John is healing up from this last chemo. Feels pretty pooped but in pretty good spirits. We still have our appt. for the second surgical consult on Sept. 2 but are hoping to get an idea of a surgery date tomorrow so that some family can make plans. With the same follow-up chemo regimen planned post surgery, we're figuring John will be mostly out of commission until after the holidays.
Audrey is really struggling with being back at school and it is highly possible she will return home and complete her degree at the local state university. This has been a fairly tough time for all of us, although John Sr. seems to take most everything in stride.
We work to not let Satan steal our joy and to praise God in all things. We have many things to be thankful for and God continues to make his presence known to us.
Blessings.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Chemo Today, etc.
Today is the last chemo for this round. After consulting, the oncologist and surgeon decided that we should maintain our Sept. 2 appointment with the surgeon and set a surgery date from there. However, we do know they would like to do the surgery as soon as possible and we expect it will be scheduled shortly thereafter.
Pam's dad is now out of the hospital and getting around ok with his knee and we hope the spells that are spooking us are over. Pam's mom has decided to resume with her plans to have knee replacement and got back on the schedule for Sept. 9.
Audrey has to head back to school on Sunday and this is proving to be very difficult for her as she feels she should be here with us. It is heart wrenching to see her so torn.
It was great to have JR home for this past weekend although it ended up being a pretty busy time. We're already looking forward to another visit.
Luke 17:13 - And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
Pam's dad is now out of the hospital and getting around ok with his knee and we hope the spells that are spooking us are over. Pam's mom has decided to resume with her plans to have knee replacement and got back on the schedule for Sept. 9.
Audrey has to head back to school on Sunday and this is proving to be very difficult for her as she feels she should be here with us. It is heart wrenching to see her so torn.
It was great to have JR home for this past weekend although it ended up being a pretty busy time. We're already looking forward to another visit.
Luke 17:13 - And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
Monday, August 18, 2008
God is Good
I am so thrilled to report that the oncologist called today with the final pathology report on John's liver and the initial negative report stands - there is NO cancer in the liver! Of course, we had totally claimed that!
John is pretty pooped. I did some driving for him this morning so he could do a little work and then we popped into the oncologist's office for a quick finger stick to check his numbers, as we wanted to be sure he would be prepared to get what is supposed to be his final chemo this Thursday. If his numbers had been low, they could have given him some type of injection to boost him up, but everything looks good so we should be all set! I think that perhaps the biopsy just took more out of him than we anticipated.
The church we attend does about 99% rock and roll worship music. While we have gotten accustomed to this and enjoy it, we still miss our old hymns so here is my gift to you today.
If you want to sing along, here is a great recording.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDn-jnbQ744
John is pretty pooped. I did some driving for him this morning so he could do a little work and then we popped into the oncologist's office for a quick finger stick to check his numbers, as we wanted to be sure he would be prepared to get what is supposed to be his final chemo this Thursday. If his numbers had been low, they could have given him some type of injection to boost him up, but everything looks good so we should be all set! I think that perhaps the biopsy just took more out of him than we anticipated.
The church we attend does about 99% rock and roll worship music. While we have gotten accustomed to this and enjoy it, we still miss our old hymns so here is my gift to you today.
If you want to sing along, here is a great recording.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDn-jnbQ744
On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
To God be the Glory!
Praise Jesus!
Although we still have to wait for the complete pathology report, the initial pathology of John's liver biopsy today indicates there is no liver cancer! Again, we still need to wait for the complete report but we are claiming it and giving God the glory!
While John is resting comfortably here at home, I'm doing a praise Jesus victory dance all over the place with a big smile on my face!
Your continued prayer for more healing is needed and appreciated.
Romans 15:11 - And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Hebrews 13:15 - Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
James 5:13 - Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Hallelujah!
Pam
Although we still have to wait for the complete pathology report, the initial pathology of John's liver biopsy today indicates there is no liver cancer! Again, we still need to wait for the complete report but we are claiming it and giving God the glory!
While John is resting comfortably here at home, I'm doing a praise Jesus victory dance all over the place with a big smile on my face!
Your continued prayer for more healing is needed and appreciated.
Romans 15:11 - And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Hebrews 13:15 - Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
James 5:13 - Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Hallelujah!
