CANCER – THIS IS HOW MY WIFE AND I HANDLED IT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=NIV
Hi everyone, life presents us with challenges and in order to keep you abreast of what is happening in this chapter of my life, I thought that the Caring Bridge method would be the best suited for this. While keeping you abreast of the status I am also requesting prayer as the big “C” came knocking at my door, yes Prostate Cancer, and if there is such a thing as a good cancer this is it because it is contained and treatable. I also know that God does not waste a hurt and my prayer is that He would be Glorified through this time in my life. I serve the Risen Savior and my prayer is that the number of days that I have left here on this interim residency He would be glorified as I serve Him in every way to be a witness to what He has done in my life.
I am confident that He who has brought me to this Earth will continue to provide me with all the capabilities that enable me to be His servant in such a way that would fulfill His plan. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of my Faith. Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
December 14th 2012 to June 17th 2013
First of all thank you for your prayers. I have once again gone for my complete annual physical with my GP and though the Government says that PSA numbers are not accurate and they should discontinue the testing, my GP believes in the test and has detected a rising trend on the PSA numbers , he asked me to see a Urologist and let him determine whether additional tests are necessary. As it turns out with two blood PSA tests 3 months apart there was another rise, so we scheduled a biopsy which I have just received the results for. The results indicated that 5 out of the 12 samples (cores) are cancerous, they are slow growing and treatable, but none the less if left it untreated, I would probably end the same way that my Father did he died of prostate cancer. I believe he was in denial and did not seek medical attention soon enough. We have met with the Urologist and had the consultation as to the treatment options available so I’m also asking for Guidance for us to make the right decision as we seek guidance from our Lord Jesus.
5/24/2013 Sharing news with Family
Had the opportunity to be with the Family during a Gathering for Erik’s Graduation and used this God given time to share this with the Family… and what an awesome time of prayer we had. I have since also shared this with some colleagues, Bible study group, Global Media Outreach Staff, and some very near and dear friends requesting prayer from all. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me John 15:4 NAS
7/1/2013 Meeting with Oncologist
Ev and I met with Radiation Oncologist at REX Hospital and he gave us a good rundown as to the different treatment options of which I had done some homework on using the internet By the way it was so good to have my dear wife, supporter, and encourager, note taker, great memory and great person to ask questions with me I love her so. Here is a link to an excellent explanation of the procedures, side effects and so on…. https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/prostate-early-patient.pdf
I asked this Dr. if he believed in the power of prayer and he responded by saying I wish people would not ask me this, I am a scientist but will tell you that when my wife had breast cancer we prayed a lot.
Our discussion was also regarding the use of the CyberKnife https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/prostate/treatments/cyberknife-for-prostate-cancer which UNC Hospital where Bonnie works has one, and at that time he proceeded to provide us wit a referral to see the Radiation Oncologist GURU at UNC Hospital, we were then eagerly awaiting the call for the appointment which occurred on July 8th ( See new entry for the 8th)
Technical Overview of CyberKnife Prostate Treatment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzRirQJ73Pc
7/8/2013 Visit to UNC – Consultation with Radiation Oncologist
Today is the day we will find out more about the CyberKniife treatment option and sequence of events that will take place. What a pleasure to not have to fill out another 17,000 forms because REX is affiliated with UNC so we checked in and were seen precisely at 10AM as scheduled.
As usual, having the white coat syndrome my BP reflected this, and we were greeted by a NY Nurse, followed by a Resident Physician first as this is a teaching Hospital, followed by the GURU which is the Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, WOW !!! we love this Man, excellent !!! His studies and Residency were at Harvard.Medical School
The process was explained in detail, questions were answered and we will be discussing whether or not to participate in a Clinical study regarding the treatment 5 vs12 treatments during a 2 week time and the total exposure being equal. So this is one area we are praying about right now. Schedule of events will be:
1. Implantation of gold fiducial markers into prostate so the exact coordinates can be maintained relative to the markers during movement and this will be mapped out using a CT Scan and an MRI
2. After the markers are placed the CT scan and the MRI will be completed and mapping of the exact organ locations such as the bladder and colon in relation to the prostate. This information is then transferred to the CyberKnife computer and utilized in the programming of the treatment ( If you saw the CyberKnife video it explains it better) with the exposures and angles of the end effector.
