It's Andrea, this time....a visiting "writer" to this blog. We're a little pressed for time tonight, since we have to be at Trumbull High soon. So while Dave is eating dinner, I am posting an update from our visit to the doctor this afternoon.
Dr. Cooper was disappointed to see that the PET scan showed that there was still a spot of cancer -- it's 80-90% gone, but there is still a spot that showed up on the PET scan. Usually, he says that by the 4th round of chemo, they don't find anything on the PET scan and then the 5th and 6th treatments are kind of like "clean up" chemos. Since there still is cancer there, he wants to change the last two treatments to a different kind of chemotherapy which uses different drugs. He said that the residual lymphoma cancer cells that are still there MAY be resistant to the other treatment he was on, and using the new drugs may prove to be effective on these resistant cells.
Treatment WAS going to be on Tuesday, as originally scheduled, but they want to have a port put in first so that giving the treatments from now on will be easier. -- The nurses who had a hard time finding a decent vein for the infusions will be happier, too! :) SO, we are supposed to get a call tomorrow, letting us know when the port will be put in next week and then they will tell us when the treatment will start. We are guessing Dr. Cooper wants to stay as close to the schedule as possible, so if he gets the port on Tuesday, we are thinking that he may have treatment on Wednesday. Stay tuned....!
This new treatment is a little different...instead of being given all in one day, like we have been used to, it will be given in 3 consecutive days. Then he will have a 2 or 3 week break before getting the last treatment. When we asked about side effects, he said it all depends....some people think it's the same as the other chemo, some think the chemo we are on now is worse, and others think the new chemo Dave will be having has worse side effects. Obviously, we continue to pray for healing of ALL the cancer and it would be really nice if the side effects are not any worse than what he has been experiencing.
The plan of action after these last two treatments is kind of like before.....after his blood cell counts "recover", they will harvest his stem cells. When they have enough, he'll have the 6-day- every-day chemo "blast" to "wipe out everything" (as the doctor says). Once that is done, they will put the stem cells back in and then do another PET scan. If it is all clear, he still wants to do radiation on the spot where the cancer was concentrated just to make sure there is nothing left.
The time frame of all this?? We really have no idea...but we know the Lord does and we continue to trust Him for each day and for His perfect timing and perfect will. Thanks SO much for all your prayers!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
In Wrath, Hope And Tenderness
Body: Have you ever turned suddenly, walked into a low tree branch, and almost knocked yourself out? You stagger for a moment, wondering if anyone got the license plate number of the truck that hit you! Well, that's what the last couple of days have been like for me.
We had a great weekend at the wedding in Nashville. The family was together; the wedding went smoothly; and we traveled back safely, arriving about 12:30 am Monday morning. What a delight!
As a result of the over-the-top weekend, I knew Monday would be tough as I came off some of the medications (steroids). Wow! I didn't move too much (and didn't care to, either); slept a lot; and then slept some more. Talk about feeling "wimpy!"
Today was definitely better, but still challenging. On the medical front, today's blood counts were low but not too bad and the nurse was encouraging. I have the PET scan tomorrow and see the doctor on Thursday.
Thanks for your prayer support for me and my family. Definitely needed and appreciated!!
Spirit: "In Wrath, Hope And Tenderness" Jeremiah 23
You know what amazes me about God? It's the way He disciplines. In Jeremiah 23 we see a great example of His full dealing with rebellious Israel. There is firm, certain, harsh judgment awaiting Israel. Make no mistake -- God sees it all (vs 23-24) and He will judge (vs 12, 14b-15, 19-20). But notice how He begins the chapter with hope (vs 1-8). Here is the way it WILL be; here is what the True Shepherd WILL do. This is what God WILL do after judgment on the false shepherds and disobedient people. Also notice in vs 9 the sadness of heart in Jeremiah over these prophets and the message of judgment that must be given. His heart breaks for the people and he is overwhelmed by the Word of God he must deliver to them.
It is this mark of tenderness in Jeremiah and the message of hope from God that distinguishes Christianity from any other religion. God LOVES us, and I must always remember that in dealing with those created in His image and for whom Jesus died. People may do despicable and evil things, but anger and wrath must not rule my heart. Love must be at the base -- the love of God. It is only when I weep for those who are in rebellion that my heart is becoming like that of my Savior.
"Lord, You give stern messages in Jeremiah, but when I look closely, I can always see hope, mercy and love for Your people. Help me to remember and emulate. May my heart be broken for those facing Your judgment."
