Along the Journey. . . .

Jack has given us another chance to go Along the Journey with him. (Click here to access it or go to
http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com.)

A literal journey is ahead of them on Sunday as well - Jack and Anita are traveling to Houston, investigating proton therapy options at M.D. Anderson. Our prayers go with them!

For those of you not physically around, I'll tell you that Jack has been looking good, ducking into the office for a few hours throughout the day, working and attending meetings and - to his great pleasure - visiting with his college roommate! Art Christmas, who is a pastor in Evansville, Indiana, and Jack haven't seen each other in 20 years. Jack says his visit added a great deal of joy to his day.

Travelling mercies, Jack, and let us know how it's going in Texas!

. . .but not discouraged .

(Monday evening)

Our oncologist just called (5:45 p.m.). The surgeon has not yet called, but the oncologist wanted us to know what the report said. The report is not good. The tumor has not responded to the chemo. Rather than shrinking, it has grown (from 4.3 cm to 5.3 cm). There is slight necrosis in the center of the tumor, which might mean that the tumor is dying, but most likely it is because the tumor has reached the size where the blood vessels can no longer supply sufficient blood. There is no sign that the tumor has spread to the liver (which is the only surrounding organ the MRI scanned).

There was a slight chance that if the tumor has shrunk, I would be a candidate for resection, but the oncologist said that, in his opinion, that is not the case and surgery is not an option.

Our plans are to go to MD Anderson next Sunday for a Monday appointment with the radiologist. He will do tests to see if I am a candidate for proton therapy.

Continue your prayers. We are disappointed, but not discouraged.

Jack

Vigil for Jack and Anita

What a gift we are given to be allowed to pray for each other!

So many have given a wonderful gift to Jack and Anita to pray for them in such a focused, intentional, and community way these past 24 hours. The gifts they have given to us are to have allowed us this opportunity and to pray for us in return.

Our Christ, who intercedes for each of us, hears our prayers of heart and word. We plead veni Sancte Spiritus and the Spirit does, and helps us with our utterances. Out of the depth of God's grace and the wideness of God's mercy, our prayers are answered.

Jack told us early on that his faith did not depend upon a miracle but even in this Vigil, I believe that miracles have occurred. You are invited to share your experience of prayer with us. Thank you for your focus during this vigil and for your continued prayers for our beloved Jack and Anita.

- Constance McNeill

Quick Friday Update

Jack is back from the MRI, Anita says. The reading and interpretation of the results won't be til Monday or later, but a number of you have asked how he is today. He's tired out from the day, but buoyed by your overwhelming response in prayer over the past 22 hours. Two hours left and people are still asking to be added!

One person, who had an early,early morning time slot, said it was a wonderful experience for her, praying for Jack and Anita, and she felt like she was carrying them around in her heart for the rest of this day.

Many of us feel that connection and are enjoying sharing our Vigil experiences with one another - through the posts and some people have just shared them in person or on the phone. If you'd like to post, are unable to post, allow me and I'll do it for you -cindyabell@gmail.com

Peace! - Cindy

Prayer Vigil begins at 7

“This is overwhelming.”

That was Jack’s response this afternoon when he got into the office and saw the schedule for the Prayer Vigil starting tonight.

It’s also a particularly “wonderful time for this,” he said.

Today they’ve been facing the daunting tasks related to insurance companies’ coverage and strategy. They also met with the oncologist, opting not to do the last of the 9 chemo treatments. Instead, they are turning their minds to tomorrow’s MRI. At 8:30 Friday morning he’ll have an MRI, the results of which will guide the decisions for the next steps in care. (Probably no results til Monday, though.)

It is overwhelming - that people from all over the globe – China to Missouri – are on this list below and will be offering up prayers to the Lord on behalf of Jack and Anita, starting tonight at 7:00.

It’s not too late – it’s never to late! – to pray. You can still sign up for times. Or you can pray at a time, and then report back to us that you did it. We’ll keep the list as up to date as we can.

Thanks to all of you, for filling every slot so beautifully, so that it truly will be 24 hours of constant prayer being lifted up for our friends. It’s a beautiful community, the family of Christians, as Jack said earlier today. I also want to say a special thanks to Connie McNeill for organizing this Vigil, and Amy Morris for tending to the schedule with such care.

I’m sure Jack (and the rest of us!) would love to hear reports back on the blog, after Friday, about how and what you did as you participate in this lovely and powerful day of prayer. Feel free to share in the comments below, or email me and I’ll post them for you.

Prayerfully,
Cindy

Scroll down a few screenfuls to view the updated list . . .

