February 22

Okay, so we all know that I love being "busy." Sometimes I love it a bit too much, I hate to admit that, but Diane might be right on this one. So on Thursday morning we left home to go to Emerald Isle, or Cedar Point, or wherever it was - we went to the beach. My brother Ronnie was kind enough to loan us his condo. Our plans were to stay until today (Saturday). Well, my body had other plans. I began the old familiar puke routine almost as soon as we arrived. I continued to throw up, (tmi again?),so Diane suggested that we go home, and she talked me into it.
We are getting some fluids so that I can "stay busy" this weekend.

See you in church!

Wendesday, February 19

I have heard you say that the absence of a blog implies that I am not doing well. Not so. Sometimes, like this time, the absence of a blog post means that I have been a bit overwhelmed at work. I am okay with that, mind you. I love church.
There are some parts of church that are more costly than others. For instance, pastors love people. They must be that way or they are not called to be a pastor. Anyway, I love me job. I just wish that I could do even more.

Of course you remember that our North Carolina weather threw us for a loop. We had record cold temps and frozen precipitation. Then my blood counts got off whack and I could not take chemo that week. Then I spent a couple of days in the hospital due to a fever of an unknown source, which was never found, by the way.

Then, my fellow cancer journey survivor, Connie Daniels went on to be with the Lord. That gave me the opportunity to speak at her funeral service on Sunday evening - after preaching two services on Sunday morning.

On Monday we did go get chemo and I have been able to get some work done. Today (Wednesday) I went to get my stitch removed from my back surgery and get my chemo pump taken off at SMOC.

I like being busy, don't you? It means that God still has something to leave you on this earth to do.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry

February 12

Update:
I am out of the hospital and am at home.
They found no fever while I was there.
They found not blood work or scans or x-rays that imply any complications.
Essentially, I stayed a couple of days in a very expensive hotel. Still, and I have said this before. I prefer Wayne Memorial over any other hospital that I have ever had the opportunity to deal with. The staff there are unsurpassed in courtesy and efficiency. Now remember, that's just my 2 cents.

Anyway, I am home enjoying the view of the driven snow. I am not going to let the thoughts of an ice storm coming our way ruin the beauty of the white snow. Most events and churches (including GC) have been postponed for tonight. If you decide to get out, please be careful.

Look again at wherever you are right now. I am guessing that it is better than the nicest hospital in the country. Woohoo!

February 10

Okay blog friends, stop praying for today's chemo treatment. Why? Cause I am not able to have chemo today. For the past week or so I have experienced high fevers, chills and sweats during the night. Aside from fatigue the next day, I have noticed no other side effects. However; Dr. Chang does not feel comfortable administering chemo with the fever.
All that being said, stop praying for chemo today and start praying for a quick discovery of the cause of the fever. I am being held hostage here until they do.
By the way, the fever is not caused by the spread of cancer to my back. During surgery last Friday a biopsy was taken that ruled out cancer to the bone. Ain't God good.

Still love the Beatles. Not enough tv time to tell the whole story. But I can tell you this: when it comes to Jesus - He loves you yeah, yeah, yeah!

Saturday, February 8

Over the years I have learned to become a bit skeptical about doctors. I mean, even those to whom I hold in highest regard, Dr, West, Dr. Chang, Dr, Griffin, call what they do "practicing" medicine. Still, I literally trust some doctors with my life. Dr. Massey was added to my list this past week. He was the neurosurgeon who operated on my back on Thursday. I am recovering nicely. I have some soreness, but almost no pain. It helps me to believe that the pain in my back did indeed come from a compression fracture and not from the spread of cancer. (Remind me to tell you about the anesthesiologist some day - don't know his\her name and I don't need to - yet)

Maybe my pain in the back was a result of the pain in the butt (not literally) that I have been to Diane over the years. I sure hope not. If it is, I've got a long way to go.
A big thanks to Buddy, Jimmy, Ronnie, Donna, Betty Joe, my dad, and of course my caregiver Diane for being with me during the process, and as Jimmy always says, "Thank You Lord."

Wednesday, February 5

"DEAL", said the News Argus front page on February 4. The deal was that the insurance company and the hospital have agreed on a three year contract. As a cancer patient, I am assuming that is good news for me, as I am certain that I will be utilizing both of those groups over the next three years. Oh and yes, I do plan on being here for at least that long, unless Jesus comes back first.
I don't know what the details of the WMH / BCBS contract are, but I do know this.
"DEAL" for me is this. I keep trusting in Jesus and He keeps overwhelmingly blessing me with mercy and grace. I have no doubt about His part of the deal. He already paid the price over 2000 years ago. As for my end of the bargain, pray with me that I will continue to trust. Sounds silly doesn't it? Jesus died on the cross. All I have to do is believe that and spread the word.

Every now and then I am stretched a bit under the circumstances. While looking at some scans, the doctors have determined that I have a compression fracture and that I need back surgery. So tomorrow, Thursday I will be having 'minor' surgery on my back. Pray an extra prayer for me please. Didn't someone once say, minor surgery is when it is done on you. Major surgery is when It is done on me.
Between Jesus and me, we have a DEAL.