Category — Health

I received my blood test results (taken last Friday) today. It was another positive report as my ALT levels (which measures liver health) went down again. I am still above the normal range but because I am making consistent progress they have decided to go ahead and begin the process of reducing my medication.

That’s a big deal for me. The medication is difficult and has considerable side effects so I am happy to be taking less of it. The process of tapering off will take a few months so I am really happy to start the journey of getting off the “junk”. That makes today a really good day. At the end of getting off of the medicine the doctors are still planning several wonderful cycles of Chemotherapy called CHOP-R.

We are ready to move through this season but are rejoicing in God’s constant presence. There have been a lot of days over the last three years that the news that we received could be classified as a “bad report”. These little victories (like today’s news) are God’s grace made present in our lives in real practical ways.

So many of you have been gracious to ask me how I am doing and what is going on with me in regard to my health. For those of you who are new to my world, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma over three years ago and recently have see the cancer return. In the last part of 2008, we determined that we would go ahead and begin the Chemotherapy that would be necessary to beat this stuff back down.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to begin the treatment as I have experienced some issues (Autoimmune Hepatitis) with my liver that had to be dealt with. So, I am currently taking medication for that and waiting for my liver to return to normal. When that happens and I can be tapered off the medicine, I will begin treatment for the cancer. Currently, it looks like it will be at least 2-3 months before I can begin the treatment. I continue to get good reports and we seem to be making progress (progress = cancer is not growing and liver is shrinking). One of the by-products of the medicine that I am on for the liver deal is that it is actually shrinking the tumors which could translate into less chemotherapy. There is usually good in every situation if you look long enough.

One really nice lady told me Sunday that I looked great. I told her thanks. She then went on to tell me that she had never seen anyone handle chemo any better than i had. I broke it to her that I had not started the chemo yet. Her reply was “Oh, really?” It was kind of awkward and funny. I wanted to ask her if she still thought I looked great, but I let it go. She told me that she would be praying for me and gave me a hug.

So I say thanks for telling me that I look good and thanks for praying for me and thanks for caring for me and my family. My friends, family, and church have been incredibly good to us through this and granted much patience as we have walked it out. If God leads you to pray for me, will you pray for the following?

• That I will receive what God has for me in the waiting.
• That my liver will return to normal quickly and that my tapering off of the medicine will go quickly.
• That the cancer will not grow or take any ground while I am waiting (pray for it to continue to shrink).
• That the medicine that i am currently on for the Autoimmune Hepatitis will not leave me with any long term side effects.
• That I will stay constantly dependent upon the Lord in every way.

I hope my note finds you doing well and enjoying the holidays.

I am writing to give you guys an update on my health and some things that are shaking with me in this season.

2008 has been a great year. Its been a blessing for Lynnette, Levi and I to welcome Zoe (10 months old!) to our family this year; move into our new home (finally finished) and see God’s constant and continued movement in our church family. We are thankful for so much.

In late October I found out that there was a possibility that the Non Hodgkins had returned in the form of some new tumors. After multiple tests and biopsies (over the last 6 weeks) we have decided to begin a course of treatment beginning this Friday. That course of treatment will include multiple cycles of chemo-therapy (R-CHOP) that will run in 21 day increments.

Ultimately, our hope does not exist in Chemo or gifted doctors. I am thankful that these exist but we do not find any rest in either. Rest is a by product (lifeline) of where our affection and faith are attached. My recent understanding is if rest is to be had, then it must be chosen as an act of trust. (Jeremiah 6:16, 2 Tim 1:12, Matt 11:28). Said another way, anxiety has a way of quieting in the face of the Almighty who is sustaining, holding and allowing all. So pray that I will choose REST in the midst of this and worship Him through it all.

Specifically, I need you to pray for this

1. That the physical effects of the chemo would be minimal. This stuff makes you sick, bald and grouchy. I already struggle with two of these so pray that I won’t be sick.
2. That I will be able to function as a husband, father, and pastor.
3. That God will use this in my life to highlight His life and His glory.
4. That this treatment is effective in not only taking ground in the removal of these tumors but sending the NHL into remission (a strong possibility).

Blessing to you and thanks for praying with us.