3. Treatment sessions will be scheduled after this phase has been completed.
On a side note: We were able to visit with Bonnie ( our Nurse Daughter) and see where she works as well as also having a wonderful lunch in their cafeteria, the one we went to being the Mexican food one where we had the most delicious Bowl Burrito ever Yummy….
Again I want to thank God for providing a last minute Babysitter for the Fagley Kids as Bonnie had to work and could not get her normal Babysitters and Ev came with me in support of this journey and I am glad she did ( Thank you Schatz )
What next? Pray pray pray for “Total Healing”
7/9/2013 FAA Ramifications
So what exactly does this do to my flying?
Well as we know with the internet information travels fast, and somehow or other AOPA ( Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association ) sent me a special webinar notice on…. you guessed it “cancer” but it seemed to be a regularly scheduled event as there were many participants.
This event was also recorded and today I was able to listen to it. The gist of it is “You are GROUNDED” as soon as you have been diagnosed with Cancer until 6 weeks after the completion of the treatment. One must then produce a PSA test report to the AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) which has to be within the “normal” range or below 4 but I need to check the FAR’s Part 61.53 and I will have to look at 61.300 – 61.313 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-A/section-61.53 and possibly talking to the Legal department of the AOPA. https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/cancer/prostate I think this is for AOPA Members only ( so I placed this here for me as a reference I can find)
You are making a difference and Bringing Joy to my heart
WOW, I am filled with joy in my heart, your gratitude and response in both prayer and tributes overwhelms me, I can truly see that God is providing me assurance, guidance and trust through His children surrounding me with kind words, prayers and the love you share, A big Thank You.
Through prayer and various forms of input and all that is going on with our lives, we have made a decision not to participate in the Clinical Study that was offered by UNC.
I just called the Hospital and I am asking for prayer that the Insurance will cover this procedure, they have already contacted them and it is in the pending status as it is being reviewed, also praying that the follow on appointments for the Fiducial placement, Catscan, and MRI will work well with our busy schedules.
Selah – Wonderful Merciful Savior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gQzrqmcwg8o#t=2s
Waiting upon the Lord 7-21-2013
Waiting…. or waiting on the Lord.. As you are aware Ev and I had made the decision that the treatment I was going to pursue had been the CyberKnife option only to receive a call from the “dedicated Insurance case Nurse” informing me that the SBRT (Stereostatic Body Radiotherapy) procedure had been denied; she also informed me that there is an appeal process that either we would file or the Radition Oncology Dr. which had also received a copy of this letter. I called the Dr at UNC immediately and he had mentioned that he received the letter of coverage denial for this service and He had already contacted the Director of the NC Insurance. He was informed that my name was not under the NC insurance. Hmmmm I then provided the Dr with the Assigned Nurse’s contact information and I was told he would call her and me after that call. The UNC Oncology Dr. called me back after talking to my assigned Nurse (by the way this all happened the same day) and assured me that he would do the appeal to get this procedure approved. Meanwhile… I will trust that this wait is also part of God’s Plan for me. One of my favorite songs that deals with waiting upon the Lord – He gives me strength as I wait on Him “Everlasting God” Lincoln Brewster shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jP2nz6PG8KM#t=3s
Thank you so much for your encouraging calls and comments in the Caring Bridge Guestbook, it means a lot to me and is appreciated Feel free to share this information as I trust that those that hear about this, either directly or indirectly would pray for me and Ev as we go through this
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Joshua 1:8-9
Our God is Awesome – APPROVED
So yesterday I received a phone call that my insurance claim that had been denied, has been approved for the use of the CyberKnife procedure, I am total awe because our God has everything under control and he listens to our pryers The appeal was handled by an external doctor from California and he was outside of the system, and after his review they said Mirv Wondracek is approved for this procedure
My first appointment will be August 21st at 2:45 p.m. and this appointment is to implant fiducial markers that will track the machinery to deliver the radiation precisely onto the prostate.
