Hello dear friends,
I'd just like to give an update as to what's going on in our lives. We went to Cleveland Clinic yesterday for a treatment and to meet with Rob's oncologist. He thinks Rob should continue to receive chemotherapy - at least 2-3 more sessions every two weeks and monthly thereafter. And radiation is being scheduled for the spot on Rob's spine. We really didn't receive any new information except for the ongoing chemo. But we do feel that we are getting some of the best medical treatment available and we really like and trust our doctor so we think we're doing all that we can. The chemo and/or steroids are really helping Rob's symptoms too. He feels better than he has all summer and that's good because he goes back to work tomorrow (teaching math at Apollo). I go back (lunch lady-Lima City Schools) on Friday and although we've enjoyed our summer of rest it will be good to be on a schedule. We genuinely appreciate all the prayers, thoughts and kind words from our family and friends. We were reminded in church on Sunday that all good gifts come from God above and we see Him providing gifts to us through all your encouragement.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
necessary update
Well, looks like it’s time to update the blog again for a few reasons. One, I’ve had some changes in my health that I need to share and two, and unfortunately, that ugly, ignored, glossed over sin called gossip has once again begin to rear its ugly head and information is being shared about me without my knowledge and consequently I have no idea whether is true or not.
Bluntly, medically, it appears as if my lymphoma has returned somewhere in my central nervous system. We’ve been back up to the Cleveland Clinic for some tests and conversations with my doctor. The basis of the diagnosis is mostly symptomatic – I started feeling some weakness on the right side of my body, difficulty swallowing, etc. Tests of the spinal fluid have not been real conclusive but my doctor does believe that something is there because of the symptoms. An MRI of my spine taken in Lima does show evidence of an abnormal growth on the side of my spinal chord. My doctor in Cleveland did begin treatment in my spinal fluid when we were there on Tuesday, August 3 and we’re looking at hopefully continuing those treatments and perhaps adding some radiation to deal with the abnormal growth. My doctor has put me on a regimen including steroids which have made a huge difference in the symtpoms I’ve been experiencing. My swallowing is almost back to normal and my voice, which a week ago was weak and scratchy, is much better.
That aside, Kim and I continue to covet your prayers be directed PRIMARILY in the area of my spiritual life. Although obviously if I had the choice to be healthy or not I would choose to be so but to be honest, my greatest struggle (and Kim adds her greatest grief) lies in the area of simply being obedient day to day. Pray that God would help me to be a godly father, husband, church member, friend, worker and patient throughout this and/or any other trial our Gracious God has lovingly placed in the lives of my wonderful wife and I. Speaking for Kim, I know that her desires are the same. I ask you to reread – or read for the first time perhaps – some of the older posts in this blog to get a sense of what Kim and I are trying real hard to remind ourselves of what is true regarding our physical health and the relative lack of importance of it in God’s eyes. As always, we deeply appreciate, and are many times humbled by, the love and care of so many of our brothers in sisters in Christ who God has graciously put in our lives.
Rob and Kim
Bluntly, medically, it appears as if my lymphoma has returned somewhere in my central nervous system. We’ve been back up to the Cleveland Clinic for some tests and conversations with my doctor. The basis of the diagnosis is mostly symptomatic – I started feeling some weakness on the right side of my body, difficulty swallowing, etc. Tests of the spinal fluid have not been real conclusive but my doctor does believe that something is there because of the symptoms. An MRI of my spine taken in Lima does show evidence of an abnormal growth on the side of my spinal chord. My doctor in Cleveland did begin treatment in my spinal fluid when we were there on Tuesday, August 3 and we’re looking at hopefully continuing those treatments and perhaps adding some radiation to deal with the abnormal growth. My doctor has put me on a regimen including steroids which have made a huge difference in the symtpoms I’ve been experiencing. My swallowing is almost back to normal and my voice, which a week ago was weak and scratchy, is much better.