We had a great weekend at the wedding in Nashville. The family was together; the wedding went smoothly; and we traveled back safely, arriving about 12:30 am Monday morning. What a delight!
As a result of the over-the-top weekend, I knew Monday would be tough as I came off some of the medications (steroids). Wow! I didn't move too much (and didn't care to, either); slept a lot; and then slept some more. Talk about feeling "wimpy!"
Today was definitely better, but still challenging. On the medical front, today's blood counts were low but not too bad and the nurse was encouraging. I have the PET scan tomorrow and see the doctor on Thursday.
Thanks for your prayer support for me and my family. Definitely needed and appreciated!!
Spirit: "In Wrath, Hope And Tenderness" Jeremiah 23
You know what amazes me about God? It's the way He disciplines. In Jeremiah 23 we see a great example of His full dealing with rebellious Israel. There is firm, certain, harsh judgment awaiting Israel. Make no mistake -- God sees it all (vs 23-24) and He will judge (vs 12, 14b-15, 19-20). But notice how He begins the chapter with hope (vs 1-8). Here is the way it WILL be; here is what the True Shepherd WILL do. This is what God WILL do after judgment on the false shepherds and disobedient people. Also notice in vs 9 the sadness of heart in Jeremiah over these prophets and the message of judgment that must be given. His heart breaks for the people and he is overwhelmed by the Word of God he must deliver to them.
It is this mark of tenderness in Jeremiah and the message of hope from God that distinguishes Christianity from any other religion. God LOVES us, and I must always remember that in dealing with those created in His image and for whom Jesus died. People may do despicable and evil things, but anger and wrath must not rule my heart. Love must be at the base -- the love of God. It is only when I weep for those who are in rebellion that my heart is becoming like that of my Savior.
"Lord, You give stern messages in Jeremiah, but when I look closely, I can always see hope, mercy and love for Your people. Help me to remember and emulate. May my heart be broken for those facing Your judgment."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Hard Word
Body: What a day! After I arrived at Yale and had blood drawn, I went to the infusion area. They had no record of my appointment and no orders for chemo for today. Not to worry, we got it all straightened out and I was able to speak with my doctor for 15 minutes about the scheduling issues and other topics that were on our (Andrea's and my) minds. I did have chemo #4 today (two thirds done!) and am feeling tired but grateful for a loving family and praying congregation. We were finished and on our way home by about 3:30pm.
Also, I got the scoop on which scan my doctor wanted. It IS the PET scan (and he explained why...so if you are interested you can ask me). THAT scan is now scheduled for next Wednesday morning with an appointment with the doctor that afternoon for results. So there is a delay in knowing how effective the treatments are, but they are moving ahead anyway. I have much to be thankful for this evening. Thanks for your prayer support.
Spirit: Jeremiah 21-22 "A Hard Word"
These are two of the hardest chapters in the Bible. I'm sure they were hard messages to deliver...and hard messages for God to give. There is no grace here. It is time to "pay the piper" and there is no more to be said. The only "out" is in Jeremiah 21:8-9: to surrender. If they surrender, they will survive. There is no alternative, that is it.
"I have determined to do this country harm and not good." (Jeremiah 21:10) How would you like to hear those words about America? The king's death will not be mourned (22:18); he will have the burial of a donkey (22:19). Of another king, he will be recorded as childless (22:30) because none of his descendants will rule. How stark; how final; how cold.
There are times when a hard word is more true and more needful than a word of comfort, encouragement or grace. Confrontation is an important part of God's call. He doesn't get to this point often, but He does get there and His mouthpieces need to be willing to deliver that message. I struggle with that. I hate displeasing and offending. I want to speak hope and comfort...and that is God's usual message. But I need to be willing to speak His displeasure and discipline too...if I'm truly His called one.
"Lord, I don't do it well and I need to do it better, but Lord, help me to speak the hard word in tenderness and through tears...as You would."
Also, I got the scoop on which scan my doctor wanted. It IS the PET scan (and he explained why...so if you are interested you can ask me). THAT scan is now scheduled for next Wednesday morning with an appointment with the doctor that afternoon for results. So there is a delay in knowing how effective the treatments are, but they are moving ahead anyway. I have much to be thankful for this evening. Thanks for your prayer support.
Spirit: Jeremiah 21-22 "A Hard Word"
These are two of the hardest chapters in the Bible. I'm sure they were hard messages to deliver...and hard messages for God to give. There is no grace here. It is time to "pay the piper" and there is no more to be said. The only "out" is in Jeremiah 21:8-9: to surrender. If they surrender, they will survive. There is no alternative, that is it.
