Good morning, I guess that it is time to update Bill's blog. I have been praying on the verse in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. I think that the thought for the week is that Cancer is not for sissies or the faint of heart. This has been a difficult week for Bill.
Bill has radiation until August 19. He is feeling the full impact of radiation and is extremely weak and tired. His exercise is now walking the hallway, not going down the block. Sometimes he needs to use a wheelchair to get back to the car from a radiation treatment. I actually think that what feels worse for him is that he has heart burn that is increasingly painful. It started with pain when he eats and now he has heart burn almost all of the time. He has medicine that he swallows to coat his esophagus and stomach. It works for about 12 minutes, but it makes it harder for him to swallow so now he eats things like soup or ensure so that he can get as much nutrition down in a short period of time. He has another medicine to swallow in between meals to coat his stomach, but that doesn't seem to work well.
Yesterday the doctor prescribed Protonix to stop the stomach from producing acid. We ran into the typical insurance snafu that the insurance requires that Bill try a less expensive medicine, Omeprozole first and that the doctor or pharmacist call the insurance company before they would pay for anything. It interests me to watch TV with the current debate about health care. I think that the people who don't want the government to come between them and their doctor haven't been sick lately and don't realize that their private insurance plan already comes between them and their doctor. We normally don't pay much attention to this, but yesterday the pharmacist said the doctor had to call and then told me that it could take days for this to get resolved. My poor sweet husband needed that medicine before dinner yesterday so that he could eat so I got mad and called the insurance company. Yes, they do require all of the above, but they have a 24 hour call in line for either the pharmacist or doctor to call them. I called the pharmacist and told her that we would move our prescriptions to another pharmacy if she couldn't take the time to call the insurance and she did call so Bill got his medicines. I also called the doctor and his nurse called back right away. They had been working on it all afternoon. All of this calling back and forth and if one person in the call tree decides that they don't have time or that it costs them too much to call, then the patient doesn't get his medicine. I bet that I could have described this better, but the bottom line for me is that Bill got this new medicine, the cheaper one, not the one the doctor prescribed, and we hope that it works. If not, the doctor will call the insurance and they will let Bill have the originally prescribed medicine because he at least tried the cheaper medicine. Modern medicine!
Bill had a rough night, also unusual. He had been sleeping pretty well through the night, but last night he had heart burn pain, and his back was hurting from lying down so much. So fellow travelers on this painful journey please pray that the medicines to control the symptoms of the effects of radiation start working for Bill and that he can rest better and eat better. We want Jesus to heal this horrible tumor, but we also want Bill to have some comfort while he battles this horrible illness. We really need Jesus to rock us in His arms today. Please also pray that I find diplomatic ways to convince all of his care providers and his insurance people to work for his benefit. We need them to want to work for us and I want to save anger for the big fights. I know that I am absolutely furious with the Devil for visiting this tumor on my husband, but those in the battle to save him don't need to feel my wrath. Gosh, it felt good just to write this. Maybe this blog stuff is a good thing.
So, we read our Bible, what sweet words of comfort it brings to us. We are trying to figure out if I can go to work next week. I work three days next week, and they are Bill's last 3 days of radiation. I don't know if he can be alone during the day except for the times that someone takes him to radiation. We are working on some ideas, but I may just take the time that work has offered and stay home. So, I think I have rambled enough. Continue to pray and keep us in your positive thoughts. Much love to all who journey with us, Sue
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday - a day of rest
Well, I worked this weekend and Bill enjoyed a last weekend with Amanda and Ron. Those two worked their little hearts out. Ron painted a bedroom. Our blue bedrooms that our children picked many years ago are now a more neutral taupe. I hope I spelled that right. Then, the kids went out and bought us a webcam -we are on Skype. So if you are on Skype tell us your "handle" or name on sykype and then we can talk to you. The web cam is on about $25.00 and skype is free. I can't figure out why we haven't all hooked up so that we can look at each other while we talk to each other. Bill says that the techie kids are dragging us along.
