#50 HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND MEDICAL UPDATE

A few thoughts from the week:

I have not kept up as well with my blog entries recently. This is a busy time of year with the holidays. As I mentioned in my last post, for the first time in a LONG time, my parents, my two brothers and I were together for Thanksgiving. My brother, Doug and his wife, Donna, missionaries in Kenya, arrived the Sunday before Thanksgiving. There were other extended family and friends who also joined in the day, making it a great time to get together as family.

This week I have been encouraged by a couple of songs, sung in church and otherwise just brought to my attention. Here’s one:

Day by Day

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

I had the privilege of hearing Doug preach this past Sunday, who reminded us that our enemy, Satan, is out to defeat us, but by knowing our enemy, how he works, thinks and attacks, we can have victory through Christ. That reminded me of another song and Scripture.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth - Isaiah 53 4-7

JESUS NEVER FAILS 

Words and Music by Gary Driskell

So many souls have tested Him
Throughout the course of time
So many still reach out to Him
With broken hearts and minds

And everyone of them will say
Without exception that they find
Jesus never fails

Even in the days of old
He brought His people through
Then He came to show His love
And He died for me and you

And then He rose again to prove
That every story had been true
Jesus never fails

Chorus
Jesus never fails
Jesus never fails
You might as well get thee behind me Satan
You cannot prevail
Because Jesus never fails

Sometimes this world brings trouble
I find so hard to bear
I know I could not make it
Without Jesus being there
It’s so encouraging to know
However deep we’re in despair
That Jesus never fails

So what can I do to prove to you
Tell me, how can you deny?
No untold facts, no mysteries
It’s all so cut and dry
And on the witness stand of your life
I’ll be the first to testify
That Jesus never fails

Repeat Chorus

Doug also brought some great updates of things in Kenya and he brought “get-well” cards from some of the churches with whom I worked while a missionary in Kenya. It was wonderful reading the notes of encouragement. Then he surprised me with a gift and card from the Bible Baptist Church, Makongeni, Thika. I grew up in this church as a young missionary kid (MK) and continued there even as an adult missionary, working with some truly wonderful people. To say that gift and card meant a lot, would be quite an understatement. It brought lots of tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. Thank you for all the kindness expressed through your actions and cards.


I will post pictures soon. For now, I am thoroughly enjoying the tea. Thank You.

medical update:

Today, I went back to Moffitt for a visit with my doctor and to get the report from Monday’s MRI. Here’s what He said:

The MRI looked good. There are still places that show changes, but he called them pseudo-progression, which is a false indication that the tumor could be growing, but is more likely, changes due to the radiation treatment. He also said there are more signs that it is not tumor growth because there are no blood vessels in the spots they are seeing, which would also indicate that it’s not tumor growth. He once again said he didn’t understand what was happening in my case because my cancer is not acting “normal”.

So, of course we celebrated with frozen yogurt.



PRAISES: 

Continued improvements in how I’ve been feeling.

God’s continued provision.

BECAUSE I CAN MOMENT:

Today, I walked in to see the doctor, something I’ve only done once before. Sure, it took a while. I kept telling everyone they could have a head start, if they needed it. 😊

Improved strength.

I received an encouraging call today concerning some continued treatment and a possible step forward in the device for my leg/foot.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Continued strength to manage the physical strain of some of the treatment and exercises to improve mobility.

The electronic stimulation device for my leg mentioned in a previous blog – still waiting for some details to sort out, but we’re getting closer.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.

#49 FAMILY

a few thoughts from the week:

The other morning, I awoke at 5am, not a normal time I would have been getting up, now that I am not working a regular job.  However, I find I have some really clear moments to think/pray in the quiet of the morning.  This past Sunday was Orphan Sunday.  My church had been praying for a little girl for quite some time to find her “forever home”.  We got an update on Sunday that she has.  What an encouragement to see answered prayer and know she has a family to spend the holidays with.

Then I was reminded after that thought passed through my head of the story of “Annie” who also was an orphan and the song that they sing in the movie and the play entitled Tomorrow.

