Since I last wrote to you, here is how God has been working and answering your prayers.
8/26 I had an abdominal and pelvic CT Scan with contrast. Results: NO CANCER
8/31 I had a Bone Scan. Results: NO CANCER
I am so thankful to God and each of you for your prayer support.
QUESTION: Why is my PSA level at 18.8?
ANSWER: No one knows
QUESTION: What happens next?
ANSWER: Anne and I leave for Cape Cod on 9/8 and we will return on 10/8. I will then have another PSA blood test.
BOTTOM LINE: All praise to God for His amazing power. He is in charge and is doing another deep of building TRUST in Him.
Again, I thank each of you for your continuing prayer support for Anne and me.
In Jesus' AMAZING POWER and LOVE, Tom
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
PRAY FOR TOMORROW'S APPOINTMENT
Dear Family and Friends,
PLEASE PRAY FOR TOMORROW'S APPOINTMENT
Tomorrow at 1:30 pm I have an appointment with Dr. Pinover, my Radiation Oncologist to determine the next step.
As you know, after 39 radiation treatments, my PSA number should go down.
HERE IS THE STORY regarding my PSA numbers:
11/24/08 3.4
6/29/09 10.10 90 days after 39 radiation treatments
8/17/09 18.8 60 days after my last doctor's visit
While the increase in my PSA number should cause me GREAT ANXIETY, I feel GREAT PEACE AND GOD'S AMAZING PRESENCE. I am not even thinking about this at all.
However, something needs to be done.
Thus PLEASE FOR ME AND ESPECIALLY DR PINOVER, that God would give him perfect wisdom re the next step.
I so appreciate your support through this process.
PLEASE PRAY FOR TOMORROW'S APPOINTMENT
Tomorrow at 1:30 pm I have an appointment with Dr. Pinover, my Radiation Oncologist to determine the next step.
As you know, after 39 radiation treatments, my PSA number should go down.
HERE IS THE STORY regarding my PSA numbers:
11/24/08 3.4
6/29/09 10.10 90 days after 39 radiation treatments
8/17/09 18.8 60 days after my last doctor's visit
While the increase in my PSA number should cause me GREAT ANXIETY, I feel GREAT PEACE AND GOD'S AMAZING PRESENCE. I am not even thinking about this at all.
However, something needs to be done.
Thus PLEASE FOR ME AND ESPECIALLY DR PINOVER, that God would give him perfect wisdom re the next step.
I so appreciate your support through this process.
Friday, July 3, 2009
90 Day post treatment Update
On Monday, June 29th, Anne and I met with Dr. Pinover, my Radiation Oncologist, for a 90-day check up since my last radiation treatment on March 30th.
Last fall, prior to Prostate Cancer Radiation, my PSA was 3.4 which triggered all the pre-treatment testing. Now my PSA is 10.10. Dr Pinover thinks that my Prostate is still inflamed. He said, "I am not concerned, yet." Therefore, I will see him again on August 24th and I will have another PSA blood test on August 17th in preparation for the appointment.
On Thursday, July 2nd, I met with Dr. Shibutani, my Urologist, who confirmed Dr. Pinover’s assessment. I will see Dr. Shibutani on December 10th.
So, how does all this hit me? When I first received the 10.10 PSA test results I thought someone had goofed and put another zero in the mix. I assumed that my PSA would be way down, etc. But apparently not. I continue to be so thankful that God is in charge and I am not.
I feel well physically with no symptoms of pain or discomfort. My energy level is very good and I am very thankful for my good health.
Spiritually I am learning more and more to surrender my heart to God and allow Him to direct my daily steps in many areas. When the pressure is less, my tendency is to revert to self-trust. I know how dangerous this for my heart.
I am also thankful for your continued prayer support for Anne and me as we continue down this road of life together.
Last fall, prior to Prostate Cancer Radiation, my PSA was 3.4 which triggered all the pre-treatment testing. Now my PSA is 10.10. Dr Pinover thinks that my Prostate is still inflamed. He said, "I am not concerned, yet." Therefore, I will see him again on August 24th and I will have another PSA blood test on August 17th in preparation for the appointment.
On Thursday, July 2nd, I met with Dr. Shibutani, my Urologist, who confirmed Dr. Pinover’s assessment. I will see Dr. Shibutani on December 10th.
So, how does all this hit me? When I first received the 10.10 PSA test results I thought someone had goofed and put another zero in the mix. I assumed that my PSA would be way down, etc. But apparently not. I continue to be so thankful that God is in charge and I am not.
I feel well physically with no symptoms of pain or discomfort. My energy level is very good and I am very thankful for my good health.
Spiritually I am learning more and more to surrender my heart to God and allow Him to direct my daily steps in many areas. When the pressure is less, my tendency is to revert to self-trust. I know how dangerous this for my heart.
I am also thankful for your continued prayer support for Anne and me as we continue down this road of life together.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
What's Been Happening Since March?
Tomorrow, June 1st, will be my nine weeks since my 39th and final Prostate Cancer radiation treatment.
“So, Tom, what’s been going on?” you may ask.
Here’s is my answer:
Anne and I left on Friday, April 3rd, in our motor home for a month. We spent most of our time on St Helena Island, South Carolina. The main draw here is excellent tidal water in which to paddle our kayaks. We had a magnificent time there. The first two weeks I slept about 10 hours each night. I guess the radiation took a lot more out of me than I had realized.