Prayer Vigil for Jack and Anita

> Thursday 7 PM - Friday 7 PM
> May 3 – 4
> 15-minute intervals
> Sign up here for a scheduled time

Join the Prayer Vigil. For all of us who’ve said, “Let me know if there’s something I can do,” now there’s a perfect opportunity. A prayer vigil is being planned specifically for Jack and Anita. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Blocks of prayer time in 15 minute intervals are being scheduled. Beginning this Thursday night (tomorrow) at 7 and going round-the-clock til Friday night at 7, the vigil will have someone praying at all times for Jack and Anita. Everyone is needed, every prayer important. Please agree to a scheduled time by:
- replying in the “comments” below with your preference
or
- emailing me with your preference (cindyabell@gmail.com)

How to sign up. I know using the “comments” below can be a bit cumbersome, but it will allow others to see right away what times you prefer, so they may choose another. So use it if you can! If you can’t, though, send an email directly to me and I’ll get you signed up. I will compile the list and post it here so you will know when your time is. If anytime is okay with you, please indicate that and I'll schedule you where you're most needed. (Please send me the NUMBER associated with the block of time - that helps alot.)

What to pray for. Jack and Anita both need our prayers, in many different ways. You pray in the way you feel is needed and effective. Suggestions might be around these lines:

- Jack has an MRI on Friday that will judge how well chemo’s been working. This is an important milestone. A good report will allow doctors to pursue another exciting new option, proton therapy.
- Hard decisions continually must be made, such as continuing chemo versus the debilitating effects it has on the body: nausea, dehydration, risk.
- Health care professionals often find it systematically difficult to work together across system lines; communication among them and collaborative strategies are key.
- Anita faces much stress: many new tasks, concern for her husband, pain as she sees him struggle, being primary communicator to everyone, decisions. Community of care around her and spiritual nurturing, as well as the practical concerns of every day, are all important items to pray about on her behalf.
- You may have special ways you find to pray – would you be willing to share them (below) in comments? or email them to me to post?
- Of course, we pray for outcomes that are miraculous, pain to be assuaged, God’s comforting spirit to be present, courage, peace, stamina, - all with continued faith and hope.

Where to pray. If you are in or near the CBF Resource Center in Atlanta, a special, quiet place will be set aside – most likely the vacant room next to Jack’s office. Otherwise, use any spot you find around the globe that is good for you to communicate with God.

Times to choose from. Below is the day, broken into 15-minute intervals in Eastern Standard Time. Those of you around the world who wish to participate, please convert your time zone into EST when you make your request. The times are numbered so you can just give the number associated with your block of time. Thursday (tomorrow, May 3) at noon we will begin to compile the list and will post it as soon after that as possible. It will be posted here on the blog, or ask me and I can email it to you individually.

Thanks so much for participating, for encouraging others to participate, and for your continued prayer and love for Jack and Anita. Check back here Thursday afternoon and evening for your "assignment!"

Thursday, May 3
1 __ 7:00 – 7:15 PM Joe McDade, Yoo Yoon, Jack & Faye Shaw
2 __ 7:15 – 7:30 PM Anne Hitt, Ameilia Zeigler Paulk
3 __ 7:30 – 7:45 PM Mich and Pat Tosan, Henry and Irene Green, Charles Qualls
4 __ 7:45 – 8:00 PM Terry Walton, Ally, Shelby, Cleo
5 __ 8:00 – 8:15 PM Ellen Burnette, Allison Tennyson, Gwen Cottrell, Kay Echelberger
6 __ 8:15 – 8:30 PM Rick Burnette, Isabel St. Gaudens
7 __ 8:30 – 8:45 PM Jean Willingham, Gene & Lonya Scarborough
8 __ 8:45 – 9:00 PM Carla Wynn & Todd Davis

9 __ 9:00 – 9:15 PM Marion Aldridge, Sheryl & Chuck Gates
10 __ 9:15 – 9:30 PM Helen Phillips, James Garrison
11 __ 9:30 – 9:45 PM Bill Turnage, Bertha Sharp, David & Ann Wilson, Marianne & Paul Gruzlewski
12 __ 9:45 –10:00 PM Tom and Beth Ogburn, Winford & Carol Hendrix
13 __ 10:00 – 10:15 PM Dub Pool, Margaret Gibson Gene Brymer
14 __ 10:15 – 10:30 PM Rob Nash, Gwen Colwell
15 __ 10:30 – 10:45 PM Gwen Colwell, Becky Matheny, Ray Higgins, Debbie Barnes

16 __ 10:45 – 11:00 PM Susan Stewart, Dean & Karr La Dickens, Marion Watson
17 __ 11:00 – 11:15 PM Charlotte Taylor, Sam Henderson, Carolyn Crumpler, Damon Ratterree
18 __ 11:15 – 11:30 PM Elizabeth Barnes, Larry Hovis, Paula Settle
19 __ 11:30 – 11:45 PM Hazel Snell Littlejohn, Peggy Pemble, Chubby Bass
20 __ 11:45 PM – 12:00 AM Lori Irons-Crenshaw,
Carol Campbell, Leonora



