Marvelous Grace, Friday, November 21, 2008

Today, I met Sam, an employee at the VA. He took the time to share with me about his wife’s ordeal, having to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy. We had a certain comradery, due to the fact that we both, in times previous, had served in Special Forces, in different parts of the world. But, the greatest blessing of all was when he handed me his card, the back of which read:

“GOD died for your SOUL…a VETERAN died for your FREEDOM>>>Have you said thank you to either ONE? …”

What a joy it is, to cross paths with members of the family of God, and to find the fellowship of “home” while away from home!

As I have said at various times previously, I have never experienced more of God’s love and grace, in this time of trial, than at any previous time in my life’s experience. It has been profusely revealed to me, by the Lord, through His people (love, generosity, encouragement, prayers, fellowship, etc, etc.). It has been a most humbling experience. My heart is full of gratitude and thanksgiving. Surely, my cup is running over! (Ps. 23)

I feel that I can very strongly identify with the testimony of Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12. The Lord has graciously allowed me to, “glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10, KJV)
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Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
(“Grace Greater Than Our Sin” Words: Julia H. Johnston)

Thursday, 11/20/2008 Medical Update

I had my first radiation therapy treatment yesterday afternoon. It went well. ...took about five minutes, once I got on the table. I experienced some pain and discomfort during the night and had difficulty sleeping. I had my first one day per week chemotherapy treatment this morning, about 9:00 a.m. It went well. So far, no symptomatic side effects. I got signed up to work out in the hospital rehab center to help me in an effort to maintain good physical health. I haven't tried it, yet. I need to get some proper attire, while home, this coming weekend. Blessings!

2 Tim 1:12 ...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)

November 19, 2008 Update

I checked into the hospital, yesterday, and was given an outpatient room on the 9th floor. I begin radiation therapy, today, at 1:30 p.m. The chemo treatment plan has been changed to one day per week for the duration of the daily radiation therapy. Originally they were going to do chemo the 1st three days of radiation and then the last three days of radiation. Chemo starts tomorrow, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

According to the schedule they gave me, this morning, I'll be here until December 30th. I'll get to come home on weekends and holidays.

I have access to the internet, in the hospital library, 1 hour per day. I'll try to update as often as I can. Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll add a post regarding spiritual issues. Stay tuned! And thanks for your encouragement and prayers! Blessings!

Nov. 9, 2008 Medical Update

Last Monday, Nov. 3 I had a Pett Scan done to search for the presence of any other tumors in my body. Wednesday, the report was that the scan showed that the only tumor present, is the one in my pancreas. Praise the Lord! The chemotherapy oncologist said that on whatever day I began radiation therapy, they would also start me on chemotherapy. It consists of three days of treatment with a drug called 5-FU. At the end of the radiation therapy, the 5-FU treatment would be resumed, to coincide with the last three days of radiation. There will then be a waiting time for healing and recovery, then more chemotherapy treatment with a drug called gemcitabine, given one day per week. The radiation treatment is to last approximately five to six weeks, five days per week. I'll get to come home on weekends and holidays. During the process, I will stay at the VA Hospital, in Dallas, on the 9th floor. They will not allow my wife (Schelia) to stay with me, while there.

Friday, I went to see the radiation oncologist, underwent another CT Scan in order to be tattooed with three points of entry for the radioactive beam that will be aimed at the location of the tumor. The hope is that the radiation will stop the tumor's growth and/or cause it to shrink.

Treatment may start by Wednesday of this week and, if not this week, then next week.

The doctors keep re-emphasizing to me that these treatments cannot cure the cancer, but only possibly prolong my life for a while longer. I am thankful that the doctors, in their limited knowledge, do not have the last word on my prognosis. God has the last word, and whatever He wills, will come to pass, cancer or no cancer!

Have a blessed day!