"I have determined to do this country harm and not good." (Jeremiah 21:10) How would you like to hear those words about America? The king's death will not be mourned (22:18); he will have the burial of a donkey (22:19). Of another king, he will be recorded as childless (22:30) because none of his descendants will rule. How stark; how final; how cold.
There are times when a hard word is more true and more needful than a word of comfort, encouragement or grace. Confrontation is an important part of God's call. He doesn't get to this point often, but He does get there and His mouthpieces need to be willing to deliver that message. I struggle with that. I hate displeasing and offending. I want to speak hope and comfort...and that is God's usual message. But I need to be willing to speak His displeasure and discipline too...if I'm truly His called one.
"Lord, I don't do it well and I need to do it better, but Lord, help me to speak the hard word in tenderness and through tears...as You would."
Monday, May 3, 2010
False Prophets
Body: You need to know that I'm feeling well, BUT I have fallen into the computer "black hole" at Yale so didn't have my PET scan today! When calling to confirm, I found my appointment was not in the computer, so I hadn't gotten my "robot call" confirming my appointment, telling me I shouldn't eat or workout. I had done both (and had a VERY good workout, I might add!).
So, if confirmed tomorrow, I am scheduled for something on Wednesday (discussions being whether it should be a PET or CT scan....stay tuned). I do have chemo tomorrow, but since the assessment test has been delayed, I won't get the results until next week.
Spirit: Jeremiah 14:13-16 "False Prophets"
I've always wondered how the false prophets got their start. Did they just say one day, "I'm pretty good with words. No one will know whether what I say is true or not. I can make a few bucks by telling people what they want to hear." I doubt it. I think it was gradual. They may have genuinely sought God and felt they heard from Him at some early points in their career. They may have gotten a few things right early on in their predictions.
Or, as they started their ministry, they may have noticed that certain themes and messages and phrases were "winners." People liked hearing them and were encouraged and helped by them. It kept the people positive and working together. Of course, they may have been motivated from the beginning by a desire for money and influence. The answer is probably a whole host of motivations and circumstances.
How many preachers, Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders come close to the category of "false prophets?" -- People who handle God's Word as a proof text or a manual with favorites to pull out for every occasion. They are good at quieting, assuring, comforting and encouraging others, but rarely challenge them or help them really "dig in" to the Word for themselves; People who do it for the money, recognition or influence but forget that this call is to bring people to God's truth; People who won't say hard things, only easy, desired things, convenient things; People who face serious judgment. I wonder.
"Lord, I ask You to make me a Jeremiah. May I hear Your voice clearly and only speak Your heart to Your people. Not for influence or money or recognition, but for Your glory and approval alone."
So, if confirmed tomorrow, I am scheduled for something on Wednesday (discussions being whether it should be a PET or CT scan....stay tuned). I do have chemo tomorrow, but since the assessment test has been delayed, I won't get the results until next week.
Spirit: Jeremiah 14:13-16 "False Prophets"
I've always wondered how the false prophets got their start. Did they just say one day, "I'm pretty good with words. No one will know whether what I say is true or not. I can make a few bucks by telling people what they want to hear." I doubt it. I think it was gradual. They may have genuinely sought God and felt they heard from Him at some early points in their career. They may have gotten a few things right early on in their predictions.
Or, as they started their ministry, they may have noticed that certain themes and messages and phrases were "winners." People liked hearing them and were encouraged and helped by them. It kept the people positive and working together. Of course, they may have been motivated from the beginning by a desire for money and influence. The answer is probably a whole host of motivations and circumstances.
How many preachers, Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders come close to the category of "false prophets?" -- People who handle God's Word as a proof text or a manual with favorites to pull out for every occasion. They are good at quieting, assuring, comforting and encouraging others, but rarely challenge them or help them really "dig in" to the Word for themselves; People who do it for the money, recognition or influence but forget that this call is to bring people to God's truth; People who won't say hard things, only easy, desired things, convenient things; People who face serious judgment. I wonder.
"Lord, I ask You to make me a Jeremiah. May I hear Your voice clearly and only speak Your heart to Your people. Not for influence or money or recognition, but for Your glory and approval alone."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
"His Rightful Due"
Body: I came down "hard" from the meds yesterday. It is amazing what those little pills can do to your body and outlook, if you aren't prepared for it. Today was a "blood levels" day, so I spent the morning at Yale. Gratefully, the levels weren't too low. This is the day when levels are supposed to be at their lowest and after the last treatment, the levels were "through the floor." But not this time...and I know why! Thanks for praying. By God's grace we're holding our own...a few side effects, but doing well.