Friday, May 4
21 __ 12:00 AM – 12:15 AM Brent Huss, Matt Sciba, Bud Strawn, Jean Bass
22 __ 12:15 – 12:30 AM Jack Glasgow, Nick Skipper, Dianne(Ratterree) Dixon
23 __ 12:30 – 12:45 AM Pam Stiles, Aaron & Stephanie Glenn
24 __ 12:45 – 1:00 AM Ray Johnson, Sara Powell
25 __ 1:00 – 1:15 AM Cindy Ruble, Philip Barnes
26 __ 1:15 – 1:30 AM Don Pittman, Tiffne Whitley
27 __ 1:30 – 1:45 AM Craig & Susan
28 __ 1:45 – 2:00 AM Bob & Janice Newell
29 __ 2:00 – 2:15 AM Tammy Stocks
30 __ 2:15 – 2:30 AM Becky Smith
31 __ 2:30 – 2:45 AM Jim Smith
32 __ 2:45 – 3:00 AM Gennady Podgaisky, Susan & Scott Christie, Don & Karen Barnes, Charles & Carolyn Horton, Macarena & Eddie Aldape

33 __ 3:00 – 3:15 AM Jeremy Lewis
34 __ 3:15 – 3:30 AM Rick & Martha Shaw
35 __ 3:30 – 3:45 AM Katrina Salter
36 __ 3:45 – 4:00 AM Elisa Casey
37 __ 4:00 – 4:15 AM Dianne & Shane McNary, Jeff Rogers
38 __ 4:15 – 4:30 AM Jeff Rogers, Michael Johnson
39 __ 4:30 – 4:45 AM Charlotte Taylor
40 __ 4:45 – 5:00 AM Judy Nyoike
41 __ 5:00 – 5:15 AM Clarissa Strickland, Ludmilla Teterina
42 __ 5:15 – 5:30 AM Charles Ray, Julie & Bill Babcock
43 __ 5:30 – 5:45 AM Jane Riley, John Wikman, Jan Moore
44 __ 5:45 – 6:00 AM Tamara Tillman, Keri Gage

45 __ 6:00 – 6:15 AM Joyce Page, Ken Meyers
46 __ 6:15 – 6:30 AM Jim Page, Glen Foster
47 __ 6:30 – 6:45 AM Lynn Rogers, Arville Earl, Dennis Foust
48 __ 6:45 – 7:00 AM Jim & Judy Strawn, Sheila Earl, Sally Lott
49 __ 7:00 – 7:15 AM Vickie Traynum, Carole and Herman Fauss
50 __ 7:15 – 7:30 AM Larry Eubanks
51 __ 7:30 – 7:45 AM Jeanie McGowan, Cynthia Holmes
52 __ 7:45 – 8:00 AM Connie McNeill, Marty Bennett, Vicky Fendley, Matt Norman, Becky B. Green, Raymond Shepley, Joel & Nannette Avery

53 __ 8:00 – 8:15 AM Beth Fogg, Sandi, Randall Ashcraft
54 __ 8:15 – 8:30 AM Beverly Greer, Juanita Adams, Karen Morrow
55 __ 8:30 – 8:45 AM Susan Settle & Amy Morris
56 __ 8:45 – 9:00 AM Jonathan Ivy, Jim & Barbara VanHoose
57 __ 9:00 – 9:15 AM Phill Martin, Rebecca Dean
58 __ 9:15 – 9:30 AM Mart Gray
59 __ 9:30 – 9:45 AM Candice Young
60 __ 9:45 –10:00 AM Greg Magruder, Mary & Don Langford
61 __ 10:00 – 10:15 AM Brenda Lisenby, Colleern Beatty, Helen Ratterree and Daniel Dixon, Bill and Michelle Cayard

62 __ 10:15 – 10:30 AM Rick & Joyce Snell
63 __ 10:30 – 10:45 AM Chuck & Sheryl Gates
64 __ 10:45 – 11:00 AM Libby Senterfitt
65 __ 11:00 – 11:15 AM Sally Saffer, Melin & Ron Green
66 __ 11:15 – 11:30 AM Lisa Morrison
67 __ 11:30 – 11:45 AM Richard Philips
68 __ 11:45 PM – 12:00 PM Timothy Wood

