DON'T BE CIRCUITOUS

Well, why do I always start with well,? Well, It Just works well I guess. Anyway it was a good weekend. I was able to maintain my weight pretty well. I got down some good smoothies and some supplemental drinks. I've been mainlining gatorade through the old G-tube, for hydration. Seems to work well.
You know, I got to thinking Sunday when Kat went to church, just how much I miss going to church. Now don't get me wrong, I love Pastor Roger and his messages, but that's not what I miss. Besides I hear his messages on the podcast. It' the people I miss. It's the hugs and prayers and hearing about changed lives that I miss. I missed the men's retreat this past weekend, but I'm hearing about great things that happened there.
Thank you Bob and Tanya for the great cards. It was so great to see you both.
Mon. was an OK day. After treatment I had a surprise. Mike V. was in the neighborhood and we had a great time talking about his trip to Hawaii and surfing 15 foot waves at Makaha. He also shared some of the great things that happened at the men's retreat. Then Kim came by to deliver some homemade soup. Kim is my dental hygienist from Kent Sanders office. Ever have potato/cauliflower, it's delicious.
Oh, by the way, Joshua is in China now. We're assuming he's having a great time. Although there hasn't been any communication yet. Tues. was a Hallelujah day. I was just praising the Lord for how good I felt. I did a few things around the house like resurfacing the driveway and such requests from my girlfriend. I even drove to San Diego airport to pick Steve up from his return trip to Colorado. Today was an off day. I didn't feel too good when I returned from treatment, so I took a nap. I feel better now. Like I said before, every day is different.
OK, what's circuitous got to do with anything. Well, It's a new word for me. It means round about, not direct. A good example of this is; when we travel the path seeking the Kingdom Of God, we can choose the high path, which is following Him and trusting Him in everything we do, or we can take the circuitous path which is the low path that curves and twists around while we follow our own understanding, becoming lost and weighed down. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I'd like to leave you with this final thought. Before I started treatment, because of my advanced age and my prolonged exposure to the sun throughout the years, I likened my sun damaged skin to that of a wrinkly grape. Still kind of smooth is some places, but pretty wrinkly in most. Well now I can honestly say that there has been a radical change. I no longer look like a wrinkly grape, I have now evolved into a dried up old raisin. Praise God!! Only 12 treatments left.

Many hugs and much love,

Old Jer

T.G.I.S.

I am so glad it's Saturday. This was a very interesting week. As you know, I started using the G-tube. At first I thought that I would be supplementing in between my regular meals. (You know, whatever we run through the blender.) Well, that plan was scrapped from the get go. The way the radiology doc put it was that my mouth looked like they usually look on about the last week of treatment. Not so good. But the good news is because chemo has been put on hold temporarily, I was able to finish out the week of radiation and today my mouth feels much better. I was actually able to drink an oatmeal smoothie. It was good too! So next week will be a day to day adventure. I have 15 more treatments. Pray that I can get through another week without a break in the radiation treatments. If I have to take a break it will only extend the end date. The doc feels that I will have to take a break. I really want him to be wrong. I hate it when he's right.
Today has been a really good day. Not just health wise, but it's been exciting watching Joshua preparing for his China trip. He heads out tonight for 15 days. He's really excited to see Brooke and we're excited for both of them. Just in case you don't know, Brooke and Joshua are well, an item. Brooke has been studying Mandarin and doing some tutoring with preschoolers. She has been there for five months now and has about six more months to go before she returns home. We miss her too. Hi Brooke, We love you.
Steve flew out to Colorado to visit and do some snowboarding with his friend Gary. He'll be returning Tues. evening. His shoulder has healed really well and he has lots of work to keep him busy when he returns. We are truly thankful. for both of our boys.
I am so thankful for all the wonderful comments on the blog and e-mails.
Believe me, when things get a little rough, I cry out to the Lord and his people come to my rescue. Some call, some write, some e-mail and some just show up and bless me. Thank you everyone for your support, love and prayers.

I cherish you all,

Old Jer

A LITTLE REPRIEVE

Note the sunset view from two nights ago. The view has been 100% improved thanks to our friend Gary Story and his son in law Rocky. They trimmed our neighbors ficus tree that had been blocking the view for years now. Thank you so much.
Well, I just had to share the newest development
in my treatment. Things can change so quickly.
As I had shared, my mouth has become very irritated. To the point of bleeding a little. Went in for my Tues. chemo yesterday and the doc took a look at my mouth and throat and immediately made a decision to halt the chemo for at least a week, but to continue radiation. Remember, radiation is the primary treatment. We're hoping that the condition will improve so I won't have to postpone any radiation. It already feels a little improved this morning, not to mention no nausea.
The new supplement that Dan and Donna Vigil gave me seems to be doing the trick. I'm slowly putting lbs. back on. This stuff is incredible. It has 450 calories per 8oz. I'm not eating anything by mouth right now to allow healing. Mr G-tube is doing his job. I can drink fluids OK though.
Just one more thing. Today marks the halfway point in my treatment. Seventeen more days after today. Almost time for a happy dance.
Thank you again for you prayers. We give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Love and many many hugs,

Old Jer

NEARING THE HALFWAY POINT

I'm not really sure just where to begin. It seems like every day is so different. It makes me realize just how important it is to live in the moment. When friends stop by and visit, I no longer find myself thinking about what I'm going to be doing when they leave. I try to savor each moment that we're spending together. You see, Jesus tells us in scripture, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. When it's all said and done, all that really matters, did I love others and did I live my life for You.