Pam
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Some stuff
So we saw the surgeon today and got the low down on timing and what to expect for the lung surgery. They would want to remove the largest tumor in the lower right lung via an incision in the back. The smaller tumors they hope to remove laproscopically. The surgeon says it is not a difficult or dangerous surgery but recovery is brutal. They would want to do the surgery as soon as John's white cell counts return to an acceptable level following his chemo on Aug. 21 (next Thursday). For now, we have kept his white cell count in a good range so surgery could happen fairly quickly.
Here is the kicker. As you may know, there is a suspicious spot on John's liver. The surgeon wasn't aware of this as he was making plans for the lung surgery. He indicated the liver needs to be taken care of before the lungs. As of today, we had not seen the oncologist to discuss the liver so the surgeon called the oncologist. When we arrived home, we got a call from the oncologist that he didn't want to assume the worst until John had a needle biopsy. We are scheduled for that this Thursday (14th).
Please remember us in prayer - that we will be blessed with good news and the liver will be clear so we can move along with the lungs.
We were blessed with a visit from John's cousin from Chicago, Chuck Brush, his wife Shari and their three boys. They are a lovely family and we thoroughly enjoyed their visit as they passed through on vacation travels.
We also had a visit from my cousin, Cameron Kelley and his wife Sandra and their two lovely daughters, Caroline and Clara. They are another very nice family.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Pam
Here is the kicker. As you may know, there is a suspicious spot on John's liver. The surgeon wasn't aware of this as he was making plans for the lung surgery. He indicated the liver needs to be taken care of before the lungs. As of today, we had not seen the oncologist to discuss the liver so the surgeon called the oncologist. When we arrived home, we got a call from the oncologist that he didn't want to assume the worst until John had a needle biopsy. We are scheduled for that this Thursday (14th).
Please remember us in prayer - that we will be blessed with good news and the liver will be clear so we can move along with the lungs.
We were blessed with a visit from John's cousin from Chicago, Chuck Brush, his wife Shari and their three boys. They are a lovely family and we thoroughly enjoyed their visit as they passed through on vacation travels.
We also had a visit from my cousin, Cameron Kelley and his wife Sandra and their two lovely daughters, Caroline and Clara. They are another very nice family.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Pam
Monday, August 11, 2008
And so it goes
John is coming along with this treatment and all is as expected. He is managing well but extremely tired.
We did learn last week that his CT scan revealed something suspicious on his liver. His oncologist has been on vacation and although we did hear from his nurse assistant, we are waiting to hear from the Dr. at some point about this. Although it was initially extremely upsetting to me, I have been working on not worrying and am feeling better. We have so much to be thankful for! John feels this does not alter anything.
Tomorrow morning we see the surgeon to get his take on things. Your continued prayer for encouraging news and healing is appreciated.
Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man (cancer) do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
We may have some family visiting tomorrow. John's cousin Chuck Brush and family are in town from Chicago area, and Pam's cousin Marylou Starr from Texas, as well as Cameron Kelley and family from Cincy are also in town and may stop by. We're hoping John is up to seeing everyone. It is a nice reprieve.
As our son John's tattoo says, Press On. (It's ok - I already outed him to most everyone I think.)
Love, Pam
We did learn last week that his CT scan revealed something suspicious on his liver. His oncologist has been on vacation and although we did hear from his nurse assistant, we are waiting to hear from the Dr. at some point about this. Although it was initially extremely upsetting to me, I have been working on not worrying and am feeling better. We have so much to be thankful for! John feels this does not alter anything.
Tomorrow morning we see the surgeon to get his take on things. Your continued prayer for encouraging news and healing is appreciated.
Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man (cancer) do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
We may have some family visiting tomorrow. John's cousin Chuck Brush and family are in town from Chicago area, and Pam's cousin Marylou Starr from Texas, as well as Cameron Kelley and family from Cincy are also in town and may stop by. We're hoping John is up to seeing everyone. It is a nice reprieve.
As our son John's tattoo says, Press On. (It's ok - I already outed him to most everyone I think.)
Love, Pam
Friday, August 8, 2008
Chemo on Track
Chemo is underway and on track. Today is going pretty well but we'll expect John to go down hill beginning tomorrow about noon as always.