Here are a few lines:

The sun'll come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on

'Til tomorrow

Come what may

Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya tomorrow

You're always

A day, Away.

Of course, then I was reminded of Scripture that tells us there is no guarantee of tomorrow.

Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away., – James 4:13, 14

Please excuse the wanderings of my mind as I continue to walk you down the path of my 5am thoughts. However, for those of us who have accepted God’s gift of salvation there is a promise.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. – Matthew 6:33, 34

I’ll stop with one more 5am thought.  I’m grateful that my God holds my future in HIS hands.  Now back to Orphan Sunday.   I am also truly thankful that God has blessed me with a family who loves me, cares for me and encourages me.  Fifty-five years ago, my parents married.  You just don’t hear of commitment like that these days.  Fifty-four years ago, they were blessed with a little boy, my brother, Doug. Fifty-one years ago, they were blessed with my brother, David.  Forty-one years ago, of course, saving the best for last, 😊 they were blessed with a little girl, ME!!  I do not take my family for granted, I thank God for each one of them.  I AM BLESSED!

Mostly, however, I am thankful to be a part of God’s eternal family.

praises:

Yesterday, I had an eye exam and before we started, I filled him in on the past year and a half.  The doctor was concerned by something he saw and told me I needed to let my neurologist know about it right away.  I told him I had an appointment in 2 weeks.  He said, that I needed to tell them sooner.  He gave me a report, to read to them over the phone, including pictures.  There was a line in the report that I didn’t particularly care for. (“Could indicate a life-threatening condition”).  I called the doctor’s office and they called me back a little while later and said, given the tumor I had removed and the treatment I have had, they are not surprised by what was seen.  Medication I am on will take care of the problem.   They wouldn’t do anything different and would see me for my already scheduled appointment on the 27^th and 30th.  So once again, I had the choice, trust or panic.  I am thankful for the peace of God, when I choose to not worry and trust God.  The eye doctor did remind me of something else that I’m not so sure I appreciate.  He said remember you are 41.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Yesterday, when I went for my appointment, the appointment itself was covered by insurance, the extra pictures taken were not.  However, the doctor chose to do them at no charge.

Significant improvements in how I’ve been feeling.

God’s continued provision.

Improved strength.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Follow-up MRI on Nov 27th and then a doctor visit on the 30th.

The electronic stimulation device for my leg mentioned in a previous blog – still waiting for some details to sort out, but we’re getting closer.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.

#48 HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Happy Veterans Day!!  On November 11, America recognizes those men and women who have served in the US military.  I am proud and honored to say I have several family members who have served in various branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines).  Of course, I can’t pass up the opportunity to recognize my favorite sailor of all, my dad.  And to all those US veterans who have served, THANK YOU for your service!!

Optune update:

The lady came to check my progress with Optune for the month.  As I had hoped and really tried hard to accomplish, I was, in fact her star pupil, scoring a 107%, compared to 88% last month.  Now her numbers are slightly different but when you do the math and figure things based on a percentage, that’s what you come up with.  She didn’t have any stickers, but we found some anyway (Look at my shirt collar).  Not to mention the reward/satisfaction of doing well.  My brother, David, of course, accused me of being a “teacher’s pet”.  Thanks a lot, David.  The important thing is, a better score means more work the machine is doing to fight the cancer.

 a few thoughts from the week:

Being back in church this past Sunday was such an encouragement.  I am so grateful to live in a country that allows me the freedoms to worship openly and publicly call myself a Christian, unlike so many other places around the world.  I am also grateful to be a part of a church that is not afraid to proclaim the TRUTH. If you’re in Highlands county, specifically Sebring and looking for a good church with great teaching and wonderful, praying people, give Southside Baptist Church a try (379 South Commerce Avenue. – across from the courthouse).

My heart does ache for the families of those murdered in churches here in America recently.

I was just telling someone this week that this journey feels like it is more in the style of the hundred years war, not a short battle we often face from day to day.  Since this journey began over a year ago,  it continues to be a daily battle of mind, body and spirit to get up and keep fighting.  I am so thankful for those who continue to stick it out with me and walk prayerfully and encouragingly day after day.  More importantly,  I’m thankful for the daily strength God provides and the reminder that 

He is always there walking ahead of me.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. - Isaiah 41:10

praises:

Improvements in how I’ve been feeling.