Bill is getting more and more tired. He is definitely tired of staying in bed so much, but that is what he does. We need to remember to ask the doctor when he will start to get some energy back after radiation. The biggest problem is that the heart burn is really causing problems for eating. Fortunately we aren't blazing trails here and the doctors and pharmacists have helped people before us with this. A pharmacist has developed a concoction called "Magic Mouthwash." Bill swallows 2 tablespoons and it coats his esophagus and stomach and allows him to eat pain free for about 15 minutes. We get his plate ready to go and then he swallows his magic and eats his meal. He can use it 4 times a day so he gets 3 meals and a snack. He tried to eat a cookie tonight, but without this stuff eating just isn't fun. He is drinking a nutrition drink like Ensure or Boost every afternoon and fortunately they don't cause heart burn so at least he gets something.
Tonight we ate Amanda and Ron's wedding cake top. It has been in our freezer for a year. Yum yum. Actually it was pretty good, carrot cake. We took pictures and our dog hoped that Ron and Amanda would drop cake on the floor while they fed each other. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since the wedding. That was a truly lovely day.
Bill did attend church today and loves being with his church family. Redeemer really pulls together to proclaim God's love for all of us. This weekend I think that Jesus carried us on His shoulders. I'm glad that he is so strong and takes such good care of us. I'll leave you with this verse: It is a good thought: "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 Keep praying. We certainly are. Love, Sue
Bill is getting more and more tired. He is definitely tired of staying in bed so much, but that is what he does. We need to remember to ask the doctor when he will start to get some energy back after radiation. The biggest problem is that the heart burn is really causing problems for eating. Fortunately we aren't blazing trails here and the doctors and pharmacists have helped people before us with this. A pharmacist has developed a concoction called "Magic Mouthwash." Bill swallows 2 tablespoons and it coats his esophagus and stomach and allows him to eat pain free for about 15 minutes. We get his plate ready to go and then he swallows his magic and eats his meal. He can use it 4 times a day so he gets 3 meals and a snack. He tried to eat a cookie tonight, but without this stuff eating just isn't fun. He is drinking a nutrition drink like Ensure or Boost every afternoon and fortunately they don't cause heart burn so at least he gets something.
Tonight we ate Amanda and Ron's wedding cake top. It has been in our freezer for a year. Yum yum. Actually it was pretty good, carrot cake. We took pictures and our dog hoped that Ron and Amanda would drop cake on the floor while they fed each other. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since the wedding. That was a truly lovely day.
Bill did attend church today and loves being with his church family. Redeemer really pulls together to proclaim God's love for all of us. This weekend I think that Jesus carried us on His shoulders. I'm glad that he is so strong and takes such good care of us. I'll leave you with this verse: It is a good thought: "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 Keep praying. We certainly are. Love, Sue
Friday, August 7, 2009
More Radiation in our future
We saw Dr. Mehta, the Radiology Oncologist today and he told Bill that Bill has been handling the radiation well so they are going to give him the full amount of radiation that was scheduled. So Bill will get a total of 25 sessions of radiation and his last session is August 19. Dr. Mehta said that they wouldn't see that the tumor has shrunk for 3 months and that the tumor could actually show shrinkage for up to a year. Wow. The tumor leave scar tissue and it takes a long time for the actual shrinkage to show up on a scan. Well - I guess that we will have to be patient.
For those of you who are local and read this we need drivers for radiation on Monday 8/17, Tuesday 8/18, and Wednesday 8/19. Bill's radiation appointment is at 1:00, at 1221 Madison, and parking is provided next door at no cost. Bill gets picked up at 12:15 and we are usually home by 2:00. I am scheduled to work on those days and would appreciate anyone who might have time to take him. Just call me at 206-236-6271 and I'll put you on the schedule. The other days are covered now.
We have enjoyed some visits from some pastors in the area and some mighty powerful prayer. Bill is very tired most of the time and is also having some heart burn from the radiation. He has never suffered from heart burn and is now looking into the over the counter "stuff" like lots of people do. The doctors told him that over the counter meds should work fine, and if not they have something that might help. His esophagus gets "sunburned" with the radiation so food goes down a little harder.