Spirit: "His Rightful Due" Jeremiah 10:7
Have you ever "gotten what's coming to you?" That can be in a bad sense - usually - or in a good sense. Phil Michelson "got what's coming to him" recently when he won The Masters golf tournament. He received a green jacket and a wheelbarrow full of money. But Bernie Madoff also "got what was coming to him" and he'll be in jail for the rest of his life.
What does God "have coming to Him?" Verse 7 says that what He is due is reverence because He is King of the nations. This brings up an interesting point because people (and God) often don't get "what's coming to them"...at least for now. Justice and recognition of heart effort and truth often are misjudged, overlooked, under appreciated or ignored. Many of us are counting on God to set all this right in eternity for ourselves. When does He get what is due Him? Does He have to wait for eternity? Wouldn't it be great if He got some of what He deserved now?
That's the high calling of the believer: to give to God the honor, glory, reverence, love, devotion and praise that is due Him. Even our best shot will fall far short, but it's a start. It's a foretaste of what will one day fully be disclosed.
The King getting what is due Him will be the theme of heaven. What a privilege to be part of the precursor - to get a head start on that wonderful privilege. So I have a choice this day and every day, no matter what circumstances or struggles I face -- to give the praise that is due Him. To have that insight early, and do something about it; that is living well!!
"Lord, You are the King of all the earth. I sing to you willingly and joyfully today in all I do. You are worthy!!"
Spirit: "His Rightful Due" Jeremiah 10:7
Have you ever "gotten what's coming to you?" That can be in a bad sense - usually - or in a good sense. Phil Michelson "got what's coming to him" recently when he won The Masters golf tournament. He received a green jacket and a wheelbarrow full of money. But Bernie Madoff also "got what was coming to him" and he'll be in jail for the rest of his life.
What does God "have coming to Him?" Verse 7 says that what He is due is reverence because He is King of the nations. This brings up an interesting point because people (and God) often don't get "what's coming to them"...at least for now. Justice and recognition of heart effort and truth often are misjudged, overlooked, under appreciated or ignored. Many of us are counting on God to set all this right in eternity for ourselves. When does He get what is due Him? Does He have to wait for eternity? Wouldn't it be great if He got some of what He deserved now?
That's the high calling of the believer: to give to God the honor, glory, reverence, love, devotion and praise that is due Him. Even our best shot will fall far short, but it's a start. It's a foretaste of what will one day fully be disclosed.
The King getting what is due Him will be the theme of heaven. What a privilege to be part of the precursor - to get a head start on that wonderful privilege. So I have a choice this day and every day, no matter what circumstances or struggles I face -- to give the praise that is due Him. To have that insight early, and do something about it; that is living well!!
"Lord, You are the King of all the earth. I sing to you willingly and joyfully today in all I do. You are worthy!!"
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Exchange
Body: It has been a week since my last post because there was nothing new to report. I couldn't have chemo due to a cold that just kept hanging on. However, today, it was cleared up, blood work was fine and I sat in the chair and received the treatment. It is amazing how grateful I was to be able to receive it...when we all know I'd rather not have to have it! The Lord is so good. I may have more to report later this week...
Spirit: Jeremiah 2:11-13 "The Exchange"
In Jeremiah's first recorded word of prophecy to Israel we see a powerful apologetic in God's defense as a wake up call to Israel and as an explanation about why they experience what they presently do. Wave after wave of God's logic breaks on the beach. Each is clear, compelling and marked by God's love and Israel's guilt. None is more stark than Jer. 2:11-13. Here God compares the nations around them to Israel. These nations are totally loyal to their gods, even though their gods are not God and do them no good. The nations' loyalty is admirable. Israel has the REAL God but they are not loyal to Him; they exchange Him for worthless gods.
Jeremiah uses the phrase "their Glory" to describe God. What a phrase: what sets them apart; what made them who they are; the One Who makes them stand out and unique; without which they would be ordinary. It is this One that they "trade in." They exchange the Spectacular for the ordinary.
That's who the Lord is for me....and for any Christian. Without Him, we are nothing. He's what makes our lives worth noticing. He's what makes us stand out in a crowd. He has given us all we have. He IS our identity! Now the key questions: Are those statements true in my life? Is He my glory -- the One who draws people to me; makes me stand out? Not sure but that I'm a lot like Israel at times. Dumb exchange, huh? What do I want people to notice: Me (capitalized on purpose -- false worship of self) or God?