I want to thank you for your prayers I know it is because of your prayers that this has been approved also continue to pray for the procedure to go smooth and all the financial copay would not be too much of a burden on our wallets.
The entire Staff from the assigned Insurance Nurse, the UNC Nurse, and the Doctor all are so nice and helpful and I thank Jesus for providing me with such a Team.
I do believe that God has allowed all of this so that my Faith will be strengthened and for me to use this as evidence and as a witness to His provision. I love you Lord.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6 28-34 NIV
Thank you for your Prayers
Fiducial Marker Implant – Completed
First off I want to thank each one of you for your prayers for the Medical Staff, Ev and I as we went through this first step of a series of events.
I worked a 1/2 day and then I sent my boss the memo… starting internal cleaning prep ( fun, NOT ) I then met Ev as she was Babysitting the Raleigh Grandchildren and we graciously had Robin Otto continue the babysitting while we went to UNC
I’ve had so much fun when I checked in, I had to take a Number and it was 2 so I told her I am 2 but in real life I am 3. Next question Verification of Birthday XX-XX-XXXX I told her that it was correct I know because I was there. Then I got called by the Nurses to follow them into “The Room” and of course I had to warn them that the BP will be high, happens every time I go to the Dr. they thanked me for the info.
I did get to meet with Dr. Woods and the nurses, 3 of them, one teaching the other two and the entire procedure went WELL of course guided by God’s hands. They had originally told me that it would be somewhat like the biopsy and to a degree they were correct, however even with the lydocane and a local during the insertion of the Fiducials it was very uncomfortable 😦 not a happy camper.
For those people that actually want to know a bit more about these fiducials, I did go on the Mgf’s website and got this information:
“Coupled Markers are 3mm long with either a 0.8 or 1.0mm diameter and are attached at a fixed distance – 20mm apart from center to center. They are secured with a sterile, tissue-absorbable material. This ensures the markers are implanted at a known distance for calculating precise location.”
There is just a bit of discomfort left but all in all I am OK and looking forward to the CT Scan and MRI this coming Tuesday where they will be imaging the exact location of the fiducial markers in relationship to the other surrounding organs and nerve bundle. This information will then be used by the CyberKnife tool for accurate delivery of the radiation. The radiation treatments will take place after our mid September Vacation.
For those that know what I do for a living (verification of UL/FCC etc) on equipment… I want you to know that the Fidutial Marker Kit came in a CE certified hermetically sealed pouch. Yes the Nurse saw that I was detail oriented and provided me with the pouch.
Once again I thank you for your kind words, your prayers, your thoughts and support, that is more valuable than “gold fiducials”
CT-Scan and MRI 8-27-13 Completed
Giving God the Honor and Glory for watching over me as I went for these tests, bottom line…. I made it woooo hooooo
You may say big deal thousands of people have done these tests in the past, yes but in order for the information to be more clearly defined for the uploading of the pictures into the CyberKnife program the insertion of a folie ( catheter ) is part of this procedure (Not Fun).
To make it more abbreviated, the first catheter did not make it past the Urethra so here we go, get another type and redo (OUCH) followed by making the body mold that will be used to administer the Radiation treatment on the CyberKnife.
Now for the CT-Scan this one I don’t really have a problem with as the ring that you pass through is a rather large opening, so I survived that one no problem.
The Siemens MRI however was a different story as the opening is only around 24″ and the tube length is 5′ 6″ and the part being scanned has to be centered in the tube. I have had some instances of Claustrophobia in my lifetime, I discussed that with the Technician and I was very happy that I went in, feet first. Of course taking pictures of the pelvic area means that your head is right outside the edge of the tube. OK I can do this or can I? Lord I need your help here. I did bring my double eye patch ( the ones used in overseas airplane passengers for sleeping) yes I had to get something about aviation here, I asked the Tech to do a dry run of how far my body was going to be in the tube.
