Update: we had our chemo treatment yesterday (Monday). To my surprise, I have done extremely well this time. I did some work today. I have felt really well. Next week we will take tests and scans to decide what we will do next.
Thank you for your prayers and your support. It works. Keep 'me going.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Thursday, April 17
In my world, numbers mean things. That said, we did not get good news from my tumor marker. It went in the wrong direction - from 600 to 900. We were planning a break from chemo, but now we are not sure. We will take our Monday treatment next week, and then do some scans the next week.
We are disappointed, of course. But we are still confident in another number. That number is the number 3. We know that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. But we also know that Jesus arose from the grave on the third day. Why is that number important? As the song (and even more importantly Scripture ) says, "because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, I will live also!"
Every day is a gift from God. Every Sunday is Easter. Happy Easter!
We are disappointed, of course. But we are still confident in another number. That number is the number 3. We know that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. But we also know that Jesus arose from the grave on the third day. Why is that number important? As the song (and even more importantly Scripture ) says, "because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, I will live also!"
Every day is a gift from God. Every Sunday is Easter. Happy Easter!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Monday, April 14
We went to our appointment with Dr. Chang today. Diane and I respect her professional opinion, as well as her plan of care for me. That being said, we did blood tests today. Dr. CHANG will analyse the results and together we will decide what to do next. Next Monday will be chemo treatment number twelve this year. If the test numbers are stable, we will suspend any more treatments until the end of the summer. If the tests are not good, we will do scans to decide how many more treatments, if any, will be necessary.
We are excited (though admittedly a bit anxious) about the possibility of more relaxed, pain free, nausea free, energetic, months, and maybe even years, than we have had in a very long time. We are reminded that Jesus promised us abundant life. As abundantly blessed as my life is, I am looking forward to feeling as good physically as I do spiritually.
Do I trust what Jesus promised? I do for sure!
We are excited (though admittedly a bit anxious) about the possibility of more relaxed, pain free, nausea free, energetic, months, and maybe even years, than we have had in a very long time. We are reminded that Jesus promised us abundant life. As abundantly blessed as my life is, I am looking forward to feeling as good physically as I do spiritually.
Do I trust what Jesus promised? I do for sure!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Friday, April 11
What a much better week I have experienced this week! Why? Cause God said so, that's why. You see, God led Dr. Chang to postpone any chemo until after Easter. She is a brilliant doctor who looks and listens to her patients. She realizes that these last treatments have been tough on my body. This little break has given me some positive energy.
Funny thing is, the Capital Disrict D.S. Jon the Methodist, has been doing a lot of talking about how we Christians ought to be doing more listening before we start programming. Put another way, we should listen to the needs of those to whom we are ministering before we begin ministering. This is quite a task for a pastor at times. Some folks don't know what they need. Some folks know, but they don't know how to express it. Then there are those folks who know what they need, and yet are not willing to do what it takes to help with the problem. For example; GC is offering a dynamic web based marriage enrichment workshop this weekend. A few hours tonight and a few hours tomorrow is all it requires. We made it clear that the church would provide scholarships for those who need it.
As pastor, I can personally tell you that The Family Life Center should have been "standing room only." Let me just say - it wasn't.
Do you need help in your personal life? Jesus will always be there.
Funny thing is, the Capital Disrict D.S. Jon the Methodist, has been doing a lot of talking about how we Christians ought to be doing more listening before we start programming. Put another way, we should listen to the needs of those to whom we are ministering before we begin ministering. This is quite a task for a pastor at times. Some folks don't know what they need. Some folks know, but they don't know how to express it. Then there are those folks who know what they need, and yet are not willing to do what it takes to help with the problem. For example; GC is offering a dynamic web based marriage enrichment workshop this weekend. A few hours tonight and a few hours tomorrow is all it requires. We made it clear that the church would provide scholarships for those who need it.
As pastor, I can personally tell you that The Family Life Center should have been "standing room only." Let me just say - it wasn't.
Do you need help in your personal life? Jesus will always be there.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Saturday, April 5
Well, at least this week has been better than last week. That's a good thing. PLUS, Dr. Chang has agreed to wait until after Easter to do more chemo, if we do any more at all.
I sure would like to feel good again. I would like to play with my granddaughters. I would like to fish a little or play a round of golf. I would like to take Diane to the beach for a couple of days and help her enjoy it by feeling well. I would like to work in my yard. I would like to run even a short distance. I would like to go out to eat with friends.
I would like to have the focus and energy to work at church 15 hours a day. I would like to visit shut-ins and sick folks. I would like to gather with my team and do vision planning for GC.
There are many verses in the Scripture that tell me that if I want the right things for the right reasons (read James) then God will hear my prayer. I'm thinking that I'm not too far off.
As Jason says "pray with me."
I can hardly wait to see what God will do.
I sure would like to feel good again. I would like to play with my granddaughters. I would like to fish a little or play a round of golf. I would like to take Diane to the beach for a couple of days and help her enjoy it by feeling well. I would like to work in my yard. I would like to run even a short distance. I would like to go out to eat with friends.
I would like to have the focus and energy to work at church 15 hours a day. I would like to visit shut-ins and sick folks. I would like to gather with my team and do vision planning for GC.
There are many verses in the Scripture that tell me that if I want the right things for the right reasons (read James) then God will hear my prayer. I'm thinking that I'm not too far off.
As Jason says "pray with me."
I can hardly wait to see what God will do.
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