blue Cross and Blue Shield must approve the procedure. Now, I can just picture some snotty nose kid with an undergraduate degree in Multicultural Studies sitting behind this little 2ft x 3ft metal desk, all dressed up with his starched white shirt, his Joel Osteen tie, and his Allen Edmonds shoes. As he glares at his desktop computer screen he is thinking something like "is this 61 year old preacher worth the money that this insurance company will need to spend to give him some relief from his pain?"
And so here I sit, waiting to see if I am worth insurance approval. Until then, I am reminded that even though I am not worth the very life of God's Son, Jesus, He loves me still. And even though I don't deserve peace and pain free days, I don't have to wait for His approval.
(Okay, can you say thank you Jesus one more time?)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Tuesday, January 21
Blogger family
We received really good news today! The results of the scans from yesterday are in.
There is no sign of cancer spreading to any other vital organs.
Also, the tumors that we have been watching are shrinking.
Also, the tumor marker number (ca19-9) is trending downward. Also, my liver enzymes are normal.
Ain't God good?
Oh, and we got the chance to sit and talk with Dr. Chang a few minutes this afternoon. She is pleased with where we are so far. When the doctor is pleased, Diane is pleased. And when Diane is pleased, I am pleased. Dr. Chang's recommendation is that we continue our chemotherapy with the same dosage and same schedule that we have been doing. We should take about five more treatments, which will take about 10 more weeks. I'm okay with that.
In the "Murphy's law" category, my back has been bothering me. They discovered that I have a compression fracture in my spine. We will see a neurosurgeon tomorrow to determine if a surgical procedure will help.
All in all, we have had a great day in the Lord. We thank Him for all of our blessings. But all is not perfect in the Mitchell household. Would you say a little prayer for us. We would appreciate it, God will answer it. We will all be amazed by it.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry.
We received really good news today! The results of the scans from yesterday are in.
There is no sign of cancer spreading to any other vital organs.
Also, the tumors that we have been watching are shrinking.
Also, the tumor marker number (ca19-9) is trending downward. Also, my liver enzymes are normal.
Ain't God good?
Oh, and we got the chance to sit and talk with Dr. Chang a few minutes this afternoon. She is pleased with where we are so far. When the doctor is pleased, Diane is pleased. And when Diane is pleased, I am pleased. Dr. Chang's recommendation is that we continue our chemotherapy with the same dosage and same schedule that we have been doing. We should take about five more treatments, which will take about 10 more weeks. I'm okay with that.
In the "Murphy's law" category, my back has been bothering me. They discovered that I have a compression fracture in my spine. We will see a neurosurgeon tomorrow to determine if a surgical procedure will help.
All in all, we have had a great day in the Lord. We thank Him for all of our blessings. But all is not perfect in the Mitchell household. Would you say a little prayer for us. We would appreciate it, God will answer it. We will all be amazed by it.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
January 19
It is really hard to picture someone staying awake and alert for 26 hours. Yet, my son, also known as Crazy Brad, not only stayed awake that long, he ran 100 miles while doing it. That's right. I had the awesome privilege of presenting Brad his belt buckle award for the accomplishment of running 100 miles at the Outer Banks of NC. Diane and I surprised him last night when he was about 65 miles into the run. He had no idea that we would be there until he saw us. And I really put the pressure on him when I asked him to finish the 100 for me.
I will "probably" never know what it feels like to run 100 miles at one time (duh). But I do know what it feels like to be an encourager to someone I love. And I know what it is like to have two sons of whom I am extremely proud. Miss Diane and I rode the 4+ hours down and the 4+ hours back together. There was some question about whether I could make the trip due to my back and my cancer symptoms. Miss Diane drove the entire way there. I drove back. Gabe stayed in touch with Brad the entire race, You get the idea. We are family.
Who knows, you never know when you can be The encourager. Are you ready for it?
Wait for it; wait for it; wait for it . . .
I will "probably" never know what it feels like to run 100 miles at one time (duh). But I do know what it feels like to be an encourager to someone I love. And I know what it is like to have two sons of whom I am extremely proud. Miss Diane and I rode the 4+ hours down and the 4+ hours back together. There was some question about whether I could make the trip due to my back and my cancer symptoms. Miss Diane drove the entire way there. I drove back. Gabe stayed in touch with Brad the entire race, You get the idea. We are family.
Who knows, you never know when you can be The encourager. Are you ready for it?
Wait for it; wait for it; wait for it . . .
Friday, January 17, 2014
January17, 2014
Happy Friday!
Every now and then I think of some wise words that my mama left behind before she went to be with The Lord. It's funny, isn't it, what one remembers. During her last weeks I was picking on her, which I often did. Her withered hand would not allow her to do much, and she knew it. So she just said, "I'm going to pop your jaws. Still picking on her I replied, "Not any more mama. You're not fast enough. and she said, "I'll get you first and last."
Over these past days I have been struggling with the side effects, some of them new, of chemo. On top of that, I have strained my back. So here is the update, my friends. Next Monday I am scheduled for scans and tests. Those tests will determine our next steps on our cancer journey. We could stop the chemo, leave it the same, or increase the formula. Again, all of that will depend upon what Dr. Chang learns from the tests.
Even though each one of you knows that I have complete faith in The Lord, you probably also know that we get a bit nervous every time we scan. Some folks say that I am going to be completely healed. Some folks say that I will receive my healing in His way and His time. I am fine either way, whether God does it His way or the way that I think is best.
