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April 27, 2006

 

“I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all of my fears.”

Psalm 34:1-4

 

I'm settled in here at the University of Washington Hospital and the teams of doctors are administering excellent care, putting the teams of oncologists, GI specialists, infectious disease doctors, and lab technicians together to seek out the source of my GI problems.   I am confident in the care I am receiving here, and am anxious to be through this.  

 

 

 

The first set of lab results from pathology came in tonight about 9pm and they indicated a possibility of the Norwalk Virus.   They are not totally confident in this diagnosis, and will not know for sure until the morning.   My symptoms make them feel like Norwalk is unlikely, but as a precautionary measure they temporarily moved me to a different floor so I don't pose a risk to other immunosuppressed patients.   If the tests for the Norwalk Virus end up negative, I will be returned to my original floor in the morning.

 

I have another colonoscopy test in the morning, but before the test I am going to need to get some platelets infused.   All of the various medications have driven my platelet count down and so I need a boost before they do a colonoscopy.   I guess I will be experiencing the joy of that wonderful drug Verced yet another time.   My challenge will be to get someone to take photos of this wonderful procedure.   Wouldn't those photos look good on the website.   Maybe I'll pass on that photo shoot.   I think everyone will understand.

 

My sister stopped by for a visit today, as did my mom.   My mom actually flew in from Arizona.   It will be nice to have her here so Michelle can spend some time at home.   The boys need her.   This is an unsettling time for them, and they need her there.   I will miss not having Michelle by my side, but we have to do what is best for the family.   And right now the boys need their mom.   Hopefully, dad will not be following too far behind.   I have this dream of going fishing with my boys on Sunday.   I will be praying for this to happen.

 

 

I felt good getting up here to the UW for I knew I would be getting the best care possible.   Well, as I was walking down the hallways of my floor I spotted a Greg Lemond stationary bicycle sitting amongst a bunch of IV pumps.   You should have seen the expression on my face.    I hustled back to my room with my IV pump in tow, grabbed my iPod, and headed back to the bike.   I aimed the front of the bike right out the window gazing at Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range, cranked up my iPod and the pedals and imagined myself out on the a beautiful road ride.   It was an awesome 45-minute escape.   I was in heaven.   Rest assured I will visit that bike everyday I am here.   Thank you to the 2005 Transplant patient who donated the bike.   You blessed my day!

 

As I was riding the bike I was listening to a song ‘Meet With Me', by the group Ten Shekel Shirt.   The words to the song really spoke to me.   This search for a cure of my GI problem has been a long one.   My patience and faith has been tested.   However, one thing I have learned all along in this cancer battle is that the tougher things get, the stronger my faith becomes.   The farther away I get from good health, the closer I get to Him.   It is a unique blessing that has come through this trial, and for this I am thankful.   In my fears I have felt times of real emptiness, but he comes and fills that emptiness with His love and comfort.   I don't know how to explain it.   It just happens.   Clearly, it's a Holy Spirit thing and it is amazing.  

 

I wrote a portion of the lyrics of the song below.   As you read them just realize that we all have an empty place inside of us and God is just waiting to fill it.   I thank you Lord for filling my empty space with your son Jesus.   I am so blessed.  

 

Portion of the lyrics from'Meet with Me'

By Ten Shekel Shirt

 

As I wait, you make me strong

As I long, you draw me to your arms

As I stand and say your praise,

You come, You come, and fill this place.

Won't you come, won't you come, and fill this place.

 

 

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