12-28-07

Main Page . John's Journal (2000-2003) . CLL Information . Contact John . Seattle Cancer Care Alliance . MD Anderson

December 28, 2007

“All adverse and depressing influences can be overcome, not by fighting, by rising above them.”

Charles Colton

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you will be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:2-4, 12

It has been a long time since I have written. In this case, no news has been good news. My health is doing exceptionally well. My recent visit to SCCA back in November was great. All of my counts are perfect. The main concern continues to be some remaining GVH (Graft versus Host Disease), which still affects my skin by producing irritating rashes and redness. Control of the GVH is done with special steroid creams and immunosuppressant medication such as FK506. I am slowly tapering off the immunosuppressant medication over the next several months in hopes that my body will be able to overcome the remaining GVH on its own. Doctors will watch me closely during the taper and if my GVH flares they will increase my dosages. The bad thing about being on all of the meds for a long time is the potential adverse effects on my body, however, stubborn GVH can produce increased GVL effect, which kills cancer cells. It’s a delicate balancing act to keep GVH at bay while allowing enough of it to fight the cancer. I am thankful the Lord has given my doctors the wisdom and my body the strength to be winning the battle.

This past November my Team in Training Team that rode together in Hawaii had our reunion on my friend’s boat. We had a wonderful time cruising on the Puget Sound and sharing the fun memories from our ride. I made some amazing new friends doing this event and each of them will always hold a special place in my heart.

Our family has been hosted several Young Life Clubs at our home this past fall. On Monday nights we would have a house full of teenagers gathering to have fun and hear a positive Christian message. My oldest son, CJ, has developed a real passion for the ministry and it is exciting to watch the Lord work in his life and the life of his friends.

I am so fortunate to be teaching full time again. I haven’t missed any school due to illness, which is a good indication of my health status. Returning to teaching has been very challenging, especially after being gone for a couple of years. I feel like I am starting all over again. However, it is so rewarding to work with young people and to have the opportunity to make a positive difference.

The fall sure has flown by. I can’t believe we have already celebrated Christmas. This is such a special time of year and a time to step back and reflect on how blessed I am. I have a wonderful family, incredible friends, and restored health. The greatest gift of all, however, is the one we celebrate at Christmas. The gift of our Savior, Jesus.

In closing, I ask for prayers to help me to maintain a peaceful state of mind and not to worry about the things I cannot change. My life is full of challenges, such as the challenge of overcoming the fear of my cancer returning. Even though I am healthy right now there is always that constant thought inside me that say’s, “What if the cancer comes back tomorrow?” There are days where thoughts of worry and fear can be overwhelming. However, I know worry accomplishes nothing. I need to pray for a positive and peaceful state of mind and live each day I am given to the fullest, regardless of how many I have left. I need to remember the quote I used several journals back, “It’s not the years in your life that matters, it’s the life in your years!” I can never say it enough times, “Thank you for all the support and prayers you have given me and my family. We couldn’t have come this far without you.”

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

-Romans 5:3-5

“Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.”

-William Ward

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

-Napoleon Hill

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