69 __ 12:00 AM – 12:15 PM Dub and Joy Steincross
70 __ 12:15 – 12:30 PM Velma Porraz
71 __ 12:30 – 12:45 PM Victoria Whatley
72 __ 12:45 – 1:00 PM Linda Caveness, Aubrey Owens
73 __ 1:00 – 1:15 PM Chuck & Amy Morris, Virginia Owens, Estelle Foster
74 __ 1:15 – 1:30 PM Julie Mason
75 __ 1:30 – 1:45 PM Bill Mason, Scott Conner
76 __ 1:45 – 2:00 PM Jimmy Lewis
77 __ 2:00 – 2:15 PM Adam Scott
78 __ 2:15 – 2:30 PM Carole and Herman Fauss, Leslie Burkhalter
79 __ 2:30 – 2:45 PM Greg Walters, Larry Hurst
80 __ 2:45 – 3:00 PM Mary Carol Day

81 __ 3:00 – 3:15 PM Don & Betty Williams
82 __ 3:15 – 3:30 PM Melissa & Wes Browning
83 __ 3:30 – 3:45 PM Kenny Park, Tara Johns
84 __ 3:45 – 4:00 PM Kevin & Susan Rogers
85 __ 4:00 – 4:15 PM Kathy Smith
86 __ 4:15 – 4:30 PM Darrel Smith, Daniel Vestal
87 __ 4:30 – 4:45 PM Mary McCoy, Courtney & Jurelle Stanton, Tina Bailey, Anne Birchfield
88 __ 4:45 – 5:00 PM Kay Searcy

89 __ 5:00 – 5:15 PM Laurie McDonald, Ann Carter
90 __ 5:15 – 5:30 PM Milton & Maryanne Womack, Judy Burge
91 __ 5:30 – 5:45 PM Jacquelyn Franklin
92 __ 5:45 – 6:00 PM Clay Hudson
93 __ 6:00 – 6:15 PM Lois Smith, Flo Shepley
94 __ 6:15 – 6:30 PM Jan, Rosanna & Elizabeth Hurt
95 __ 6:30 – 6:45 PM Miss Dixie (Norma Hagan)
96 __ 6:45 – 7:00 PM Grace Powell Freeman

An act of hope and confidence

Sunday Update:!
Jack says that Saturday and Sunday have been much better days. The combination of anti-nausea drugs seems to be working thus far. He was able to attend the spring concert of the Atlanta Sacred Chorale Saturday night. His and Anita’s son, Charley, was the featured tenor soloist. Letting the music flood his soul, says Jack, was better than any medicine

Friday Update:
The Friday update from Jack is not quite as good as we had hoped. His Thursday chemotherapy led to a new round of severe nausea and additional abdominal pain. In fact, Thursday and Friday were among the most challenging he has faced. He spent much of Friday at the doctor’s office, receiving hydration and three different kinds of anti-nausea medications. Apparently the chemo has built up in his body to the extent that it has caused increased, nearly uncontrollable nausea. Join us in prayer that the medicines administered today will be effective and will give him some relief. (Read his own words - in the Saturday update below.)

Thursday update:
Jack WAS able to have his chemo today. Yay!! He's probably facing a rough weekend as a result of that, but "yay!" that his heart rate and other variables were satisfactory enough for another round. I'm sure no one wants to do cartwheels for chemo, but I do thank God that it's available and that his body's letting him continue it. I know you do too!


Wednesday:

I know you're like me, and you want to know every day how Jack is doing. He's reticent to post too much, but I've assured him we're all eager to hear. It helps us know how to pray, and it keeps us feeling in touch with him.

So what I can tell you today (Wednesday) is that he was looking good and sounding good. Now, he's lost some noticeable weight and he's not back up to par by any means. But he's successfully battled through another couple of days of severe pain and chemo naseau. Someone pointed out in Community Gathering yesterday that that kind of nasea isn't like any other that we'd have experienced. So I know we all feel for Jack.

The good news is, though, with two kinds of anti-nasea medications, continued pain meds, and something to stimulate his hunger, he is rallying. We're hoping and praying he is cleared to do chemo tomorrow, as a matter of fact. (Thursday.) He had a good night's sleep for the first time in many days, which, as you know, is a great blessing and comfort. He has a great sense of humor about it, as well as (as you know) a beautiful honest approach. Which we all appreciate, his letting us walk alongside him through this.

One last note - because I would like to have known it were I not able to see him personally - and that is to report this act of great hope and confidence: Jack signed a long-term contract with a cell phone provider today!! That act says alot about what his intentions are! Here's hoping he'll be forced to renew it!!

- Cindy

Saturday's Update

I'm sorry to report that the past thirty-six hours have been among my worse along the journey. I had my monthly evaluation with the oncologist on Thursday and, upon reviewing the blood tests, he gave approval to begin round three of my chemo treatment. Within twelve hours I was deathly sick from nausea and pain. To this point, the nausea has been controlled with Zofran, but not this time. I was up all night Thursday dealing with gut-wrenching nausea, accompanied by some pretty severe abdominal pain, unlike what I had experienced before.

Anita was able to reach the nurse Friday morning and she asked us to come to the office. We spent several hours there, talking with the nurses and taking various tests. They did an x-ray to see if my lung had collapsed (it hadn't). None of the other tests showed anything that could be causing the difficulty.

