Hard To Explain

This Thursday will be seven weeks out from John's surgery. He is doing pretty well but continues to have real issues with his shoulder on the side where the two ribs were removed. He also has diminished muscle strength in his upper back - probably from them cutting through so much muscle - and it is difficult for him to sit up in a regular chair for an extended period without pain. Hence, he loves his recliner and we are thankful to have it!

Progress is slow but he does not have to use pain meds much - maybe at night so he can sleep. We have been able to take a few short car trips on errands and that has been nice. He would like to make it to the Wednesday of Worship (WOW) Service at our church this week for a short period. Chemo is again this Thursday, the 31st. That will be two down, four (and hopefully that is all) to go!

We have kind of been in a strange time the last week. Chemo can make John a little emotional and when he is, I am big time emotional. Somehow, the feeling of relief we expected to have while on the run to home plate hasn't materialized. John says we lost our stride but we'll get it back. For me, the lack of time for prayer and Bible study has taken a real toll. I have felt lost, sick and exhausted. Fortunately, I'm improving and will get my game on. As usual, John bounces back quickly with grace and gratitude (and I love him so much for that and so much more).

I think the thing that kind of started the ball rolling in our slide was receiving a very difficult phone call from an old family friend of John's parents. John's folks had just seen this man and his wife at a military reunion and after they arrived at our house, he phoned to say he had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, was refusing treatment and they were giving him a few weeks. We received another phone call from this gentleman after John's folks had left us, and it subsequently turned into one of those "good-bye" calls. The essence of it just kind of rocked our little world and many emotions spilled over. Our prayers go out for Jack and his family.

God continues to bless us with residual income for John, even though he is unable to work, and other support. We have so much to be thankful for.

May the spirit of the Lord wash over you like refreshing rain. Amen.

Pam

Where To Begin

First, John is still recovering from surgery but trying to do more each day. His folks have been keeping him company during the day and helping out here and there with some projects. They will be getting on the road next Tuesday for a few days in Indiana with family and then on to California. It has been so nice to have them visit!

We need your prayer because chemo begins tomorrow (10-16). I'm fairly concerned because frankly, I just don't think John is healed enough to tolerate the ravaging affects of chemo very well. It just really kicks your tail and his tail is still dragging the ground most of the time. We're trusting the Lord to help us through this. I had my pre-chemo breakdown last night. It would be so nice to have one more week to do a few things before John feels miserable and I feel like my husband has temporarily checked out. He won't finish until the end of January so we have a long stretch ahead.

Friday is our 26th wedding anniversary. Last year, we spent it nursing our son back from a fairly bad auto accident. This year it will be looking for some level of comfort for John. Although we'd rather be doing something else, we're very thankful to be together, no matter the circumstances.

I've been reading in Daniel lately and have felt like I had several good things to share, but once again, the last few days have been a bit of a struggle. Still, what a fascinating book it is about the end times. I will close with this message to Daniel 10:18 Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. ¹⁹ “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

Great news!

Although John continues to have quite a bit of pain, we did get some really good news. He had a CEA blood test (tumor marker) last week and the results showed he has dropped to 3.4. Normal is 2.5 and we started out at 55, dropping to 24 about halfway through the first chemo round.

The dread of chemo starting next week is beginning to set in but we're praying faithfully and know the Lord will be walking us through. Have also started John on a fairly strict regimen of Reliv products as we have heard good things for cancer patients. This, along with the JuicePlus, means he is popping down quite a few supplements but we are very grateful to have the opportunity to use them.

Please remember our daughter, Audrey, in prayer. She needs to make some decisions regarding school in the very near future and itis weighing heavily on her.

Until next time, I pray for God's grace and mercy for you.

Pam

Saw the Docs

I've been a bit busy and it has been hard to update. Seems like there is always something going on.

First, we saw both John's surgeon and oncologist on Tuesday. All went well, or perhaps as expected. The surgeon released John and felt he was doing well. The oncologist gave us the next chemo regimen, which will begin on Thursday, October 16. He will have 6-8 treatments, with one occurring every two weeks. If he stays on schedule and tolerates everything well, he will finish on January 22. This will be a long haul for us. Chemo is hard enough but with having just finished his last regimen on August 21 and having such an extensive and painful surgery on Sept. 11, this will not be an easy go. But, we know we'll make it through.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

We are delighted to have John's parents from CA, Bob and Joyce, parked in our driveway in their home on wheels. It is nice to have them there after a four year absence and Joyce seems to be doing very well - in spite of catching an Ohio cold.

PAM'S RANT - As a Christian, I'm ashamed to say it is hard for me to "keep a stuff upper lip" all the time. In other words, my faith waivers and I sometimes feel like I'm spinning out of control. Here is my advice to you, to help folks like me...PLEASE DON'T say with a gloomy expression, "Good luck with that." Luck is not involved. Prayer, focus on God's grace, diligent medical care, good nutrition, restful nights, positive support, caring and loving family/friends, and some semblance of control in at least a few areas of one's life, are what is involved. None of this has anything to do with luck - just lots of faith and lots of hard work. (PS - You wouldn't believe the number of medical personnel who used the good luck line on us! I mean, get a clue, people!)

Also, don't shy away from people who are facing serious medical situations or are hurting. People avoid us. It sucks. If it helps, practice something positive and encouraging to say beforehand. If you say you're praying for someone in need, then do it! Even a quick prayer is better than none. We know of someone who lost their son when he fell from a roof and people avoid them too. Hurting and grief are part of life. We can pretend they aren't there for our own comfort, but it is so much easier for the hurting or grieving person to have a brother to walk the path with.

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

I hope you have peace in your heart today.