Improved strength.

There are so many things I could start telling you of how God has blessed me, but that would take more than just a simple blog - more like an entire series of books with multiple volumes.  All the way from the provision of this Optune device, to items that assist in my continued therapy I do at home, to provision of the second chemo, all of which have not been covered through insurance, but provided through God’s hands of provision.  And if you have had any experience with cancer treatment, then you have an idea of what these items have for price tags.  Thank you, God, for your hand of provision and mercy.  And thank you for stickers and the opportunity to receive them.  Yes, I believe God cares if we get excited about stickers.  He cares about us.  If only we would be more excited about telling others of His grace as we are about some of the simpler things in life.

“Because I can moment”:

For the first time about a week ago, since before January, I was able to wipe my shoes (both feet) when I came in the door.  I also used the pepper grinder again this week and it went much better than the first time.  A lot more pepper landed in my plate than on the table.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Follow-up MRI on Nov 27th and then a doctor visit on the 30th.

#47 BE STILL – WRITTEN (THURSDAY)

Medical Update:

I have another MRI on Nov 27th followed by a doctor visit on the 30th. This will help them confirm if what they saw on the last scan is effects of treatment. They are doing two tests. One is a normal MRI. The other is called a perfusion scan. It is essentially an MRI just with a difference in the contrast portion. This will make for a long day. But that’s OK. There are always things to entertain yourself with, if you just look around and don’t stress over it.

I am feeling better than I have in a while. Still tired but the headaches and dizziness are improving as we have worked with adjusting medication. There are still more adjustments coming as they have to be slow, but we’re getting there.

The lady with the company for Optune is scheduled to come next week. I want to set out some stickers for her to give me when I impress her with my grade. As I said, I intend to be her star pupil this time. Maybe I’ll just reward myself with the satisfaction that I did better than before, I hope. 😊

But stickers are nice, if earned.

A few thoughts from the week:

A verse and song have been in my head a lot this week, especially today, that God has used to remind me that He is God and can do anything He chooses.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth - Psalm 46:10

"Be Still And Know"

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is holy

Be still Oh restless heart of mine

Bow before the Prince of Peace

Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is faithful

Consider all that He has done

Stand in awe and be amazed

And know that He will never change

Be still

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is God

Be still

Be speechless

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is our Father

Come and rest your head upon His breast

Listen to the rhythm of

His unfailing heart of love

Beating for his little ones

Calling each of us to come

Be still

Be still

PRAISES:

Encouraging MRI and doctor visit.

Improvements in how I’ve been feeling

“Because I can moment”:

This past week I wanted to talk to some wonderful people at the Therapy Center of Sebring, who continue to help me when I need advice or have questions. I can’t say enough about this place or the people who work there. THEY ARE WONDERFUL!! Well, it’s been a long time since I had gone in there with just a cane. But this week I did that and left the walker in the car.

My two brothers my parents and I will be together this year for Thanksgiving. This will be the first time in a long time given the fact we have all been separated by oceans during the holidays for many years. I am looking forward to spending time together.

I have another praise to share with you that JUST happened.

This morning I had made several phone calls trying to get medicine here. On Monday I was supposed to start my second chemo. Well, this is the one provided by the pharmaceutical company free of charge to me. For some reason there were issues getting it shipped out. This morning I made the decision that since God knew all about it, there was no reason for me to stress or worry over it. The verse and song above kept running through my head. Well, while I was working on this entry I took a break for dinner. While I was away from the computer, I got an email from the shipping company (FedEx). They are shipping it overnight and it will be here tomorrow.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Medication adjustments, in hopes it will eliminate the headaches and dizziness.

Wisdom for future decisions.

Encouragement and strength for family during this whole process while still helping me with my medical care and therapy.

The electronic stimulation device for my leg mentioned in a previous blog – still waiting for some details to sort out, but we’re getting closer.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.