Body:
When last we met on this blog the suspense was building as the doctor was weighing different treatment options. (a little humorous review:-) Well, the suspense was ended on Thursday when I went for a blood test. (By the way, there were significant improvements in my blood levels.) Because I hadn't received a phone call from the doctor, I asked the nurse if she could find out what he had planned. They answered "big time!" They dumped the whole truckload. I met with the assistant and with the transplant coordinator. They told me all that is projected to take place and gave me a rough timeline for these events...which can be summarized with this blog title: A Long Summer!
Next week I will be an inpatient at Yale for three days (Tuesday -- Thursday) to receive a new and very potent chemo followed by 12 daily shots to boost blood levels until the collection of my stem cells for the future transplant. Then, after meeting with the doctor about a week later, I'll be an inpatient at Yale again for four days (Wednesday -- Sunday) for another type of chemo. After this, there will be a couple weeks of monitoring blood levels in preparation for another doctor's appointment and the intensive chemo that prepares me for the stem cell transplant.
Key point: This will be an "all summer" situation...and well into September.
Spirit:
I must confess I wasn't ready for that...and I've spent the last couple days processing it. I found the "Why?" question pushing its way to the surface...which is usually the prelude to a "pity party" focused on the injustices of life and even suspicions about God's plan. There was also a heaviness as I thought about the summer and the challenges before me...a lot of unfamiliar territory. The seriousness of my condition and the lengths to which doctors were going to go to fight this cancer added to the heaviness of my heart. Finally, there were complaints in my spirit about the way the hospital staff dumped this truckload of information on me...and then sent me on my way.
Summary: I wasn't in a very good place.
So what has made the difference in these days as I have processed these realities? There are a couple of observations that have helped me. First, I realized I was living the whole summer, all the treatments, the seriousness of the condition, and the myriad of unknowns in a single moment of time! That's a pretty heavy load...and it is one God never intended me to carry. His grace is measured out for each day and I can't carry tomorrow's struggles today and have enough grace to carry the load. Some would state the principle this way, "One day at a time." I would prefer to state it this way, "Yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope: 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. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'" (Lam. 3:21-24) Granted, it's a little longer...not as pithy or memorable, but infinitely more meaningful to the believer.
Second, reflecting on the truths of the passage I'll be preaching on Sunday had a wonderful calming and re-focusing effect. The truth of Scripture always does that. In Ephesians 6:23-24 there are four key blessings that Paul prays God will give to the believers: Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace. How can you NOT be re-focused if you spend a little time reflecting on these words? God wants my life to be marked by His peace, love, faith, and grace. Wow! How blessed I am!
So, with renewed focus, perspective and appreciation, I wait expectantly for the Lord's provision for every challenge that comes my way because, as a blog I am familiar with says, "Hope does not disappoint!"
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Full Day
Body: Yesterday was a full day at Yale as I had a blood test at 9, a PET scan at 11, treatment at 12:30 and a doctor's appointment at 2:30. I'm getting to know the new Smilow Cancer Hospital very well!
Here is the bottom line on yesterday's activities. Blood counts were low enough that I was given a blood transfusion. How thankful I am for those blood drives that Calvary has and the people who are willing to give blood. I've always been on the "giving" end...this was a first, being on the "receiving" end...and I'm very grateful.
The PET Scan revealed that the cancer spot is smaller, but still there, clearly. The doctor, Andrea and I talked about various options which he is now weighing. He'll get back to me in a couple of days with that which he thinks is best. So it appears there will be another treatment step before the "intensive" step of the stem cell transplant (my own stem cells).
Thanks so much for your notes, emails, Facebook posts and calls of encouragement and prayer support. Each is treasured!
Spirit: "The Downside of Knowledge" Daniel 5
We frequently hear the comment that knowledge is a wonderful thing. Having knowledge opens doors; it allows advancement because that which is learned acts like a foundation or platform upon which we can stand to reach new heights; it advances careers, as those who know more are given prime jobs (see Daniel 1). Knowledge is always a good thing.
However, there is a downside to knowledge which this text illustrates. Knowledge brings responsibility with it. If you "know", you are responsible to act in light of that knowledge...and sometimes we don't want to act responsibly.
That's Belshazzar!! God treated his father differently, giving him a "second chance" because Nebuchadnezzar didn't know. He cut Belshazzar off immediately, without warning or second chance because he knew and was responsible but was disobedient. Daniel goes right after it in verses 18f in his preamble to interpreting the writing on the wall.