Oh, by the way, as I was getting ready to leave mama for that particular visit I leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek. Without any waring, her arthritic hand reached up and touched my cheek. It was mama's way of popping my jaws. I had forgotten. She had not.
I am all the more confident that God is going to give me complete healing. When will that happen? It will happen "first and last." Whatever journey you travel today, know that God has already traveled that path. He is always with you - first and last.
Every now and then I think of some wise words that my mama left behind before she went to be with The Lord. It's funny, isn't it, what one remembers. During her last weeks I was picking on her, which I often did. Her withered hand would not allow her to do much, and she knew it. So she just said, "I'm going to pop your jaws. Still picking on her I replied, "Not any more mama. You're not fast enough. and she said, "I'll get you first and last."
Over these past days I have been struggling with the side effects, some of them new, of chemo. On top of that, I have strained my back. So here is the update, my friends. Next Monday I am scheduled for scans and tests. Those tests will determine our next steps on our cancer journey. We could stop the chemo, leave it the same, or increase the formula. Again, all of that will depend upon what Dr. Chang learns from the tests.
Even though each one of you knows that I have complete faith in The Lord, you probably also know that we get a bit nervous every time we scan. Some folks say that I am going to be completely healed. Some folks say that I will receive my healing in His way and His time. I am fine either way, whether God does it His way or the way that I think is best.
Oh, by the way, as I was getting ready to leave mama for that particular visit I leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek. Without any waring, her arthritic hand reached up and touched my cheek. It was mama's way of popping my jaws. I had forgotten. She had not.
I am all the more confident that God is going to give me complete healing. When will that happen? It will happen "first and last." Whatever journey you travel today, know that God has already traveled that path. He is always with you - first and last.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Saturday, January 11
January 11th? Really? First, let me express my sincere appreciation for those of you who keep up with me through this blog, and those of you who have expressed to me that you have missed my postings so far this year. That sounds weird, doesn't it? So far this year.
Two things for today:
First, I am still taking chemo treatments. We skipped the week of Christmas. We are due to have a treatment this Monday, Jan 13. Treatments still have been much, much easier on me physically than any that I have previously experienced. I am thankful for that. This past week some of my curly hair has fallen out, but not very much. Also, I have experienced more things like mouth sores and neuropathy and those sorts of annoying side effects of chemo recently. The really great thing is that I have been able to do MUCH catch up work over these past couple of weeks. There is still much to do, but I am thankful for the energy to do what I have been able to do for Jesus, His Church, and His people. Every now and then I try to go a bit too long during a day and my body and mind remind me that I have limited access. Don't worry. Diane can see that also, and does not hesitate to tell me about it.
The other thing is this. I need your input. I have really been praying about this and I think that you are the source for some feedback. Most of you know that I served as a Hospice Chaplain for several years. I have seen God work in the area of death and dying in awesome and mysterious ways. These are not made up stories. I was there. For years I have been talking about writing a book about my experiences. Of course, I have not done that. Recently, I have been wondering if anyone would be interested in, or benefit by reading about the stories told by someone (me) who has been with many people as they crossed over to the other side, and then adding my story along beside it as I was told that I had a terminal illness.
Here is where you can help. You can reply to the blog as anonymous, or you can email me through the link that I have here on the right side of your screen. Let me know your thoughts, and share any suggestions. I know that I am not a prolific writer, and that my writing often looks like the way that I talk. I don't know if that is good or bad. But anyway, if you can take the time to help, I would appreciate it.
Sometimes we think we know what to do. We pray about it and then we do it. I have found that almost always the right thing to do is to ask others. I don't think that God calls Lone Rangers.
Is there something that you need to talk about with your best friend, pastor, mama, or someone today?
Hmmm
Two things for today:
First, I am still taking chemo treatments. We skipped the week of Christmas. We are due to have a treatment this Monday, Jan 13. Treatments still have been much, much easier on me physically than any that I have previously experienced. I am thankful for that. This past week some of my curly hair has fallen out, but not very much. Also, I have experienced more things like mouth sores and neuropathy and those sorts of annoying side effects of chemo recently. The really great thing is that I have been able to do MUCH catch up work over these past couple of weeks. There is still much to do, but I am thankful for the energy to do what I have been able to do for Jesus, His Church, and His people. Every now and then I try to go a bit too long during a day and my body and mind remind me that I have limited access. Don't worry. Diane can see that also, and does not hesitate to tell me about it.
The other thing is this. I need your input. I have really been praying about this and I think that you are the source for some feedback. Most of you know that I served as a Hospice Chaplain for several years. I have seen God work in the area of death and dying in awesome and mysterious ways. These are not made up stories. I was there. For years I have been talking about writing a book about my experiences. Of course, I have not done that. Recently, I have been wondering if anyone would be interested in, or benefit by reading about the stories told by someone (me) who has been with many people as they crossed over to the other side, and then adding my story along beside it as I was told that I had a terminal illness.
Here is where you can help. You can reply to the blog as anonymous, or you can email me through the link that I have here on the right side of your screen. Let me know your thoughts, and share any suggestions. I know that I am not a prolific writer, and that my writing often looks like the way that I talk. I don't know if that is good or bad. But anyway, if you can take the time to help, I would appreciate it.
Sometimes we think we know what to do. We pray about it and then we do it. I have found that almost always the right thing to do is to ask others. I don't think that God calls Lone Rangers.
Is there something that you need to talk about with your best friend, pastor, mama, or someone today?
Hmmm
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