That aside, Kim and I continue to covet your prayers be directed PRIMARILY in the area of my spiritual life. Although obviously if I had the choice to be healthy or not I would choose to be so but to be honest, my greatest struggle (and Kim adds her greatest grief) lies in the area of simply being obedient day to day. Pray that God would help me to be a godly father, husband, church member, friend, worker and patient throughout this and/or any other trial our Gracious God has lovingly placed in the lives of my wonderful wife and I. Speaking for Kim, I know that her desires are the same. I ask you to reread – or read for the first time perhaps – some of the older posts in this blog to get a sense of what Kim and I are trying real hard to remind ourselves of what is true regarding our physical health and the relative lack of importance of it in God’s eyes. As always, we deeply appreciate, and are many times humbled by, the love and care of so many of our brothers in sisters in Christ who God has graciously put in our lives.
Rob and Kim
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wack to bork!
Couldn't resist that Diane Chambers reference from Cheers. I've got the okay to get back to the classroom and plan on being there tomorrow the 25th and Friday the 26th to observe with the intention of begining to teach next Monday, March 1. As usual, Apollo is bending over backwards to help. The wonderful sub who has had my classes all year will be with me in the classroom next week to help and as a standby should I find the need to rest or go home for any reason. Again, I can't begin to convey my appreciation to Apollo for their genorisity and care.
Kim and I have enjoyed worshipping at our church this past month and hope to expand that to attending Sunday School soon as well as our mid week group that meets every other Wednesday. Our church has also been, and continues to be, an incredible blessing to us and we look forward to getting more and more involved.
Kim and I have enjoyed worshipping at our church this past month and hope to expand that to attending Sunday School soon as well as our mid week group that meets every other Wednesday. Our church has also been, and continues to be, an incredible blessing to us and we look forward to getting more and more involved.
Monday, February 1, 2010
sheepish monthly update
I'm definitely getting worse and worse at updating this blog. My sincere apologies. I appreciate so much though that despite my failings, the incredible ministry from you to us through prayer and other means continues. We appreciate that so much.
Had our one month checkup at Cleveland Clinic last Tuesday the 26th. The bloodwork levels all look good and Dr. Smith removed the dietary/social restrictions I was on for the first month so we celebrated by going to the Beer Barrel on Friday and were blessed so much by returning to our wonderful church family for worship on Sunday. Again, Kim and I cannot begin to express our gratefulness to our church. It was wonderful seeing everyone again.
Dr. Smith "strongly" recommended I take another 4 weeks before returning to work so I'm now aiming for a March return to the classroom and will use this month of February to continue to regain strength and easing back into public/social situations. I set up 3/weekly physical therapy today so that will also be part of this month of transition.
We love you all and continue to covet your prayers for God's work in our lives.
Rob
Had our one month checkup at Cleveland Clinic last Tuesday the 26th. The bloodwork levels all look good and Dr. Smith removed the dietary/social restrictions I was on for the first month so we celebrated by going to the Beer Barrel on Friday and were blessed so much by returning to our wonderful church family for worship on Sunday. Again, Kim and I cannot begin to express our gratefulness to our church. It was wonderful seeing everyone again.
Dr. Smith "strongly" recommended I take another 4 weeks before returning to work so I'm now aiming for a March return to the classroom and will use this month of February to continue to regain strength and easing back into public/social situations. I set up 3/weekly physical therapy today so that will also be part of this month of transition.
We love you all and continue to covet your prayers for God's work in our lives.
Rob
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Back home!
Got back home on Monday. Now the hard work begins! We continue to covet your prayers and your e-mails, cards and comments have been enouragements beyond description. Actually feeling weaker now than last week in the hospital but that's to be expected according to all of our literature. They want me to steer clear of public places for at least a month until our next meeting with our doctor in Cleveland.