In addition to kayaking, riding my bike and resting, I read or reread the following:
1. Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller which continues to convict my heart. The book talks about 1. Compassion [looking, listening and then speaking to people], 2. Honesty [speaking the truth in love] and 3. total Dependence on God. Please pray for my heart that God’s Holy Spirit will continue to give me the Desire and Ability to do this
2. Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. This is also very convicting. I recommend it to all you men out there. Kent also challenged me to begin to read through the entire Bible in one year which I have not done in many years. So I began this journey on April 14th.
3. Worldview Weekend on line course on Christian World View created by Brannon Howse. This is an amazing overview of where we are and where we are headed as a culture, how we have strayed from our Biblical roots as a nation and a deeper understanding of where we are today in our culture.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. I am convinced more than ever that God’s main goal/purpose for me and for you is to conform me in the IMAGE OF JESUS [Romans 8:29] so that the Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22] is more and more evident in my life.
2. The process is painful, humbling and on-going. It’s like open heart surgery without anaesthesia. However, it is necessary. Otherwise I would never change and grow.
3. God’s process is to allow situations in my life which I cannot fix or handle. Thus my heart is exposed, I am driven to repent and cry out for God’s Holy Spirit to come and change my heart. Usually I have neither the power [ability] and very often I don’t even have the desire to change. Thus this must be the work of His Spirit.
4. I must continually pray and confess that I don’t know what is going on or what is around the corner, recognize afresh that God alone owns everything, relinquish control and allow Him to be the boss.
5. Please continue to pray for me in this on-going change process.
FUTURE:
I will see Dr. Pinover, my Radiation Oncologist, on June 29th to review my PSA level and determine what is next.
In the meantime I am learning in deeper ways to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91]
“So, Tom, what’s been going on?” you may ask.
Here’s is my answer:
Anne and I left on Friday, April 3rd, in our motor home for a month. We spent most of our time on St Helena Island, South Carolina. The main draw here is excellent tidal water in which to paddle our kayaks. We had a magnificent time there. The first two weeks I slept about 10 hours each night. I guess the radiation took a lot more out of me than I had realized.
In addition to kayaking, riding my bike and resting, I read or reread the following:
1. Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller which continues to convict my heart. The book talks about 1. Compassion [looking, listening and then speaking to people], 2. Honesty [speaking the truth in love] and 3. total Dependence on God. Please pray for my heart that God’s Holy Spirit will continue to give me the Desire and Ability to do this
2. Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. This is also very convicting. I recommend it to all you men out there. Kent also challenged me to begin to read through the entire Bible in one year which I have not done in many years. So I began this journey on April 14th.
3. Worldview Weekend on line course on Christian World View created by Brannon Howse. This is an amazing overview of where we are and where we are headed as a culture, how we have strayed from our Biblical roots as a nation and a deeper understanding of where we are today in our culture.
CONCLUSIONS:
1. I am convinced more than ever that God’s main goal/purpose for me and for you is to conform me in the IMAGE OF JESUS [Romans 8:29] so that the Fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22] is more and more evident in my life.
2. The process is painful, humbling and on-going. It’s like open heart surgery without anaesthesia. However, it is necessary. Otherwise I would never change and grow.
3. God’s process is to allow situations in my life which I cannot fix or handle. Thus my heart is exposed, I am driven to repent and cry out for God’s Holy Spirit to come and change my heart. Usually I have neither the power [ability] and very often I don’t even have the desire to change. Thus this must be the work of His Spirit.
4. I must continually pray and confess that I don’t know what is going on or what is around the corner, recognize afresh that God alone owns everything, relinquish control and allow Him to be the boss.
5. Please continue to pray for me in this on-going change process.
FUTURE:
I will see Dr. Pinover, my Radiation Oncologist, on June 29th to review my PSA level and determine what is next.
In the meantime I am learning in deeper ways to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91]
Saturday, March 14, 2009
28 DOWN - 11 TO GO!!
I am blown away with GRATITUDE to my HEAVENLY FATHER for His amazing strength, energy, peace and sense of His presence as I go through Radiation.
I am thankful for the prayer support of many of you out there.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
I am thankful for the prayer support of many of you out there.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
God's Sustaining Presence
23 treatments down and 16 to go!!
I am thankful that God has enabled me to share these PSALM PORTIONS with many patients and staff at Rosenfeld Cancer Center
May this portion strengthen and encourage your heart.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN THIS PORTION. HOW DOES GOD WANT TO MEET YOU TODAY?
Here is the COLOR CODE.
My Request to God My Part God's Part My Present Situation
1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. 14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life—men without regard for you. 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
I am thankful that God has enabled me to share these PSALM PORTIONS with many patients and staff at Rosenfeld Cancer Center
May this portion strengthen and encourage your heart.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN THIS PORTION. HOW DOES GOD WANT TO MEET YOU TODAY?
Here is the COLOR CODE.
My Request to God My Part God's Part My Present Situation
1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. 14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life—men without regard for you. 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What is God up to in my Life?
Yesterday was treatment #14 with 25 to go.
I am continually thankful for your prayer support, for God's amazing Peace and Strength.
Physically I feel well, can continue to exercise and function normally.
God is using this time in my life to further expose my heart, bring me to repentence and to grow more of His Spiritual Fruit in my heart.
Psalm 139 speaks most powerfully to this process. Please consider the following verses. I pray that God will continue to encourage your heart as you pray for Anne and me. We are most greatful for each one of you: our Family and dear Friends.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I am continually thankful for your prayer support, for God's amazing Peace and Strength.
Physically I feel well, can continue to exercise and function normally.
God is using this time in my life to further expose my heart, bring me to repentence and to grow more of His Spiritual Fruit in my heart.
Psalm 139 speaks most powerfully to this process. Please consider the following verses. I pray that God will continue to encourage your heart as you pray for Anne and me. We are most greatful for each one of you: our Family and dear Friends.
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
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