"Lord, forgive me for so often exchanging my real Glory -- You -- for an idol -- Me. Please be my Glory always and help me remember that You are far more Spectacular than ordinary me. May people see You clearly. Amen."
Spirit: Jeremiah 2:11-13 "The Exchange"
In Jeremiah's first recorded word of prophecy to Israel we see a powerful apologetic in God's defense as a wake up call to Israel and as an explanation about why they experience what they presently do. Wave after wave of God's logic breaks on the beach. Each is clear, compelling and marked by God's love and Israel's guilt. None is more stark than Jer. 2:11-13. Here God compares the nations around them to Israel. These nations are totally loyal to their gods, even though their gods are not God and do them no good. The nations' loyalty is admirable. Israel has the REAL God but they are not loyal to Him; they exchange Him for worthless gods.
Jeremiah uses the phrase "their Glory" to describe God. What a phrase: what sets them apart; what made them who they are; the One Who makes them stand out and unique; without which they would be ordinary. It is this One that they "trade in." They exchange the Spectacular for the ordinary.
That's who the Lord is for me....and for any Christian. Without Him, we are nothing. He's what makes our lives worth noticing. He's what makes us stand out in a crowd. He has given us all we have. He IS our identity! Now the key questions: Are those statements true in my life? Is He my glory -- the One who draws people to me; makes me stand out? Not sure but that I'm a lot like Israel at times. Dumb exchange, huh? What do I want people to notice: Me (capitalized on purpose -- false worship of self) or God?
"Lord, forgive me for so often exchanging my real Glory -- You -- for an idol -- Me. Please be my Glory always and help me remember that You are far more Spectacular than ordinary me. May people see You clearly. Amen."
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
God's Trump Card
Body: Well, today was supposed to be the day I received my third chemo treatment. (How is that for letting you know things didn't go "according to plan"?) I arrived on time; had blood drawn; the levels were all great; got into the chair; got the saline IV started (on the 3rd try); and then (2 hrs. of saline later), they looked closely at the test they took last Tuesday...and listened to my lungs...and decided that the cold I had been fighting was still hanging around too strongly for them to proceed. A very disappointing morning...but the Lord's will be done.
I'm now being scheduled for a "port" in the near future and I'm set for chemo next Tuesday. Thanks for praying that this cold dissipates and that next week is a "go"!
Spirit: Jeremiah 5:31 "God's Trump Card"
It is amazing to watch men in their intrigues. With great effort and calculated moves, man places the chess pieces, knocking off rivals, pushing past the competition, enjoying alliances, making deals and getting himself to a place where he feels he is "king." For some, the process works better than for others. What is truly amazing though, is that these same crafty, calculating, resourceful, brilliant strategists miss the most obvious fact of all: you are going to die someday...then what?
This is the summary statement of Jeremiah 5:31. The people love the false prophets and the selfish priests. It's a system they know and have learned to use to good advantage. They are comfortable and content. But then come God's haunting words: "But what will you do in the end?"
Everything is set for life continuing on as it always has. They have taken into account all facets of the system. It is working to their benefit. Let it continue on forever. BUT IT WON'T!
How often are we that same way - even as believers? Living for the moment and this tangible world; forgetting, even momentarily, that eternity is the real deal. How obvious the application to my life today!
"Lord, may I live this day with this phrase in mind and may the choices of this day reflect eternity's importance and reality to me. Amen."
I'm now being scheduled for a "port" in the near future and I'm set for chemo next Tuesday. Thanks for praying that this cold dissipates and that next week is a "go"!
Spirit: Jeremiah 5:31 "God's Trump Card"
It is amazing to watch men in their intrigues. With great effort and calculated moves, man places the chess pieces, knocking off rivals, pushing past the competition, enjoying alliances, making deals and getting himself to a place where he feels he is "king." For some, the process works better than for others. What is truly amazing though, is that these same crafty, calculating, resourceful, brilliant strategists miss the most obvious fact of all: you are going to die someday...then what?
This is the summary statement of Jeremiah 5:31. The people love the false prophets and the selfish priests. It's a system they know and have learned to use to good advantage. They are comfortable and content. But then come God's haunting words: "But what will you do in the end?"
Everything is set for life continuing on as it always has. They have taken into account all facets of the system. It is working to their benefit. Let it continue on forever. BUT IT WON'T!
How often are we that same way - even as believers? Living for the moment and this tangible world; forgetting, even momentarily, that eternity is the real deal. How obvious the application to my life today!
"Lord, may I live this day with this phrase in mind and may the choices of this day reflect eternity's importance and reality to me. Amen."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)