Our son in law Ron arrived very late last night and I made donuts for the crew this morning. He has helped me with some stuff on my computer - a son in law worth his weight in gold. He and Amanda are going to the Mariner's game tonight - hoping to get a bobble head doll of Ken Griffey, Jr. Ron played baseball into college and likes to go 2 hours early to watch batting practice so I am guessing that they will get that doll! Karl got back to Arizona safely and was going out to swim at the river with some friends today. He is back to the heat. We actually are still in cooler than normal weather, but are enjoying it because of the horrible heat that we had last week.
Bill's mom had a small vertigo attack last night and is better today, but will need to take it easy for a week or two. She had one about 2 months ago and we went to the doctor, but it is a function of age and brain and ears. The best medicine is actually some exercises that the Physical Therapist taught her so she is staying at home and getting better. We love her so.
Today I read John and found this verse to be helpful: John 14:18: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Bill and I feel the presence of Jesus in our home and our lives. We know that He is carrying us today and tomorrow. We certainly could not walk this walk by ourselves. Best of all He has sent angels by the legion to walk with us. We so appreciate all of you and all of our other friends and family who pray for us and with us and who love us. Thank you all.
For those of you who are local and read this we need drivers for radiation on Monday 8/17, Tuesday 8/18, and Wednesday 8/19. Bill's radiation appointment is at 1:00, at 1221 Madison, and parking is provided next door at no cost. Bill gets picked up at 12:15 and we are usually home by 2:00. I am scheduled to work on those days and would appreciate anyone who might have time to take him. Just call me at 206-236-6271 and I'll put you on the schedule. The other days are covered now.
We have enjoyed some visits from some pastors in the area and some mighty powerful prayer. Bill is very tired most of the time and is also having some heart burn from the radiation. He has never suffered from heart burn and is now looking into the over the counter "stuff" like lots of people do. The doctors told him that over the counter meds should work fine, and if not they have something that might help. His esophagus gets "sunburned" with the radiation so food goes down a little harder.
Our son in law Ron arrived very late last night and I made donuts for the crew this morning. He has helped me with some stuff on my computer - a son in law worth his weight in gold. He and Amanda are going to the Mariner's game tonight - hoping to get a bobble head doll of Ken Griffey, Jr. Ron played baseball into college and likes to go 2 hours early to watch batting practice so I am guessing that they will get that doll! Karl got back to Arizona safely and was going out to swim at the river with some friends today. He is back to the heat. We actually are still in cooler than normal weather, but are enjoying it because of the horrible heat that we had last week.
Bill's mom had a small vertigo attack last night and is better today, but will need to take it easy for a week or two. She had one about 2 months ago and we went to the doctor, but it is a function of age and brain and ears. The best medicine is actually some exercises that the Physical Therapist taught her so she is staying at home and getting better. We love her so.
Today I read John and found this verse to be helpful: John 14:18: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Bill and I feel the presence of Jesus in our home and our lives. We know that He is carrying us today and tomorrow. We certainly could not walk this walk by ourselves. Best of all He has sent angels by the legion to walk with us. We so appreciate all of you and all of our other friends and family who pray for us and with us and who love us. Thank you all.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A late post is better than not post
They say that confession is good for the soul. So - I confess that I forgot our password and tried every variation that I could think of and never lucked onto it until this morning. So - I have now written it down in a "secret" place so that I can communicate when I want to. Sorry fellow readers.
Bill has been extremely tired for the last two days. We aren't sure what this is from, but are guessing that the accumulated radiation is effecting his energy level. He is spending more time lying down and sleeps more. I am hoping that he can regain a bit more energy over the weekend when he doesn't have radiation. Bill wrote farewell letters to the prisoners that he has corresponded with, some for years, about their Christian faith. He wrote a general letter and then wrote personally on each letter. He has asked Amanda to post the letter because it says a lot about how he is handling this whole Cancer. Bill said that it was hard to say good bye to his friends, knowing that some of them get no contact from the outside world except from him. Please pray for them today, that Jesus will comfort them and give them courage to keep their faith strong and their lifestyle Christlike, even in prison. We all know that Jesus is always with us, but sometimes we don't feel it. We know that these men have committed crimes and are being punished, but we also believe that we can feel compassion for them just as God felt compassion for us and gave us Jesus.