Here it goes hands next to the body… in we go… ahhhhh the arms are touching the sides of the tube and I am feeling restricted ” OK Bob, I CANNOT DO THIS, GET ME OUT OF HERE… so he said that I could have my hands behind my head. Positioned that with an extra pillow , the eye patch and the Headphones ( no music though — depressing) Ready for the test.
Being engineering minded I had to occupy my mind during this process of having these magnetic pictures taken, so what’s one to do? First as the magnetron is gearing up let’s try to figure out the frequency that the oscillator is resonating at, then thinking of the wave pattern as it would appear on an Oscilloscope, then envisioning the positioning servo systems with the encoder feedback. Now we need to figure out how many positions and is it divisible by 60 so we can figure out the degrees of incidence in relation to the body position ( the first set was 30 beats so therefore that equals 12 degrees each position COOL, now when another set went 500 how does that play into 360 degrees? 1.38 Degrees ?????
OK enough of that!!! Best part – Ahhhh relief … catheter removed.
After that I reunited with my Honey and we had a nice lunch at the Hospital Cafeteria fresh made Panini Yeah !!!
OK definitely sore for a couple of days with some irritation but that too will go away. and before I go for treatments we will be going on vacation which will be very nice, so we can celebrate our 41st Wedding Anniversary.
Thank you again for your continued prayers, your Love and Support, each one of you has made an impression in my life and I totally know that it is by God’s intervention that at any given time He puts you in touch with those that have a need at a specific time in their life. Yeahhhh God, Thank you
1st Cyberknife treatment 9/19/2013
Ev and I traveled to UNC got there on time (a bit early ) and had the luxury of using the Valet Parking yes that also is a God provision free for Cancer Patients. Checked in and they took me away ( but no to the funny farm haha hehe hoho like that old song goes) to the recovery area for stats and some steroids to prevent inflammation. Of course there my BP went up there again and after 45 minutes of allowing the meds to take affect I guess off we go on a wheelchair for 1/4 mile to the CyberKnife room.
WOW several monitors, controls etc. now the grand entry to the “Ultimate Robot” with the end-effector being the x-ray beam module. I believe it was a 7 axis motion control the arms being about 6 ft in length and sounded like stepping motors with closed loop feedback.
In the days of working with robots there were always safety gates around the working envelope of a live robot glad that they are watching every move with several cameras.
Thought it was going to be 45 min to 1 hr NOT. Try 1.5 hrs on the table laying still (Mirv and still???) after one hour they came in and asked if I needed to go to the bathroom I said that would be a good idea… me how did you know? Them the movement of the prostate.
empty bladder, re- zero or initialize system again for the last 90 beams yes the total intersecting beams were 270 with 3 apertures
While listening to nice music I was just thinking how this treatment parallels with how God works in us, namely the radiation is invisible and one cannot tell on the outside of the body that there was cancer likewise when we were yet sinners with a sick heart it does not always show on the outside and God invisibly fixes that, not just by knowing that He can, but only if you accept the treatment and seek the help. Jn. 3:16 allows each one of us to receive this treatment
Praise be to Him, Thank you all for your faithfulness in your prayers, I really love you guys.
2nd and 3rd CyberKnife Treatment
Friday I had my second CyberKnife treatment and it was uneventful it all went as planned, I was actually quite fast I guess I was very very relaxed we went through one and a half Music CD’s or one hour and 15 minutes, I almost fell asleep several times.
I had 2 opportunities to tell people that I know that there are hundreds of people praying for me and they were just totally amazed. One was the valet parking attendant that saw my patient band and said “oh you are the patient you look so cheery” and I told him about the prayers he told me he would also pray for me and if I could pray for him and his church and the meeting they were going to have that night. Turns out he was also a fellow Christian. I really pray that this event of my life will be used to glorify God and Jesus Christ and be used as a witness to his grace, mercy and unfailing Love.
