June 16, 2004

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

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell you of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

As many of you may know, I enjoy cycling and watching major cycling stars such as Lance Armstrong in the Tour De France. I received an email recently from a former student who sent me this digital image he made of my face (beardless) on the famous cyclist Lance Armstrong's body. The image made me laugh, but also reminded me that I may not be winning a Tour De France after my transplant, but I'm confident that my determination to win this cancer race and to come out victorious is similar to Lance's determination to not only win the Tour Five times, but to win his own battle against cancer six years ago. The glory of my eventual victory over cancer, however, goes straight to the one who created me…my awesome Lord Jesus…for I know the miracle working in me is all because of Him!!!

As I proceed in my recovery, and spend less time at the clinic it is nice to have things to help pass the long recovery time. On Monday my good friend Brad came up and we just enjoyed hanging out, walking, and just spending time together. Thanks for coming up Brad.

I continue to be proactive in my recovery, doing everything I can to keep my body strong and to battle through the fatigue and the adverse muscle atrophy effects of the medication, Prednisone. I just can't sit on the couch and hang out in the apartment all day…it's just not me. I have to get after it. Yesterday I did a workout in the fitness room in the morning and then went on a 3.2mi walk along Alki Beach in Seattle. It was a gorgeous day to walk, and the view of the Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains in the backdrop was simply spectacular.

Michelle came up yesterday afternoon so we could spend the night and today together. Having my mom up as my main caregiver has allowed Michelle to be home with the boys more, which the boys really need. However, I have really missed Michelle and we needed some time together. Last night was the first time I slept through the night in over two weeks, which goes to show the contentment and peace I felt having her with me. We truly are one. I love you Michelle.

Thank you for continuing to pray for my overall recovery, my family, and the other concerns I have shared in previous entries. I need to add one more prayer to the specific request list. For some reason, I am having severe cramping in my hands. The pain is excruciating at times and my hands are basically useless during these periods of cramping. The doctors have checked my blood chemistry and added some potassium tablets to my pill regimen, but the cramping continues. Pray the doctors can help me with this so I can have cramp free hands.

Back
Next