Apparently I'm at the stage in the chemo treatment where the buildup is causing the increased nausea. The abdominal pain, we assume, is caused by referred pain from the celiac plexus nerve oblation.

I was given some additional medication for nausea and encouraged to take additional Oxycontin for break-through abdominal pain. I'm happy to report that I had a relatively peaceful night and was able to sleep. I dropped ten pounds of weight in 36 hours, primarily because I wasn't able to eat or drink anything. I'm hoping to reverse this trend today!

I told Anita this morning that this is a new day! I'm feeling much better and have already had my early morning walk. The sun is shining and I am full of hope!

I'm sorry to share this less-than-positive news, but wanted you to know the latest in the saga. Thank you so much for your concern and for your prayers.

Jack

Post-surgery update from Jack

From Jack himself:

The surgical procedure last Friday went off without a hitch, but I was not prepared for the amount of pain engendered. Several weeks ago, when they did the nerve block, they infused the nerve bundle with a substance to deaden the nerves; hence I experienced little or no pain. In fact, I was back in the office that same afternoon. This time they infused the celiac plexus with a substance that literally “burned” the nerves, causing a great deal of pain. The regular pain medication that I’m taking kept the pain under control in large part, but I was very uncomfortable all weekend.

The doctor warned me that I must gradually wean myself off the Oxycontin. He said that my body is physically addicted to the medication and sudden withdrawal would be very traumatic. So, I will continue to take the full dosage for another week or so, gradually cutting back. Our prayer is that I can then exist on a much lower dosage and can regain some clarity of thought!

Another member of our Singapore church paid a visit yesterday. He is in the US for training and scheduled his travel to include a visit with us. He brought along some Chinese herbs to make soup which is supposed to provide energy and stamina. He also brought a supply of the infamous “Tiger Balm” and other ointments. I continue to be overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of our friends.


It is impossible for me to respond to all the comments on the blog and the emails that you are sending. I wish I had the energy and time to write each of you. But I want you to know that I read and re-read your comments over and over and am greatly strengthened by them. I am fully convinced that your prayers and good wishes are what keep me going. Thank you so much.

I’m attaching another Along the Journey, growing out of my experiences of last week.

Surgery went well!!

Got a call from Anita around 2pm, saying that Jack's out of surgery and it went well. They won't know how successful it was for a bit - with all hopes, it will be such that it really relieves the pain for him.

It was probably painful to watch - turns out, Anita says, they had to keep him awake during the procedure! So I'm sure he's GLAD that's behind him.

He's being kept overnight, mostly to monitor his heart and things like that. But his heart rate did well throughout the surgery, in the 50's and low 60's - so that's GREAT news. Your prayers are mighty powerful, Friends of Jack!

We'll see if we can update this weekend as he comes home, too.

- Cindy

YOUR words are beautiful

I just wanted to take an editorial moment, because Jack's fixing to go into the hospital for his nerve block procedure, so he's not here to stop me. That is, to say how much I appreciate not just his wonderful words - I have come to expect them. But YOUR wonderful words as well.

Reading your comments to the entries below, and in the Along the Journey entries, has been moving. From Father Morgan's sermon response, to the Haneys and Byers and Laraine and Laurie and Karen, all the way across the globe from Edward Tan -- I don't know any of you sweet souls, but I feel like I do, because of your lovely words about my friend. I know your words mean alot to him, as well, but I wanted to take this opportunity, while we're all encouraging each other to pray, praising God for the gifts thus far, and waiting with hope, to say "Thank you."

- Cindy

Happy News

During the time in our community gathering today (Wednesday, April 11) when we share praises and celebrations, Jack offered up a fact that we are ALL extremely grateful for. He shared with us that tomorrow it makes three months ago that he was first diagnosed, with an expectation of having three to six months. And here it is, three months later, bright among us. That is a praise! We hope – and pray – there are many more such months to come!

I was touched with what a pastor he is, offering up comforting words in honor of someone among us who has just lost her father. And this week, in several meetings, when we as a group are planning events and actions for the near and distant future, how engaged and passionate he is in the planning. When others might be feeling overwhelmed or daunted by the tasks ahead of us, he offers such a great perspective of living out our mission – he’s inspiring and passionate about what we do. He’s a life force that can’t be stopped and I’m so grateful for the last three months and the next ones to come.

Here are words from Jack himself on what the next couple of days have to offer. (I'll post the outcome on Friday afternoon, as soon as I get a word from them.)

God continues to give us opportunities to use our difficult journey to share a word of faith with others. Today we spoke at the Lunch Encounter at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. We had expected fifty people, but 150 showed up! We shared, as honestly as we could, the challenge of dealing with a terminal illness—the practical implications, the emotional turmoil we struggle with, as well as the role our faith has played. I was overwhelmed at the response of those in attendance. I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing, as one pilgrim on the journey, to share with other pilgrims some of the lessons we have learned and the challenges we face.