Saturday morning I did wake up with a major pain in the Pelvic area that was so intense I thought I might have to go to the Hospital, it did subside after prayer and medication and my sweet supporter Ev comforting me. So much for sleeping in Oh Well.
During the Friday appointment they also told me that I will have to change appointment for Monday and Tuesday. The Monday appointment being set for being there at 7:30 a.m. Now mind you it takes approximately one hour to drive there and I also need to get ready & prepped so Monday get up at 5:30 ugh !!!
Today I did come across one thought laying there equating each beam being delivered from a different angle to prayers coming (being delivered at different angles) from different parts of the US and World to meet the Lord of Lords and I am so greatful to have such a Family as well as a supporting Scocial media Family on Caring Bridge, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WordPress ( and IBM Co-workers )
On a sad note today one of the techs did not come in so we had another one in his place, I was not thrilled but OK it is what it is.
I get set up on the table they zero me in on the table with the lasers, then “home” the robot and off we go with the first collimator but about 3/4 way in to the program…. yes the robot STOPED… my music continues no one is coming in hmmmm what happened???
Finally what seemed to be an eternity the two Techs walk in and inform me that the computer had to be rebooted. Oi Weih. You probably can guess what those words mean to a guy like me that has worked on sophisticated computer controlled equipment all his life… will the program continue where it left off or will I be overexposed by repeating steps? OK make things worse… it is taking longer than normal and Ev is in the waiting room and over the PA they broadcast a code blue.
Again I got a hold of myself and focused on Scripture knowing that God is in control of my Life and what happens to it, thank you for that assurance. Isn’t it great to have this assurance that we are in the hollow of His hand. If he allows for a (what we call a malfunction or glitch) it is probably something that in the end has greater eternal significance so “your will not mine”
Program resumed and it appeared to me that the completion of the first collimator’s program was where it had left off (not going to worry about it because I gave it to God) the 2nd and 3rd collimator programs completed without any problems and I was glad about that.
75% Complete that is nice, Tomorrow Tuesday 9/24/13 I will rejoice because it is the last treatment and I give glory to God for his timing is always perfect.
“The Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” Numbers 6:24-26
He has blessed me immensely and has given me peace.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
But I trust in your unfailing Love; my heart rejoices in your salvation I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me. PS. 13:5-6
PS. Not sure how clear it is in the small picture but I am sure glad I wore the right colors to match the UNC Tar Heels Sticker on the CyberKnife
Need encouragement? check out https://twitter.com/GodLifeTweets
CriterionCrateringCreature’sCreaturePraetorian
Ignore word Ignore all Add to dictionary
4rth and Last CyberKnife Treatment YES !!!
This is Tuesday, (LAST TREATMENT) glad I did not have an early appointment, even though we had to be there at 11:30 it was much better to be awake while getting there as opposed to the Monday appointment.
WOW one more session and then I’m done… OK take the meds wait for the Techs and get wheeled over to the CyberKnife room during which I am striking conversations with both techs. I get there and I again had to take a picture of the collimators just for my records so I know what they look like and to find out how many different types there are… they used 3 sizes on my treatment, the first one was 1/4″ then they did a second round using what appeared to me to be 5/8″ followed by a 1/2″ I guess that the 1/4″ one is used near the prostate walls to get a much more precise line and stay away from adjoining organs.
I did get thru to the first two parts and then the Tech came in and told me that I should go pee (lol) OK then…, I said, I certainly can do that if it helps to keep the prostate from moving.
Back on the table I go, new Music CD, and away we go, another session of being STILL … I made it. Now, you know that I could not just go without having a picture taken of the Robot that was guided by my Father in Heaven could I? I asked Nadia if she could take a picture of me with the Robot and she agreed without reservation ( the one on this post) I was wired, content and happy that these sessions were over. 🙂
Back on the Wheelchair, 1/4 mile transportation enough time to build a small relationship with both Techs. I was dropped off at the Patient Recovery room and I had to give Nadia a hug and thank her for her service.