Gosh, a sermon - sorry. My emotions are running high these days and I get carried away.
Karl is returning to Arizona today. He was with us for a week. He was very anxious about his father and we hope that by spending time with him Karl was able to feel some comfort in the awful time. We want him to return to school and keep getting his education. Amanda took Karl shopping for some new clothes, he saw the dentist for his teeth cleaning and spent time with Bill.
Ron joins us tonight - late. Bill and I will be sleeping, we hope! I have a list of "computer questions" for our computer son in law. I think I will keep him busy. Our weather is finally cool. It is actually cooler than is normal in August. What a crazy weather summer we are having. I guess that nothing is normal in our lives this year.
We received a card with this verse: Isaiah 26:3, You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast: because he trusts in you." Our hearts are in turmoil, our earthly minds worry, but when we focus on God and trust in his will then we do feel peace. We continue to pray for healing and today we also pray that Karl will have safe travel to Arizona and Ron will have safe travel to us. May God protect all of you, and keep you in His peace. Love, Sue
Bill has been extremely tired for the last two days. We aren't sure what this is from, but are guessing that the accumulated radiation is effecting his energy level. He is spending more time lying down and sleeps more. I am hoping that he can regain a bit more energy over the weekend when he doesn't have radiation. Bill wrote farewell letters to the prisoners that he has corresponded with, some for years, about their Christian faith. He wrote a general letter and then wrote personally on each letter. He has asked Amanda to post the letter because it says a lot about how he is handling this whole Cancer. Bill said that it was hard to say good bye to his friends, knowing that some of them get no contact from the outside world except from him. Please pray for them today, that Jesus will comfort them and give them courage to keep their faith strong and their lifestyle Christlike, even in prison. We all know that Jesus is always with us, but sometimes we don't feel it. We know that these men have committed crimes and are being punished, but we also believe that we can feel compassion for them just as God felt compassion for us and gave us Jesus.
Gosh, a sermon - sorry. My emotions are running high these days and I get carried away.
Karl is returning to Arizona today. He was with us for a week. He was very anxious about his father and we hope that by spending time with him Karl was able to feel some comfort in the awful time. We want him to return to school and keep getting his education. Amanda took Karl shopping for some new clothes, he saw the dentist for his teeth cleaning and spent time with Bill.
Ron joins us tonight - late. Bill and I will be sleeping, we hope! I have a list of "computer questions" for our computer son in law. I think I will keep him busy. Our weather is finally cool. It is actually cooler than is normal in August. What a crazy weather summer we are having. I guess that nothing is normal in our lives this year.
We received a card with this verse: Isaiah 26:3, You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast: because he trusts in you." Our hearts are in turmoil, our earthly minds worry, but when we focus on God and trust in his will then we do feel peace. We continue to pray for healing and today we also pray that Karl will have safe travel to Arizona and Ron will have safe travel to us. May God protect all of you, and keep you in His peace. Love, Sue
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Letter to the men dad ministered to
Hello friends
Recently dad dictated a letter to me for the men he ministered to in jail. He wanted to let them know what was going on in his life in his own words. We wanted to share with all of you what he shared with them as he wrote this himself.
Dear
I know it has been an unusually long time since you have heard from me. I have received a letter from you, thank you. My letter to you today is the result of the greatest shock in my life and it has meant I have not been able to write to you. On July 1 I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. It has meant that my faith has been greatly tested and yet I have proved faithful, thanks to the work of the holy spirit in me and the prayers of many. I spent numerous days at Swedish hospital diagnosing and coming up with a treatment plan for my lung cancer. I am now in treatment at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. I receive chemo therapy everyday by mouth and I go to the radiology center every day for treatments, but God has been the strength of my life and has given me the courage and strength to endure this trial. I know you have faced many trials in your life and I share application to God for being the captain of my ship. Due to the cancer I have gone on full disability from my church as pastor and as chaplain. I am experiencing the promise of God for a Sabbath rest for believers in Christ. I have had to put down my earthly work and allow God and him alone to be fully at work in me. I seek your prayers now because God loves you and God loves me and he hears your prayers for Jesus sake. I would ask you to pray on a couple scriptures that have been meaningful and inspirational for me for these last few weeks.