I have been given much knowledge...we all have. The church in America has more knowledge of Scripture available to it than any place on earth. With knowledge comes responsibility. I don't live up to that responsibility many times. The knowledge I emphasize is that God is gracious and forgiving. I know God is forgiving and assume He will give second, third, fourth....chances. I don't act on the knowledge that God is holy and in every situation I am to do His will.
Can anyone identify with this tendency? How does that verse go, "to whom much is given, much will be required"? I think that works with knowledge as well.
Here is the bottom line on yesterday's activities. Blood counts were low enough that I was given a blood transfusion. How thankful I am for those blood drives that Calvary has and the people who are willing to give blood. I've always been on the "giving" end...this was a first, being on the "receiving" end...and I'm very grateful.
The PET Scan revealed that the cancer spot is smaller, but still there, clearly. The doctor, Andrea and I talked about various options which he is now weighing. He'll get back to me in a couple of days with that which he thinks is best. So it appears there will be another treatment step before the "intensive" step of the stem cell transplant (my own stem cells).
Thanks so much for your notes, emails, Facebook posts and calls of encouragement and prayer support. Each is treasured!
Spirit: "The Downside of Knowledge" Daniel 5
We frequently hear the comment that knowledge is a wonderful thing. Having knowledge opens doors; it allows advancement because that which is learned acts like a foundation or platform upon which we can stand to reach new heights; it advances careers, as those who know more are given prime jobs (see Daniel 1). Knowledge is always a good thing.
However, there is a downside to knowledge which this text illustrates. Knowledge brings responsibility with it. If you "know", you are responsible to act in light of that knowledge...and sometimes we don't want to act responsibly.
That's Belshazzar!! God treated his father differently, giving him a "second chance" because Nebuchadnezzar didn't know. He cut Belshazzar off immediately, without warning or second chance because he knew and was responsible but was disobedient. Daniel goes right after it in verses 18f in his preamble to interpreting the writing on the wall.
I have been given much knowledge...we all have. The church in America has more knowledge of Scripture available to it than any place on earth. With knowledge comes responsibility. I don't live up to that responsibility many times. The knowledge I emphasize is that God is gracious and forgiving. I know God is forgiving and assume He will give second, third, fourth....chances. I don't act on the knowledge that God is holy and in every situation I am to do His will.
Can anyone identify with this tendency? How does that verse go, "to whom much is given, much will be required"? I think that works with knowledge as well.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Blood Work And The Week Ahead
Body:
It's been more than a week since I was thanking the Lord that blood levels were in the normal range so I could have the next round of chemo. Well let me tell you something...I wasn't feeling too thankful last weekend! The last round hit me pretty hard on Saturday and Sunday, but by Monday, I was feeling better and was able to work most of the day on Tuesday and lead my Community@Calvary that evening.
Today, I must confess, I was expecting my blood work would indicate a blood transfusion would be needed because blood levels were too low. Another surprise: whites are in the LL (very low) category but reds are just in the L (low) category...and not as bad as the results after the first round of this new regimen.
So, I'll need to be careful about my "people contact" this weekend and I would appreciate your prayer for my physical health (I've felt the early symptoms of a cold coming).
Another prayer request concerns Monday's coming events: I have a blood draw at 9:00 am; a PET Scan at 11:00 am; treatment at 12:30 pm; and I see my doctor at 2:20 pm for the wrap-up report on where we are and what the game plan is going forward. Thanks for your prayers.
Spirit: Daniel 1:8 "The Resolution"
Sometimes a small thing makes a huge difference in a life. A decision on a small issue sets in motion a whole cascading set of effects that change every other decision and the course of life. This is what I see in Daniel's resolution/determination in vs 8. He may not have had in mind all the decisions he would make throughout the book, but this one made those possible and set them in motion.
It actually was a minor issue, when you think about it -- food. It could easily have been excused or rationalized. But Daniel resolved not to let it go or allow it to be minor. And his life and blessing were very different as a result.
How many times, especially as I am older, do I let things slide; does my resolve get sacrificed; does my determination get trumped by things I know aren't best. They may not be huge, but they are clear. This is the essence of discipline -- one resolution at a time. This changes the course of a life. This is what God sees and blesses. This is uphill living. This is God honoring! This is making a difference for God and good in the world.