Now I had to undergo the ultimate BP test (and I don’t do good on these machines other than at home) I think I was hyper… 191/ something the nurse said… “we are going to let you rest a little bit and then check it again… OK” I had some ice water and checked my phone and then she took it again and it was passing numbers YEAHHHHHH
After being released Ev and I went to celebrate with Lunch at http://guglhupf.com in Durham ( nice eclectic German food restaurant ) to wind down. This was a very special time with my Honey where we just spent time reflecting on us and how good God has provided for our needs.
We came home we had a wonderful surprise, Flower Bouquet in a Smiley Mug waiting at the front door from our Atlanta Wondraceks that sure made my day. After dinner I spent some time on the phone talking to Family. Of course being on the Steroid meds, I was not at all tired, and did not fall asleep till after midnight and the next day was a workday… Oh well besides not sleeping well I also had to make several pit stops during the night but that too was OK.
Wednesday morning – OK I am only going to have one cup of coffee because I don’t need any help going to the bathroom….
The day went well some soreness but all in all considering what the body went through I think I am doing wonderful.
Thursday – Day 2 ahh OK I am hurting… tough to sit all day
Thursday Night – restless sleep several bathroom visits
Friday – Day 3 OK this is going to take a while to get normal again
I am so thankful for having each one of you upholding us in prayer, because I know that our Father in Heaven already knows the outcome, none the less he wants to hear from us, and your prayers are truly the catalyst in strengthening my Faith knowing that He who is in me is greater than he who is in this world 1Jn. 4:4
If He wills it, this will be a chapter in my life that will come and go like the waves in the Sea that come and go and leave the sand totally smooth again making it beautiful without flaw.
I was thinking that the x-rays are part of the wavelength spectrum and though we have a visible spectrum of light there is the invisible light that is made up of different frequencies that the eye cannot resolve, none the less it does exist, such as the infrared used in remote control communication; in the same way Scripture tell us that God is Light, nowhere does it say that it is only “visible light” so my deduction is that the x-rays that are invisible are also God’s light shining on my Cancer to remove any ailments that these cells have brought on. His Light whether visible or invisible will always displace the darkness of this world.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
I am His follower, and in him I know that the darkness of cancer in my body has been brought to light ( his light) which provides me with the assurance that He has a plan for my life.
Jazzy version of “Blessed Assurance”
I love all of you and I have a deep desire to make Him known, to use my life and the internet for His glory and honor, to make Jesus known so many may be saved, join me in sharing Jesus in every opportunity you have
Check out what God is doing “Live” http://www.greatcommission2020.com http://www.Godlife.com
With much Love and appreciation, Mirv
Note:
Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused ~ Unknown #nuggetsofJOY
Recovery
Okay so today has not really been a great day but then again they did telll me that the radiation effects would last at least 4 days after the last treatment and progressively getting more noticeable with side effects and then gradually better For the guy the can’t normally sit still all I wanna do right now is just bask in the Sun and grab those rays ( getting my vitamin D)and that is what I’m doing. It’s a beautiful fall day it’s 75 degrees, actually 78 and the wind is blowing so it is as nice as it could be and to just sit here is great. I know I have a lot of work to do but you know that it’s going to be there waiting for me. Wait another trip to the bathroom… getting sick of that. I know that better days are coming but its just just that it seems like wow co mm on already!!! Iknow that this recovery is also in HIS time and though we want to bypass some of the hurts, each one serves a purpose. This one has allowed me to o see that I can use my smartphone to answer emails for Global Media Outreach as I spent time checking this out while resting in the Lord. Thank you Jesus for revealing this to me today, may I always be sharp in listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say. Day by day I praise Him for He has me in the hallow of his hands.
Praising My Savior
Dear friends and prayer warriors, I come to you with thanksgiving , for all your prayers, your love, compassion and your support while I was going thru this radiation treatment and recovery, I have to say that it is because of your prayers that I’m at 90- 95% back to normal.