Monday, December 21, 2009
TRANSPLANT DECEMBER 21
Dear Friends, It's day 4 after the transplant infusion. Rob's counts are very low - as expected and in his words it's "kicking his butt". His energy/strength is very low, the chemo is continuing to affect him from one end to the other (sore throat and digestive issues) and he doesn't feel like eating. As I said, all of this is expected but we are obviously hopeful that he will turn the corner soon. And as soon as his blood counts begin to recover (the stem cells take 7-10 days after infusion to mature and to be released into his bloodstream which then improves his counts), the symptoms that I listed above should begin to change for the better. The visits from family and dear friends, the cards, emails and prayer have certainly been an encouragement to us. We realize that all those things are part of what God uses to help us. We also continue to realize that God means every minute of this to be used toward our sanctification. We hope that we will be better servants on the other side of this and that we won't forget the many ways (in areas of trusting Him, being concerned about others and realizing that a relationship with Him is all that matters here on earth) that God is currently dealing with us. We also think that underlying all of this, He has drawn us closer to Him. Not in any mystical, undefinable way but in that He is changing our thoughts to reflect His Word. Please know though that we have our struggles also. We have fears and times of anxiousness. Many times we feel that we are almost out of strength. But we remember that the apostle Paul spoke of having difficult times yet in the end, he did not despair. And that is because he was upheld by God's "gracious, omnipotent" hand. And so the same for Rob and I! God never lies, He always sustains us and never leaves us. His goodness is constant and His power unending. We love you all and are so blessed through all your support and ministry. Merry Christmas! Kim
Friday, December 18, 2009
Transplant - Day 10
The actual reintroduction of my stem cells took place yesterday and was actually kind of anti-climatic. Only took an hour or so and then, poof, I'm finished. Now it's just a matter of recovery. My blood counts will all continue to go down for another week or so they tell me and then begin to gradually increase. I've had a lot less nasuea than I expected so that's been a blessing. Spiritually my biggest stuggles have been with my thoughts. I've got LOTS of time on my hand here and I'm finding it harder to read, concentrate, etc. Sometimes I can't imagine two more weeks of this. I don't think I'd do well in any kind of solitary confinement situation!
We were blessed with a wonderful visit from our dear friends Rick and Kim Snyder the other day who, among many other ways of ministering to us, gave us some great books. Among them is a great book on Puritan writings entitled: "The Valley of the Vision". Following is an entry entitled "The All God" which was particularly challenging and encouraging to me. Kim and I covet your prayers that these pure and godly thoughts may be ours as well:
MY GOD,Thou hast helped me to see,that whatever good be in honour and rejoicing,how good is he who gives them, and can withdraw them;that blessedness does not lie so much in receiving good from and in Thee,But in holding forth Thy glory and virtue:that is an amazing thing to see Deity in a creature,speaking, acting, filling, shining through it;that nothing is good but Thee,that I am near good when I am near Thee,that to be like You is a glorious thing: This is my magnet, my attraction.Thou art all my good in times of peace,my only support in days of trouble,my one sufficiency when life shall end. Help me to see how good Thy will is in all,and even when it crosses mine teach me to be pleased with it. Grant me to feel Thee in fire, and food and every providence,and to see that Thy many gifts and creatures are but Thy hands and fingers taking hold of me.Thou bottomless fountain of all good,I give myself to Thee out of love, for all I have or own is Thine,my goods, family, church, self, to do with as Thou wilt,to honour Thyself by me, and by all mine.If it be consistent with Thy eternal counsels,the purpose of Thy grace, and the great ends of Thy glory,then bestow upon me the blessings of Thy comforts;If not, let me resign myself to Thy wiser determinations.
We were blessed with a wonderful visit from our dear friends Rick and Kim Snyder the other day who, among many other ways of ministering to us, gave us some great books. Among them is a great book on Puritan writings entitled: "The Valley of the Vision". Following is an entry entitled "The All God" which was particularly challenging and encouraging to me. Kim and I covet your prayers that these pure and godly thoughts may be ours as well:
MY GOD,Thou hast helped me to see,that whatever good be in honour and rejoicing,how good is he who gives them, and can withdraw them;that blessedness does not lie so much in receiving good from and in Thee,But in holding forth Thy glory and virtue:that is an amazing thing to see Deity in a creature,speaking, acting, filling, shining through it;that nothing is good but Thee,that I am near good when I am near Thee,that to be like You is a glorious thing: This is my magnet, my attraction.Thou art all my good in times of peace,my only support in days of trouble,my one sufficiency when life shall end. Help me to see how good Thy will is in all,and even when it crosses mine teach me to be pleased with it. Grant me to feel Thee in fire, and food and every providence,and to see that Thy many gifts and creatures are but Thy hands and fingers taking hold of me.Thou bottomless fountain of all good,I give myself to Thee out of love, for all I have or own is Thine,my goods, family, church, self, to do with as Thou wilt,to honour Thyself by me, and by all mine.If it be consistent with Thy eternal counsels,the purpose of Thy grace, and the great ends of Thy glory,then bestow upon me the blessings of Thy comforts;If not, let me resign myself to Thy wiser determinations.
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