"Lord, I haven't 'done a Daniel' often enough in my life. Forgive me. I can't re-live those moments. But I can be like Daniel today for Your glory and honor. Help me to see and seize each opportunity."
It's been more than a week since I was thanking the Lord that blood levels were in the normal range so I could have the next round of chemo. Well let me tell you something...I wasn't feeling too thankful last weekend! The last round hit me pretty hard on Saturday and Sunday, but by Monday, I was feeling better and was able to work most of the day on Tuesday and lead my Community@Calvary that evening.
Today, I must confess, I was expecting my blood work would indicate a blood transfusion would be needed because blood levels were too low. Another surprise: whites are in the LL (very low) category but reds are just in the L (low) category...and not as bad as the results after the first round of this new regimen.
So, I'll need to be careful about my "people contact" this weekend and I would appreciate your prayer for my physical health (I've felt the early symptoms of a cold coming).
Another prayer request concerns Monday's coming events: I have a blood draw at 9:00 am; a PET Scan at 11:00 am; treatment at 12:30 pm; and I see my doctor at 2:20 pm for the wrap-up report on where we are and what the game plan is going forward. Thanks for your prayers.
Spirit: Daniel 1:8 "The Resolution"
Sometimes a small thing makes a huge difference in a life. A decision on a small issue sets in motion a whole cascading set of effects that change every other decision and the course of life. This is what I see in Daniel's resolution/determination in vs 8. He may not have had in mind all the decisions he would make throughout the book, but this one made those possible and set them in motion.
It actually was a minor issue, when you think about it -- food. It could easily have been excused or rationalized. But Daniel resolved not to let it go or allow it to be minor. And his life and blessing were very different as a result.
How many times, especially as I am older, do I let things slide; does my resolve get sacrificed; does my determination get trumped by things I know aren't best. They may not be huge, but they are clear. This is the essence of discipline -- one resolution at a time. This changes the course of a life. This is what God sees and blesses. This is uphill living. This is God honoring! This is making a difference for God and good in the world.
"Lord, I haven't 'done a Daniel' often enough in my life. Forgive me. I can't re-live those moments. But I can be like Daniel today for Your glory and honor. Help me to see and seize each opportunity."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Final Round Begun!!!
Body: Thank you to all of you who have been praying about low blood counts and have been wondering if I was able to begin the chemo regimen this week. Here is how God answered your prayer. My white counts continued to climb into normal range (4.2) AND my red counts went from 38 (LL) to 294 in one week (well into the normal range). This brought a "wow" from the nurse checking my counts. I say, "Praise God and thanks prayer warriors." So, they began the last round of treatment yesterday and today I continued with it.
The infusions have gone well...they have just taken a long time and I feel tired at the end of the day (completed at 4:00 pm yesterday and 3:00 today). There are a few side effects which are more of a nuisance than anything else. I can't complain a bit. The Lord has been so very gracious!!
Spirit: From the heart...this past week has had some very bright and dark days. Our family continues to do well as we adjust to the home going of Dad Landru. Andrea speaks to Mom regularly and we are grateful for a loving family that is close at hand to offer assistance and support to her. But we also know she grieves deeply and Andrea grieves too. Thanks for remembering these special ladies in my life.
My Mom undergoes hip replacement surgery on Monday which is a concern as she has osteoporosis and is 86 years of age. However, she is active and this is really cramping her style. So, by God's grace, she will be up and at 'em in a few weeks. Please pray.
Many of you know that Krista's job was terminated due to budget constraints of the Waukegan school system. We rejoiced with her yesterday when she received a call that they have a position for her and are excited about her rejoining the faculty this fall. That has been the prayer of our heart for her because of the contribution she has made to the school and the love God has given her for the students. May this year be an even more productive year of ministry and service.
Personally, this week was a time of great joy as I was able to study and preach on Sunday. I was extra tired on Sunday afternoon, but the privilege of preaching the Word was a great joy. Monday, though was a very difficult day for me in a number of ways. The cascading together of several things brought me to the edge of real discouragement and despair. Not to worry, the Lord was very gracious and gave me some wonderful encouragement on Tuesday through the blood counts and some of the reading/curriculum evaluation I was doing. I was re-centered and re-focused by Tuesday afternoon.
I share this because spiritual attack can be so unexpected and intense. We must always be on guard. I would also share that as a result of this attack, I believe I have some insight into ministry improvement which will make a difference for the Kingdom as we move forward. What Satan means for evil, the Lord can use for good, if we are watching for it.