Tomorrow is my “off week” from chemo. I go in for blood work. The good news is that I am scheduled for the celiac plexus ablation procedure this Friday. I go to the hospital at 10:30, so the surgery should begin about noon. I will stay overnight in the hospital. Please pray that the low heart rate and blood pressure that caused the procedure to be scrubbed last week, will be normal enough to allow us to move forward this time!

Easter Update

What a glorious Easter Sunday in Atlanta. Spring has temporarily turned back into winter, but the sun is out and the promise of new life abounds!

I’m feeling a little better on this Easter. After a week of lows, I’ve had a couple of better days. I’ve learned to give thanks for every day of health.

I’m off to church to celebrate the most significant aspect of our Christian faith—the Resurrection which validates the claims of Christ and gives hope for the future. Never before has Easter had so much significance for me as this year!

I've shared a few words in another "Along the Journey" column.

Have a glorious day.

Jack

Maundy Thursday Update

I just finished today's chemo. Here is a brief update:

The chemo treatment today (Thursday) went off without a hitch. The blood counts were sufficient for us to move forward. I also received an injection of Procrit to stimulate red blood cell production. Tomorrow I receive a similar injection to stimulate my white blood cell production. Today's treatment was the last of round two. I have next week off and, if I regain some of my strength, I plan to schedule the celiac plexus ablation.

These have been difficult days. No appetite, along with feelings of weakness and nausea, sap life of its zest. But I keep moving forward, day by day, and God supplies the strength to do so. I continue to receive assurances of your love and prayers and these are what keep me going.

During this Holy Week, I find myself at Gethsemane. I've tried to express what that means for me in a new posting of Along the Journey. As we move toward Easter, remember that without the cross, there is no crown; without death, there is no life.

Jack

Chemo and some rest days

Jack did manage to have chemo last Thursday, which is a good thing. But it rather sapped him, which is not so good. The cardiologist says his slow heart rate shouldn't keep him from the treatments or the pain surgery, but they're choosing to wait til he feels more up to it.

Here's an update in Jack's own lovely words.... and he promises an "Along the Journey" soon!

I went in for chemo in Thursday, but my heart rate was again slow (as it was when I went in for the nerve procedure on Tuesday). The oncologist postponed the chemo until I saw the cardiologist (I had an appointment scheduled later that day).

The cardiologist did an EKG, noted the slow heart rate and some PVCs, but said he didn’t see anything to cause him concern. So, he cleared me for the chemo (which I subsequently had on Thursday afternoon), and also cleared me for the celiac plexus nerve ablation.

I have had four or five of my worse days, feeling-wise, which I attribute to the beginning of my second round of chemo. Anita and I have decided to wait until I feel a little better before going forward with the nerve procedure.

All of this comes on the heels of experiencing ten very good days. Again, I have lost my appetite and am losing weight, and I’m feeling depleted of strength and rather queasy most of the time. I’m looking at this in a positive light, hoping it means that the chemo is doing its job!

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

Surgery didn't happen today

I know all of you were eager to hear the outcome of Jack's surgery today... but it didn't get to take place after all. Here in his words is what happened:


I went in this morning for the celiac plexus nerve ablation, the procedure where they kill the nerve bundle that is causing the pancreatic pain. The blood counts from yesterday were fine and I spent the morning receiving IV fluids. I was taken to the operating room, connected to all the monitors, and prepped for the surgery.


Just minutes prior to being anesthetized, the doctor noticed that my heart rate was extremely low (low 40s) and there were occasional “skips” (pvc’s) in the heart beat.


He said that since this procedure had as one of its side-effects the drastic lowering of the blood pressure, he couldn’t run the risk of proceeding until he had my heart checked out.


I have never had any cardiac problems, so I’m assuming this is an anomaly. In fact, the doctor said that the chemo might be a contributing factor. He called Dr. Taylor, my primary care physician, and he is setting up some cardiac tests to make sure everything is okay.


My hope is that I can have the tests done quickly and then reschedule the nerve ablation. Of course, I’m disappointed, but I’m grateful for the caution of the doctor and look forward to clearing this up and moving ahead with the procedure.


Thanks so much for your prayers today. I’m convinced they were heard!

"Extremely Good"

Jack reports, in his own words, his latest news - a report from the oncologist that is "extremely good"! Also see his newest installment of Along the Journey.

Last Thursday, I had an appointment with the oncologist, the first time I’ve seen him in a month. The report was extremely good.

