Happy Monday!
I had an extremely blessed weekend. I took advantage of the opportunity to worship without preaching yesterday. We had recording artist Eric Horner lead worship. He is certainly a man of God, and his message and his music witness to that.
Today we cut the pain meds back another 25 mg. We have gone from 75mg to 50 mg and now 25 mg. I should know by Wednesday, when I call Dr. Gray back, if the procedure is being effective.
Also today we went to see our family doctor, Dr. West. He gave us advice on what to do as we cut back on our meds. He is setting up an appointment with another GI specialist. (That's right. I get to see another doctor). Now I know why they call it "practicing medicine." There are so many great minds who have specialized categories. I am thankful for each one. But I know who the great physician is. Fortunately, Dr. West also understands that.
We all know that any talent that any doctor possesses comes from God. In that same thinking, any talent that any of us possess comes from God. I will quote Dr. Atkins. "Death is not the enemy. Living your entire life and not fulfilling the purpose that God put you here on earth to do is the enemy."
Have you used your talent for God today?
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Wednesday, April 24
As I said last week, Dr. Gray at Duke instructed me to call her in one week. (that would be today). I talked to her a few minutes ago. Her next instructions are that I will begin cutting back on any pain meds beginning today. We will know more about the effect this procedure has had. So that is the deal. Each and every day will tell us more and more. I can share with you - honestly and truthfully - that I have physically felt better these past days than I have in months. I pray that we are on the right track, that this nerve issue is not cancer related, and that God will continue to guide Diane and me - oh, and that we will continue to listen to Him and do as He says.
On another personal note: Last night we went to Seven Springs and met a group of about 20 people who are Kayaking down the river from Raleigh to New Bern for Cancer research and awareness through Relay for Life. As it was getting dark, some of our GC folks gathered in a circle to share in a special ritual that they do. These folks are inspirational. What they do for an entire week and 120 plus miles on a Kayak is a very big deal.
However, here is something that I want to share. As I walked up to the area, someone had brought me a chair to sit in. Many folks were standing, but someone remembered that I struggle with standing for a long time. It was a little deed to them, but a big deed to me. Then, as the sun went down the temperature dropped. I was getting cold when I looked up and someone had gone to their vehicle and brought me a blanket to wrap up in. What a blessing! A little deed to them maybe, but a big deed to me.
I don't know if you are the type of person who thinks that you cannot do anything big, so you don't do anything at all. But let me ASSURE you that when you do things for others, there are no little deeds. I believe that in the heart of our Lord, and certainly in the heart of those you help, it's all very special.
So today, think of something little that you can do for someone. It may take some work on your part, as you have to pay attention. But I think that it will be worth it.
Thankful and blessed!
Jerry
On another personal note: Last night we went to Seven Springs and met a group of about 20 people who are Kayaking down the river from Raleigh to New Bern for Cancer research and awareness through Relay for Life. As it was getting dark, some of our GC folks gathered in a circle to share in a special ritual that they do. These folks are inspirational. What they do for an entire week and 120 plus miles on a Kayak is a very big deal.
However, here is something that I want to share. As I walked up to the area, someone had brought me a chair to sit in. Many folks were standing, but someone remembered that I struggle with standing for a long time. It was a little deed to them, but a big deed to me. Then, as the sun went down the temperature dropped. I was getting cold when I looked up and someone had gone to their vehicle and brought me a blanket to wrap up in. What a blessing! A little deed to them maybe, but a big deed to me.
I don't know if you are the type of person who thinks that you cannot do anything big, so you don't do anything at all. But let me ASSURE you that when you do things for others, there are no little deeds. I believe that in the heart of our Lord, and certainly in the heart of those you help, it's all very special.
So today, think of something little that you can do for someone. It may take some work on your part, as you have to pay attention. But I think that it will be worth it.
Thankful and blessed!
Jerry
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Saturday, April 20
Happy Saturday blog family,
I need to update you on how I feel since the procedure on Wednesday. Basically Dr. Gray was correct. It will be a few more days until I can tell any difference. I do seem to feel a bit sore inside where the needles went, but soreness is not a big deal. I am still on the pain patch and I am still taking anti-nausea meds.
As for my physical strength, Diane and I try to walk some each week. I think that it helps. I was able to go to North Lenoir High School last night to see my favorite new star actress (Sally Ann) in the Wizard of Oz. She is a five year old ham - and I love it! The entire show was worth the effort.
