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.

January 30 again

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!

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.