My blood counts, although still depressed, allowed me to begin the second round of chemo (three weeks of infusions, one week off). My pain continues to be under control with the use of pretty heavy pain medication, I’m able to sleep well, and my appetite has returned and I have gained back seven of the twenty-two pounds that I have lost!

But the most significant word was that the cancer marker had dropped from 360 to 244!

Dr. Franco says this probably means one of two things: the tumor has shrunk or it has become more inactive. Whichever the case, he says it is a good signal. I reminded him that in addition to the medical dimension of his treatment, I am convinced that much of my improvement can be attributed to the prayers of thousands of you around the world. He agreed. In fact, he said, “The power of prayer is verifiable. Tell your friends to keep it up!”

I was also cleared, pending more blood work today, to enter the hospital tomorrow (Tuesday) for the celiac plexus oblation—the killing of the celiac plexus nerve bundle. Because of the slight potential of side-effects, I will remain in the hospital overnight. Our prayer is that this procedure will be successful, will alleviate the pain, thus allowing me to back off of some of the heavy pain medication.

After a couple of pretty rough weeks, the past two weeks have been good. The pain is under control, the red blood cell booster has given me added energy, my weight gain has added strength, and I am learning to pace myself to conserve energy.

Although this last treatment of chemo has, once again, begun to sap my strength and I’m having to slow down a little, I continue to try to stay on top of my work and to enjoy each day as a gift from God! We completed two of our most intense weeks here at the office, and I have survived well! Week before last was our annual exploratory conference, the time when we invite candidates for mission field ministry to spend a week with us. Through a series of testing, interviews, and group work, we mutually decide who will join our mission force. Last week was filled with meetings of our various administrative teams and the administrative cluster. I was reminded, once again, of God’s blessings in allowing me to serve with such wonderful colleagues.

Last Thursday, I was both surprised and delighted to receive a wonderful “Book of Blessings” which included letters from many of you. I spend the weekend pouring over your wonderful words of blessings and I was deeply touched by your kind words and your strong affirmations. I’m convinced that your love and support have played a significant role in my growing strength. - JS

To go with Jack, Along the Journey, Click Here.

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After being given the Book of Blessings last week, Jack and Anita look it over.

Appetites

Jack says his appetite is improving. . . so he is a good Baptist, after all!

He’s been in the office working hard all week with prospective missions folk. And while he says he’s gained weight, I don’t know if it’s true or if he just wants to “fit in” with the rest of the Baptist world.

I do know that he looks well and very Jack-like, if that makes sense. For instance, during our community worship time when the leaders played guitars and sang Neil Young’s When God Made Me, Jack closed his eyes and drank in the words. He seemed the essence of reverence when he sang along “I’ve got so much, so much, so much to be thankful for.”

Of course, it could be that he wasn’t being reverential, but just taking an opportunity to nap. (Do good pastors sleep through other people’s services?)

Just kidding - I know he wasn’t sleeping through a time of communion with his God and his friends. Jack is a man of appetites – for serving, for family, for sharing. I hope you, like me, enjoy hearing his perspective Along the Journey. (Click on this link if you’re not able to use the others: http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com/ )

I enjoyed seeing Anita singing her heart out in the choir at the Georgia State CBF meeting this past weekend, and know they were glad to have their family visitors along with them.

I'm sure you, like me, enjoy hearing updates from Jack himself. So here’s his health report today -- and below that, an update on “happenings” complete with some pictures too!

I have had two or three good days this week—the best in awhile. The pain is currently under control, my appetite has improved (thanks to the appetite stimulant I’m taking), and I have actually gained a couple of pounds. I’m learning to pace myself and am able to balance work, family time, and rest. God is good!

I went to the chemo lab this morning for blood work. This is my week to skip the infusion (three weeks on, one week off). The blood counts continue to be low, but the infusions last week have boosted the white and red blood counts. I continue to take the Tarceva daily and will see the oncologist next week to begin the second round of Gemzar, if the blood counts will allow.

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We have been blessed over the past week to have friends visiting us from Singapore. Andrew Goh was one of my students during my teaching tenure at Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore. In fact, he took every class I taught. For a year-and-a-half I served Thomson Road Baptist Church (TRBC), the oldest Baptist Church in Singapore, as their interim-pastor.

When Andrew graduated from the seminary, I suggested him as a candidate for TRBC’s pastor. The church called him and he became our pastor. We have deep ties with this dear congregation and consider them part of our church family, even though we have moved from Singapore. When they heard of my illness, they collected money to send Andrew and his family to pay us a pastoral visit and to bring their love and care. In addition, they sent a love offering to assist with medical expenses.

So you can imagine the deep gratitude I feel toward TRBC and the Goh family. Their visit was a visible demonstration of their love and it became a source of encouragement for us. We enjoyed our visits together and I profited from Andrew’s pastoral presence and prayers.

- Jack

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Read more from Jack Along the Journey.

