Today is my birthday.

I am 50 today and thankful to be here. Last year 2 doctors
(these two do not get a capital "d") told me I would not see 50. Well, here I am by the grace of God. I think I’m going to give them a birthday hello today by e-mail. Don’t misunderstand, I do not have any unforgiveness in their direction. I pray they will change in their interaction with patients. I think they just reacted out of a fear for what they can’t do. But then look....... God is right here!

Yesterday J and I were at Vandy all day. The fabulous Victoria drew my blood. She can always find a vein quickly that will flow. Believe it or not some veins will not give blood easily. There are times when the techs have me drop my hand to the floor, then they sit on the floor to draw it. Go figure......

I saw Dr. Rice next. He is a very nice Doc. He really cares about people and tries to figure out what causes side effects. I am off or changed some of the medication because he has been a great detective. He hinted I would like my scan results.

Dr. Johnson and Norma (my favorite nurse) entered the room. Doc Johnson said my scans are showing a decrease in all tumors again. I have not had a chemo infusion in 12 weeks. I still take chemo orally every day. It’s the study drug that has no name.

Dr. Johnson asked me how I felt. I told him “I feel good”. Then he started telling us about living by James Brown for years in Georgia. He is really a very funny person. We then had a discussion on the merits of Sonic vs. Burger King and Krystal. He feels the sheer volume of what you get for $2.99 at Krystal at 3:00 a.m. can’t be beat.

This Doctor is an extension of God’s hand. I am very thankful.

J and I then went to infusion. My Magnesium count was low. Your body has to have the right amounts of all elements or it will literally get out of sync. You will die if you do not correct it. Once, before I knew what was happening, I was very low on Magnesium and Potassium, my head was spinning, and my heart was beating fast but not in rhythm. About that time Norma called to say she had seen my blood work and I needed to get to the hospital ASAP. From then on I started paying attention....big time.

I just received a phone call while typing this from Norma. She was calling to say Happy Birthday.

I am so thankful to be working with them. It was God that lead us to them and God that is blessing every day.

Today I lift Kathy up. She just finished chemo and is starting radiation.

Jesus is the healer:
Isaiah 53:4,5
1st Peter 24:7



Update 10 (J)

Sis is napping in her chemo chair.

She’s having an infusion of magnesium. Every week we have to have her levels checked and if she’s below a certain number she has to have a “boost”. The chemo regimen she’s on causes the loss of magnesium, we’re told. We’re believing that she’s going to hit the magic number and this won’t continue be what has become a weekly ritual.

We saw Dr. Johnson today. He gave us great news. The latest scans show continued shrinkage of tumors! In his words, “You’re doing fantastic”.

Praise God. We know that Sis is “healed by the stripes of Jesus” (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24). She’s better every day. Progress is sure and steady.

We actually spent most of our time with Dr. Johnson discussing the merits of Sonic vs. Krystal. He also had some interesting reminisces about “the Godfather of Soul”, James Brown. Dr. Johnson is a cool doctor.

We spent some time with Norma, our study RN, and one of the many angels of mercy God has brought across our path. Norma did an EKG. It’s always good to see Norma ... I believe she’s called by God to do what she does.

We had a lovely chat with Rob, a friend of ours in treatment. We talked about choppers, bad grammar, and early church history.

As you can tell, it’s a lively and well-rounded group at the clinic.

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