Well, today, I complete my 28 treatments of radiation therapy and head for home! I was only able to take two of the chemotherapy treatments (called, 5fu) due to my blood platelet count dropping too low. I am supposed to take approximately six weeks off, now, to recuperate and build up my blood, then return for additioanal chemotherapay (gemcitobene), one treatment per week for several consecutive weeks. February 3rd, I return for a petscan to check the status of the pancreatic tumor and to see whether or not it has matasticized (spread to any other part of my body).
My plan is to return back to work. I hope to have opportunities to preach and to share my testimony, wherever the Lord may lead.I feel good, almost normal, except for the nauseating effects of the radiation. However, I'm taking medication that counteracts that, most of the time.
I truly believe prayer has made a significant difference in dealing with my circumstances. Whether my time is short or, by the grace of God, should be extended for an indefinite time, I will never be the same, again. This has truly been a life-changing experience.
I'm sure it's selfish on my part, but, I do hope that He might see fit to extend my life beyond the doctor's prediction of six to twelve months, so that I can have opportunities to glorify and lift up His name. Of course, it would be such a blessing to see my grandchildren grow up and become people of integrity whose lives would point others to Jesus, forgiveness of sins, through His name, and eternal life.
I once prayed to God, and said, "Lord, I want to see your glory." His response, by that still small voice from within was, "John, it will cost you." I feared that it could be something as major as the loss of one of my children or my wife, and the thought made me shudder. But, since I have been diagnosed with this condition, I have seen more of the Lord's glory than all the years previous, combined. His glory has been revealed to me through the hearts and lives of His people, as so many of them have shown me compassion, through prayer, encouraging words, helping hands, benevolence, cards, letters, phone messages, etc, etc; so many, that I could not begin to thank each one by name. Many have remained nameless. Many are total strangers.
I can truly thank God for having allowed me to experience this trial of life. He has not failed me. He has been faithful. He has been with me, through it all. Praise the Lord! His grace is sufficient!
My heart hurts for those who do not yet know the peace that passeth all understanding; knowing that God is on the throne. He is completely in control of our circumstances. He knows what He is doing. I trust Him. Therefore, I can be at rest (peace) in Him, through His son, Jesus Christ! For, I know, He knows what is best for me, and those that I love!
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12, KJV)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God...(2 Tim. 2:15)
The time away from home, work, family, and friends is not fun; however, to a degree, its almost like being on a sabbatical. I have time to read God’s Word in depth, contemplate it, pray over it and, as a result, in many cases, reach a new level of understanding. I am more and more convinced that the Lord is sorely disappointed with our having knowledge of His word, and yet, so often failing to "live it out" in our daily lives. To be content with being a mediocre Christian is to be powerless and ineffective for the work of Christ in the spiritual realm. I pray that the Lord will forgive me for my mediocrity. I also pray that the wake-up call, to me, is not too late.
Two good friends have given me books relating to the Word that I find both intriguing and thought provoking. Thank you!
John 14:17-26 (Note: These words from Jesus' prayer are not intended only for the disciples, but for every believer.)
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. (KJV)
Two good friends have given me books relating to the Word that I find both intriguing and thought provoking. Thank you!
John 14:17-26 (Note: These words from Jesus' prayer are not intended only for the disciples, but for every believer.)
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. (KJV)
Thursday, Dec. 04, 2008: Medical Update
I went for chemotherapy, this morning; however, my blood platelet count (clotting ability) was too low, due to the effects of the combined chemo and radiation treatments. So, chemotherapy has been put on hold until Thursday next week, at which time they will see if my platelet count is back up enough to resume treatment. I don't know how this may affect the original finish date for my treatments. I was scheduled to finish on December 30, with weekends and one day for Christmas, off.
Radiation therapy went well. I continue to feel reasonably well, in spite of minor abdominal pain from time to time and some difficulty being able to sleep comfortably on my back, at night. We'll just continue to trust the Great Physician to work things out for our good and His glory!
Radiation therapy went well. I continue to feel reasonably well, in spite of minor abdominal pain from time to time and some difficulty being able to sleep comfortably on my back, at night. We'll just continue to trust the Great Physician to work things out for our good and His glory!
Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2008: Medical Update
This morning, I had my 10th of 28 radiation treatments. The radiation oncology doctor tells me that, regardless of the effectiveness of these treatments, there won’t be anymore due to the sensitive location of the tumor, among vital organs. He said, even using the best treatment plan he can devise, one of my kidneys is still having to be hit with the
x-rays. The good news is that I have a second kidney that can compensate for any reduced functionality of the other. Most days I experience some pain for a few hours following each treatment; however, it’s not major.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I’ll have the 3rd weekly chemotherapy treatment. The doctors have been warning me of impending nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that is likely to occur, and gave me medications to counteract those issues, if they occur. Thankfully, the ill side effects have been at a bare minimum, almost nil!
x-rays. The good news is that I have a second kidney that can compensate for any reduced functionality of the other. Most days I experience some pain for a few hours following each treatment; however, it’s not major.
Tomorrow, Thursday, I’ll have the 3rd weekly chemotherapy treatment. The doctors have been warning me of impending nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that is likely to occur, and gave me medications to counteract those issues, if they occur. Thankfully, the ill side effects have been at a bare minimum, almost nil!
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