So, no passage from Scripture, but a personal life story from the McIntyre treasure trove of God's gracious lessons/blessings. Thanks for your love and support.
The infusions have gone well...they have just taken a long time and I feel tired at the end of the day (completed at 4:00 pm yesterday and 3:00 today). There are a few side effects which are more of a nuisance than anything else. I can't complain a bit. The Lord has been so very gracious!!
Spirit: From the heart...this past week has had some very bright and dark days. Our family continues to do well as we adjust to the home going of Dad Landru. Andrea speaks to Mom regularly and we are grateful for a loving family that is close at hand to offer assistance and support to her. But we also know she grieves deeply and Andrea grieves too. Thanks for remembering these special ladies in my life.
My Mom undergoes hip replacement surgery on Monday which is a concern as she has osteoporosis and is 86 years of age. However, she is active and this is really cramping her style. So, by God's grace, she will be up and at 'em in a few weeks. Please pray.
Many of you know that Krista's job was terminated due to budget constraints of the Waukegan school system. We rejoiced with her yesterday when she received a call that they have a position for her and are excited about her rejoining the faculty this fall. That has been the prayer of our heart for her because of the contribution she has made to the school and the love God has given her for the students. May this year be an even more productive year of ministry and service.
Personally, this week was a time of great joy as I was able to study and preach on Sunday. I was extra tired on Sunday afternoon, but the privilege of preaching the Word was a great joy. Monday, though was a very difficult day for me in a number of ways. The cascading together of several things brought me to the edge of real discouragement and despair. Not to worry, the Lord was very gracious and gave me some wonderful encouragement on Tuesday through the blood counts and some of the reading/curriculum evaluation I was doing. I was re-centered and re-focused by Tuesday afternoon.
I share this because spiritual attack can be so unexpected and intense. We must always be on guard. I would also share that as a result of this attack, I believe I have some insight into ministry improvement which will make a difference for the Kingdom as we move forward. What Satan means for evil, the Lord can use for good, if we are watching for it.
So, no passage from Scripture, but a personal life story from the McIntyre treasure trove of God's gracious lessons/blessings. Thanks for your love and support.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
An Incredible Weekend -- The Update
Body: Thanks so much for your prayer support for our family this weekend. It was a special weekend to honor a much loved father, grandfather and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. We flew to WI on Friday and the Lord kept us all healthy through the preparations for the service and a wonderfully full and meaningful service of tribute to dad and worship of the Lord. The entire "clan" (33 members at last count) were there and involved. Mom Landru is doing well, but difficult days lie ahead and I would appreciate your prayer support for her.
Many of you are aware that the blood counts last Thursday were very low (LL for my white counts and L for reds) which caused some concern and several lectures from the Yale staff about the seriousness of the situation as I travelled. I used a mask on the trips out and back and felt very good throughout the weekend. Thanks for praying. We arrived back from WI early this morning due to travel delays. I avoided as much contact with people as possible and was feeling great this morning.
Blood counts initially looked good this morning and they gave me part of the regimen, but then received word from the physician's assistant that my red counts were too low and so I would need to wait until next week for chemo. As I looked closely, the red counts are now LL, so I would appreciate your prayer about that as well.
Again, I have no anxiety about this and am resting in a Sovereign God who knows what should take place and when. I would ask that you pray that I can remain healthy this week and be ready for next Tuesday through Thursday!!
Your prayer support for Andrea, her mom, our family and her extended family have been so deeply appreciated. The Lord has been our Strength and Comfort. He is our Salvation.
Many of you are aware that the blood counts last Thursday were very low (LL for my white counts and L for reds) which caused some concern and several lectures from the Yale staff about the seriousness of the situation as I travelled. I used a mask on the trips out and back and felt very good throughout the weekend. Thanks for praying. We arrived back from WI early this morning due to travel delays. I avoided as much contact with people as possible and was feeling great this morning.
Blood counts initially looked good this morning and they gave me part of the regimen, but then received word from the physician's assistant that my red counts were too low and so I would need to wait until next week for chemo. As I looked closely, the red counts are now LL, so I would appreciate your prayer about that as well.
Again, I have no anxiety about this and am resting in a Sovereign God who knows what should take place and when. I would ask that you pray that I can remain healthy this week and be ready for next Tuesday through Thursday!!
Your prayer support for Andrea, her mom, our family and her extended family have been so deeply appreciated. The Lord has been our Strength and Comfort. He is our Salvation.
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