Ephesians 1:19-20
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Philippians 3:12
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
I want to thank you for the friendship we have had by mail and I ask Gods blessing upon you. How my life will proceed from here is a mystery and in Gods hands so I do not know if I will be able to write to you again. I intrust you in Gods care and I trust his holy angels to watch over you and I know he will send other servants to guide you on your journey.
Thank you and God bless you,
Chaplain Bill
Recently dad dictated a letter to me for the men he ministered to in jail. He wanted to let them know what was going on in his life in his own words. We wanted to share with all of you what he shared with them as he wrote this himself.
Dear
I know it has been an unusually long time since you have heard from me. I have received a letter from you, thank you. My letter to you today is the result of the greatest shock in my life and it has meant I have not been able to write to you. On July 1 I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. It has meant that my faith has been greatly tested and yet I have proved faithful, thanks to the work of the holy spirit in me and the prayers of many. I spent numerous days at Swedish hospital diagnosing and coming up with a treatment plan for my lung cancer. I am now in treatment at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. I receive chemo therapy everyday by mouth and I go to the radiology center every day for treatments, but God has been the strength of my life and has given me the courage and strength to endure this trial. I know you have faced many trials in your life and I share application to God for being the captain of my ship. Due to the cancer I have gone on full disability from my church as pastor and as chaplain. I am experiencing the promise of God for a Sabbath rest for believers in Christ. I have had to put down my earthly work and allow God and him alone to be fully at work in me. I seek your prayers now because God loves you and God loves me and he hears your prayers for Jesus sake. I would ask you to pray on a couple scriptures that have been meaningful and inspirational for me for these last few weeks.
Ephesians 1:19-20
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Philippians 3:12
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
I want to thank you for the friendship we have had by mail and I ask Gods blessing upon you. How my life will proceed from here is a mystery and in Gods hands so I do not know if I will be able to write to you again. I intrust you in Gods care and I trust his holy angels to watch over you and I know he will send other servants to guide you on your journey.
Thank you and God bless you,
Chaplain Bill
Monday, August 3, 2009
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
Bill is praying on this: Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Our circumstances are a little better this week. We had a lovely two days in Sequim. The weather was perfect and we got to spend some time with a few friends. Bill tired with the ride in the car, but perked up the next day. He continues to add to his strength and is walking almost a block twice a day. He is enjoying his meals and eats well. Reading the Bible is a great joy. There is so much comfort there, and so much to nurture our spirit. We do pray for healing.
Bill has radiation until August 12 and continues to take the Tarceva. We will learn next week what is next. I worked today and will again tomorrow. We get to enjoy Amanda and Karl for the rest of this week and Amanda's husband Ron joins us on Thursday night. We are so happy to have our family with us. Please keep praying for us both. Bill needs to have that tumor destroyed and I need to keep smiling. Love to you all, Sue
Bill has radiation until August 12 and continues to take the Tarceva. We will learn next week what is next. I worked today and will again tomorrow. We get to enjoy Amanda and Karl for the rest of this week and Amanda's husband Ron joins us on Thursday night. We are so happy to have our family with us. Please keep praying for us both. Bill needs to have that tumor destroyed and I need to keep smiling. Love to you all, Sue
Back on Mercer Island
Hello friends
I will make a quick post since I think mom plans to post later, but we wanted let people know,other than the drive out, dad had a nice time in Sequim. We saw some friends, sat in the sun room, enjoyed the view, ate good food, and relaxed. Dad went to his radiation apointment today and we are tired this afternoon.
I hope all is well for everyone and we will write more later.
Amanda Bill and Sue
I will make a quick post since I think mom plans to post later, but we wanted let people know,other than the drive out, dad had a nice time in Sequim. We saw some friends, sat in the sun room, enjoyed the view, ate good food, and relaxed. Dad went to his radiation apointment today and we are tired this afternoon.
I hope all is well for everyone and we will write more later.
Amanda Bill and Sue
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