The song that comes to my mind out of my heart is ” This is the story this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long” yes indeed recovery did have some challenges but He is good all the time.
We had a follow-up visit on September 28h with the Doctor at UNC and he was pleased with my reports of my side effects during the recovery of the long 4 weeks or so, he allowed me to discontinue the meds I was on and also explained that PSA numbers would not be accurate yet and will be conducted on the next visit which will be on December 30th 2013.
During this visit the best words that we have heard from the Dr. were that from all the patients that have been treated with the CyberKnife, NONE have had the cancer come back, and translated in our language it was the Lord whispering in our ears ” Trust me my child, I am your creator and you are in my hands” I made it possible for you to have this treatment option, and I will take care of you according to my plans.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 NIV
We are so grateful to be here in NC and to have UNC a teaching Hospital, great Doctors, Family, Friends, and most of all Jesus holding our hands guiding us in our everyday lives, He does not waste a hurt and already I have been able to use this sharing what God has done as I continue to minister at Global Media Outreach. I continue to pray that this may also bring some people closer to following Jesus for He is good.
Financially, I will have to say that as I will be retiring IBM with 40 years of service at the end of this year, it will serve me as a tool to trust in the Lord. I will be looking for employment so that we will be able to make ends meet, this cancer procedure did set us back and 2014 medical premiums will be very expensive as I am not Medicare eligible yet.
I love Mandisa’a song that reminds me that God is holding me right now as He’s brought me though this chapter of my life ” Yes I’m an Overcommer also” http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z29olPjFbqg#t=4
The rainbow is God’s promise
Happy thanksgiving !!! I am very Thankful !!!
J O Y – Focus on Jesus, Others, You
Yes, true JOY comes in that sequence, Jesus, Others and then You. My whole perspective of dealing with this cancer issue has been OK Jesus what do you want me to learn from this? How do you want me to use this when I deal with Others and finally what does this mean for me and my life in the days to come?
On December 30th 2013 I had my appointment with Dr.Chen at UNC and there we discussed my recovery and provided a blood sample for the testing of the PSA. I thought was going to take several days to a week for the results, AHA!!! The Dr. gave me the Voucher to go upstairs and have the blood drawn and also informed me that I would get the results that afternoon…. wow I did not expect that.
I traveled home ( the hospital being close to an hour’s drive away) and as I open the Garage door Ev is on the phone, my Dr. called and wanted to talk to me with the results and Ev said to him… “wait one minute I think that is him just coming home… here he is”
Hello this is Dr. Chen, I have the results of your PSA and I have to inform you that the number is 2 – WOW great news thank you Dr.Chen I will see you in three months.
Wooooo hooooooo praise be to God, He is faithful all the time.
What a JOY it is to tell others about the hand of God in this, knowing that He hears our prayers, and I know that I had many of you continually praying for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Yes this journey is like the Labyrinth in front of the Cancer wing at UNC but knowing that we can skip the wandering and going straight to the Center ( GOD ) sure makes the journey totally bearable full of hope.
My Hope is in you Lord Psalm 25 NIV
http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/25.html
My hope is in you Lord – Aaron Shust https://youtu.be/ugD0i5Y3cw8
9 Month Checkup
God is so good! I had the 9 month checkup with Dr. Chen and it was another pleasant visit, we actually talked family. I had blood drawn for my PSA test and I was to get my results back in the next 2 hours. Dr Chen himself called me with my results from the lab Dr. Chen congratulated me upon delivering my good news PSA 1.4 THANK YOU JESUS Thank you for all of you who continue to uphold me in prayer.
12 Month Checkup
God continues to bless us day after day, this time around we has a PSA of 1.2 and coming down – next appointment will be in six months and if all is well then we go to once a year. Thank you Jesus.
The JOY of the Lord is my strength
LIFE INTEGRATED - To be in the world but not of the world 