Also, I am reminded that today is my oldest granddaughter, Maia's birthday. I can hardly believe that she is 13, a teenager. She is very special. She has always been a challenging child. I've got a feeling that, now that she is a teenager, it is only going to get more adventurous in our family.
But listen to me as I rattle on about 'my girls.' God is so good to me. He has given me more than enough motivation to continue and not give up. My friend Lynn Taylor sent me this saying from Rod Gilbert. "Losers visualize the penalties of failure, but winners visualize the rewards of success." I am visualizing and experiencing God's rewards to me already! I am a winner!
In your personal journey, what motivates you to be a winner?
I need to update you on how I feel since the procedure on Wednesday. Basically Dr. Gray was correct. It will be a few more days until I can tell any difference. I do seem to feel a bit sore inside where the needles went, but soreness is not a big deal. I am still on the pain patch and I am still taking anti-nausea meds.
As for my physical strength, Diane and I try to walk some each week. I think that it helps. I was able to go to North Lenoir High School last night to see my favorite new star actress (Sally Ann) in the Wizard of Oz. She is a five year old ham - and I love it! The entire show was worth the effort.
Also, I am reminded that today is my oldest granddaughter, Maia's birthday. I can hardly believe that she is 13, a teenager. She is very special. She has always been a challenging child. I've got a feeling that, now that she is a teenager, it is only going to get more adventurous in our family.
But listen to me as I rattle on about 'my girls.' God is so good to me. He has given me more than enough motivation to continue and not give up. My friend Lynn Taylor sent me this saying from Rod Gilbert. "Losers visualize the penalties of failure, but winners visualize the rewards of success." I am visualizing and experiencing God's rewards to me already! I am a winner!
In your personal journey, what motivates you to be a winner?
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, April 17 (Bonus Edition)
We just got back from Durham. Things went so well that we stopped and ate dinner in Raleigh. That's right, I feel just fine. The procedure that I had was a very simple one. It is very similar to a cortisone shot that you might have had or heard of. The difference is that there were two shots. Each one had to be CT Scan controlled and hitting just the right spot.
Those of you who know me might find it hard to believe that I was awake and watching the monitor the entire time.
It will take a week to 10 days before we get any indication that, 1) this was what was causing the pain. 2) If this works at all.
So, I need more patience. I know that the Lord has some more for me to get from Him. He and I can handle it. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required more patience?
Those of you who know me might find it hard to believe that I was awake and watching the monitor the entire time.
It will take a week to 10 days before we get any indication that, 1) this was what was causing the pain. 2) If this works at all.
So, I need more patience. I know that the Lord has some more for me to get from Him. He and I can handle it. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required more patience?
Wednesday, April 17
Happy Middle of the week day, also known as hump day, blog family,
As you know, this afternoon we will be traveling to Durham to have a nerve block procedure done at Duke Medical Center. Many have asked what this is all about. To tell you the truth, I am not entirely sure. Here is what I do know. Several months ago I began having pains and nausea. The pain was in my abdominal area where my tumor and some other things were removed. Doctors speculate that the pain might be coming from scar tissue around a cluster of nerves in that area. So today, we are going to have a "nerve block" done.
I am not sure how this procedure works. I am not sure what effect, if any, the procedure will have. I do know who does know. (sounds confusing - I do know who does know - but I am sure that you understand) I personally know the One who designed this entire body and knows ALL things.
As I think about it, it is pretty cool to know the One who holds everything in His hands. I am, of all people, most blessed. After all:
It's all about Him!
Do you "personally" know the One? Really?
As you know, this afternoon we will be traveling to Durham to have a nerve block procedure done at Duke Medical Center. Many have asked what this is all about. To tell you the truth, I am not entirely sure. Here is what I do know. Several months ago I began having pains and nausea. The pain was in my abdominal area where my tumor and some other things were removed. Doctors speculate that the pain might be coming from scar tissue around a cluster of nerves in that area. So today, we are going to have a "nerve block" done.
I am not sure how this procedure works. I am not sure what effect, if any, the procedure will have. I do know who does know. (sounds confusing - I do know who does know - but I am sure that you understand) I personally know the One who designed this entire body and knows ALL things.
As I think about it, it is pretty cool to know the One who holds everything in His hands. I am, of all people, most blessed. After all:
It's all about Him!
Do you "personally" know the One? Really?
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