It's Monday morning about 10:30 now, my friend Patrick just stopped by to talk and pray. What a sweet time it was.

So here's the update: Wed. Thurs and Fri. Didn't have nausea quite so bad but the sore mouth issue is becoming more pronounced. I can still eat certain soft foods, but just swallowing sometimes irritates the roof of my mouth and throat. Thanks to my girlfriend, and the blender, I've been able to eat, or should I say swallow food more easily. Since radiation and chemo both cause mouth issues, and radiation being the primary treatment, the chemo doc has me holding off on the oral chemo for now. Perhaps the reason for less nausea.

Yesterday, a home visit nurse came by to instrust me on the proper usage of my G-tube. You know, Mr G-tube who I don' get along with very well. In fact, I don't even like him. Well now it's a love /hate relationship. Yes the macho part of me that said no way am I going to use a feeding tube, has had a slap of reality. I need the extra nutrients if I am going to maintain a healthy weight. I appreciate your prayers on this issue.

So there you go, today I will only receive radiation because the chemo doc's office recognized MLK day and gave every body the day off. They deserve it. There is now a note taped to our front door instructing every one who enters these premises to wash their hands before hugging me. Orders from nurse Talar. Thank you Talar for how much you care, and I can harldy stand it thinking about the middle eastern cousine we will enjoy when this passes.

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers for Kat and I. Please lift up our boys, Steve and Joshua. They both need the assurance that every one is doing the best that they can do and ultimamely it is God who is in control.

Old Jer

MID WEEK UPDATE

I have been really stoked to hear how many friends look forward to the updates. Believe me, I am blessed every time I do one. Call it therapeutic I guess. The weekend was really pretty good. Not great, but good. I've never watched so much football on T.V. It's new for my girlfriend too. Pray for her sanity. It was really good to talk to my dad on Sunday. He's not a computer person, but I know for sure that my sister, Cathy, put the blog address on his favorites. Hope he gets to it.

Thank you Adolph's for the delicious potato soup. I actually ate some salad too. Oh yeah, I devoured the ice cream. Christine, tell Lauren the brownies were delicious. Thank you sweetheart. I'm excited to hear your worship songs Alexandra. I hope we can all get together soon and worship together. Erik my brother, you can be really proud of your family. You are all a living testimony to Christ.

I thought Mon. would be a better day than it was. For one thing it was really hot and for another I just didn't feel right. I felt OK until after radiation. Maybe it's because my mouth is starting to really go off. What I mean by that is; it's getting pretty burned inside. They promised me that I would feel those effects between week 2 and 3. Right on Dr. Damore. I hate it when the Docs are right. Actually my chemo Dr. gave me some scripts for some killer mouthwash that has lidocaine in it. For now it works pretty good. More modern advances through chemicals. I'm just going to have to get over it. I almost forgot. I'm Captain Chemo.

Today was my third chemo treatment and I actually do feel pretty good. Kat suggested that I go trim some trees in the back yard. And I thought that she was the sensitive one. {this is Kat here and I can't believe he said that!!! I suggested that he re-surface the driveway :o) --please continue to pray for my sweet boyfriend that he is protected from some of the night mare side effects--I love you all and cherish your prayers for Jer and I xoxoxo}

It was good to hear your voice Dale. Thanks for the call. Marshall, I'm serious about the ukulele
lessons. You'll have to do the singing though.

I was reminded today to put on the full armor of God. For some reason, today, standing firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist was the focus of my thoughts. (Eph. 6:10-18)
I am so thankful for God's Word. Aren't you?

Signing out for now with many many hugs,

Old Jer

2 DOWN AND 5 TO GO

It's Sat. morning and I just enjoyed a nice large bowl of hot oats. It's actually the first food that has tasted good since Tues. I can tell that things are changing. Like my mouth is starting to become a little sensitive, like a light sunburn inside. The last three days have been a little rough. The nausea seems to be more severe for two to three days following chemo. It just makes it hard to eat. I'll tell you one thing, this sure gives me a whole new appreciation for pregnant women who suffer from nausea. It's not fun. However I have a promise that this too shall pass.

This Fri. marked the end of my second week of treatment. Only five to go. I've got a new slogan. TGIS. Thank God it's Saturday. No iv's, no pills and no radiation.