This is a short update but please, please continue to pray for us and John's healing.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning' great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Love, Pam
This is a short update but please, please continue to pray for us and John's healing.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning' great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Love, Pam
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
CT Scan
So this morning, John had a CT scan. We hadn't expected to get the results until next week as his oncologist is on vacation this week; however, while John was waiting for the test, the Dr. who did his needle biopsy appeared. John was in his office area and he knows this Dr. as he spent quite a bit of time with him quoting a new roof for his home.
The Dr. asked the technician to send the images to him immediately and he took John back to his office. The tumors are shrinking, John believes probably by about 1/3 thus far. While we had both hoped that there would be no tumors in the images, that wasn't the case. We are pleased that the chemo appears to be working and hope to see more progress with the next two treatments coming up on the 7th and 21st.
Your prayers for the chemo to effectively do its job are appreciated, as well as lifting John up as he receives and recovers from the treatments. Each time it gets a little harder to recover although we were pleased to go to church on Saturday evening and even to Bob Evans to share some comfort food afterwards. John was thrilled as I have hardly let him eat anything out and he really enjoyed having sausage!
We do enjoy hearing from folks. If you get the chance, log in to comment on the blog as an anonymous visitor and you can just leave your name in the body of the comment if you like.
God Bless!
Pam
The Dr. asked the technician to send the images to him immediately and he took John back to his office. The tumors are shrinking, John believes probably by about 1/3 thus far. While we had both hoped that there would be no tumors in the images, that wasn't the case. We are pleased that the chemo appears to be working and hope to see more progress with the next two treatments coming up on the 7th and 21st.
Your prayers for the chemo to effectively do its job are appreciated, as well as lifting John up as he receives and recovers from the treatments. Each time it gets a little harder to recover although we were pleased to go to church on Saturday evening and even to Bob Evans to share some comfort food afterwards. John was thrilled as I have hardly let him eat anything out and he really enjoyed having sausage!
We do enjoy hearing from folks. If you get the chance, log in to comment on the blog as an anonymous visitor and you can just leave your name in the body of the comment if you like.
God Bless!
Pam
Friday, August 1, 2008
Remembering
So I have been a bit tired and haven't wanted to update. Sorry.
I entitled this post Remembering because we all need to remember to praise the Lord, every day, all day, for everything! I haven't told you that John has been working on reading the Bible through since he is kinda trapped here in the house. I think he felt like since I read through in '07, he wanted to have that on his "resume" too. Anyway, it sure isn't going to take him a year to do it as he is cooking along. I'm sure it helps that he has regularly read his Bible for many years where I had always been waaaay too sporadic. It is too easy to let the mundane take over our lives and forget what is important - deepening our relationship with Christ, praising him in all things and continuing his mission.
That said, here are some things I wanted to share before I update you on John...
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my savior! Psalm 18:46
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 21:14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
John continues to gain strength and (against my wishes) drove himself to check on a few jobs and to the office today. Praise the Lord that he felt like going! He has had his puny times and holds down his recliner much of the time but is napping less now. Drat that chemo will be upon us again next Thursday!
We are also thrilled that John's parents plan on making a trip east in their motorhome sometime Sept./Oct. We will be very happy to have them with us for as long as they are able. It has been some time since we have had their "home on wheels" in our driveway and it will be a welcome sight.
And so I close with this:
Psalm 33:20-21 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Love, Pam
I entitled this post Remembering because we all need to remember to praise the Lord, every day, all day, for everything! I haven't told you that John has been working on reading the Bible through since he is kinda trapped here in the house. I think he felt like since I read through in '07, he wanted to have that on his "resume" too. Anyway, it sure isn't going to take him a year to do it as he is cooking along. I'm sure it helps that he has regularly read his Bible for many years where I had always been waaaay too sporadic. It is too easy to let the mundane take over our lives and forget what is important - deepening our relationship with Christ, praising him in all things and continuing his mission.
That said, here are some things I wanted to share before I update you on John...
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my savior! Psalm 18:46
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 21:14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
John continues to gain strength and (against my wishes) drove himself to check on a few jobs and to the office today. Praise the Lord that he felt like going! He has had his puny times and holds down his recliner much of the time but is napping less now. Drat that chemo will be upon us again next Thursday!
We are also thrilled that John's parents plan on making a trip east in their motorhome sometime Sept./Oct. We will be very happy to have them with us for as long as they are able. It has been some time since we have had their "home on wheels" in our driveway and it will be a welcome sight.
And so I close with this:
Psalm 33:20-21 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Love, Pam
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