Easing the pain. . .

Jack's procedure went well on Friday... here, I'll let you hear it for yourselves, from Jack:

The procedure yesterday went well. As a trial, I skipped my 2 p.m. dosage of pain medication and experienced little pain. The doctor said that if the treatment worked, I should have some short-term pain relief—the equivalent of deadening the nerves before having a tooth worked on.

So, I think it worked, which will open the possibility of step two of the treatment—killing the nerves. I will see the doctor in a couple of weeks to talk about going back in and killing the nerves.

On a more technical note, I have been calling the procedure of deadening and then killing the nerves “deadening/killing the pancreatic nerves.” Medical folk would correct me on that! What they did yesterday is called a celiac plexus nerve block. The killing of the nerves is called a celiac plexus neurolysis. The celiac plexus is the bundle of nerves adjacent to the aorta and the other blood vessels that supplies the pancreas. That’s more than you asked for, but I guess I need to start using the correct terminology! - Jack


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Reminded of times with the Snells in Singapore, Harriet Harral sent me some lovely photos of that time, including a visit to the Singapore botanical gardens. (Below right). And also, here's a shot she sent of Jack during reconstruction at Thompson Road church where he served as interim pastor:

Friday prayers called for!

This morning Jack's facing (a planned) surgery.

On one hand, it's a good thing.... the potential for alleviating pain. On the other, it's got to be a scary thing, anytime we're "under" at the hands of others. I'm praying for steady hands and successful work for Jack's surgeons, nurses, aides - everyone who gets to play a part in the blessed work of healing. And I'm praying for calm, peace, removal of worry for Jack and his family.... his wider family too, of course - us!

Jack's had a pretty up and down week, health wise. He had some good days, good enough to be in the office several times. But other days, he was queasy and weak, and wasn't able to accomplish as much as he had hoped. The chemo treatments as well as the heavy pain medication are much the cause of this, as well as leaving him in, as he says, a "fog" much of the time. The GOOD news, though, is that they are working a good bit at keeping the pain at bay. And he's able to sleep fairly well at night. "A gift!" he says!

Yesterday he had his third chemo infusion, and he's taking chemo orally each day. The blood counts are down and he's receiving injections to boost his red and white blood cells. And today, in a few hours (7:15 am), Jack will go in for a surgical procedure to deaden the pancreatic nerves.

If this surgery is successful, they'll repeat the procedure in a few weeks in an effort to kill the nerves. Let's all pray, as Jack and his family are, that this decreases the pain indeed, and will allow him to cut back on the stronger (fog-inducing) medicines for pain.

Jack has prayers for us, as well. You can read words to you by clicking here to read his thoughts Along the Journey.

Jack reports on the past week:

This past week has been filled with ups-and-downs. I’ve had some good days and was able to be in the office several times. However, I’ve had other days when I felt queasy and weak and was not able to accomplish as much as I had hoped. I attribute this to the chemo as well as the heavy pain medication I’m taking. The pain medication leaves me in a “fog” but it is keeping the pain at bay and I’m able to sleep fairly well at night. That’s a gift!

I’ve had a number of guests who have made the pilgrimage to Atlanta to bring their blessings and prayers. Two dear friends from Florida, a priest and a rabbi (sounds like the beginning of a good joke—a Baptist preacher, a priest, and a rabbi…!) came up for a day. But the fellowship was anything but a joke. We reminisced about our years together in interfaith and ecumenical work in Jacksonville, about world events, and about our personal faith.

Other friends from our past also came to Atlanta—dear friends from California/Florida whose love and support of me as a young minister opened doors and helped shape my ministry; and a dear college and seminary class-mate from Alabama whose ministry I value and whose pastoral presence was encouraging.

AT 5:30 a.m. yesterday morning, my former Singapore seminary student (who later became my pastor) flew in with his family from Singapore. Our church there made their trip possible and they have come to bring the blessings and prayers of the church. They are staying at the missionary house at Wieuca Road BC and we look forward to visiting with them. What a gesture of love and care from this wonderful church and from these dear friends.

I’m not a very good host these days and I’m only able to spend limited amounts of time with our guests, but their expression of friendship and love are deeply appreciated.

I had my third chemo infusion yesterday. In addition, I’m taking a daily dose of chemo orally. My blood counts are down so I’m receiving injections to boost my red and white blood cells. I went to the hospital at 7:15 this morning (Friday) for a surgical procedure to block the celiac nerves in my abdomen. If this works, the doctor will repeat the procedure in a few weeks in an effort to kill the nerves. We are praying that this will be effective, will decrease the pain, and allow me to cut back on the strong pain medication. We should know within eight to twenty-four hours if this us working.

I have been encouraged and strengthened by your messages of love and support. No one could be more fortunate than I to have so many dear friends. Please know that I love each one of you. - Jack