Once again our friends came through to make a rough time a whole lot smoother. Terry Martin, I enjoyed your company so much last Tues. I think talking about old times and surfing helps keep everything on a positive note. Thanks for the ride. Wed. was probably my roughest day, only to be blessed out of my socks Wed. night. Nancy and Joel Severson and Annie Kilroy came over to pray and worship. It was a wonderful special time. The Holy Spirit was at work. I was even able to sing, and I felt good the whole time. I am still able to sleep good. That is really a blessing. Jeff and Cathy Girard, thanks for dropping by. It is so good to see friends. It really does lift my spirits. You guys are truly appreciated. Thank you for the cards. Thank you Pastor Roger for your continued prayers. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. Kat and I Love and appreciate each one of you.

Just a little side note. I'm sure you all know what a co-dependent is. I always liked the analogy of a co-dependent as being someone when you die your whole life flashes before their eyes. Well, I've got three new ones and they all happened this week and they just happen to be with three of my closest (female) friends. Number one is of course my best friend Kat. I've got cancer and her hair is falling out. Number two would be Tanya LLoyd. I've got cancer and she is throwing up. I do hope you're feeling better. Number three, well, that would be good ole Annie Kilroy. The other night she was praying for me in the Spirit and guess who fell to the floor? It wasn't me. Thank you guys for loving me so much. Now do I have any takers for dry mouth?

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Love,

Old Jer

IT WAS A GOOD DAY!

Today was my second session of chemo. By the grace of God only 5 more to go. Today was a good day. Kat drove me to Laguna Beach at 9:30am. They plug in the i.v. right away and start to hydrate my system and add some anti-nausea meds and some kind of steroid. I have to tell you, the extra hydration has really helped. Then comes the Chemo. It takes about 90 mins. Then they hydrate me some more. Then I get a shot that helps save my salivary glands from damage from the radiation. It's now 12:30.

Today was a special treat driving to radiation. Joshua, my baby boy, drove me. He got to see the super way out machine. Looks like it's from Star Trek. I am really lucky though in one respect. I am literally bolted down to the table with this mask device they molded for me. Very necessary so I don't move. Why am I lucky? You ask. Well number one, I'm not claustrophobic. Some people have to take Valium or something to help them relax. Number two, I actually fell asleep for about 8 minutes of the 10 minute treatment. We got out of there at about 1:30. So you can see Tues. is a pretty intense day. Joshua then treated me to a frozen yogurt. My other days are about one and a half hours less.

It's good to be off the antibiotics. Even though nausea is still an issue, Dr. Wagner is doing a good job regulating all the meds. The weight issue was concerning me this weekend. I just wasn't able to eat enough to maintain. Dropped about 7 lbs. But since I have been feeling better I've been able to add 3 more back on. Thank you for all the prayers. James 5:16 says...Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Also a heartfelt thanks to my friends Jim and Mary Stephens. You guys are truly awesome. I couldn't believe the timing. His timing is always prefect. The soup, the biscuits, the magazines, and of course, the ice cream. Same to you Nancy Severson. The soup was great and I could eat the toasted bread by letting it soak in the soup. Got really full. It felt good.

I'll try to check back in this weekend. I love and appreciate every one of you.

Old Jer

HAPPY NEW YEAR

First of all, thank you family and friends for all of your support and prayers. The last few days have been interesting, to say the least. I started my treatment on Mon. the 29th. It went pretty much as planned. However, what was not planned was getting an infection in my G-tube, aka feeding tube. Kat and I visited the gastro doc after my radiation treatment. He told us had I not gone in when I did I probably would have had to have been hospitalized and had the tube removed. He put me on some pretty potent antibiotics, which I don't really like, but they seem to be doing the trick.
Tuesday was my first chemo. It was a long day. Kat brought lunch to the chemo lounge and that was good. Then off to radiation. That whole process is pretty trippy, but the techs are really nice and professional. I am so thankful for my wife/girlfriend/best friend. She is a trooper.
Wed., I drove myself. Hooray! Everything went well. I had my weekly meeting with the radiation oncologist. He felt that I was already getting results. Apparently the lymph node in my neck was already shrinking. That's a good thing! Things went a little downhill after I got home. I've never really experienced nausea before, but I think I know what it is now. I've got so many chemicals is my system, who knows which one is causing it. Reminds me of an old friend from the 60's. His name was Bill and everywhere he went he had a bag of pills and offered them to everyone. Well, I hated pills and besides you never knew what they were. Anyway, we nicknamed him CAPTAIN CHEMICAL. You can call me CAPTAIN CHEMO. I'm doing OK. Eating is a little difficult, but I'm getting enough food down for now. I started this adventure out at 185.8 lbs. My goal is to not lose more than 10lbs.
It was wonderful to see our friends Wes and Amber Kerr. Wes is now a 13 year veteran in the Navy. He's a Lieutenant and lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I'm really proud of him. Before he and his beautiful wife Amber got married 7 years ago, Wes would spend weekends at our house just hanging out with Josh and us.
Today was treatment day off. Watched USC destroy Penn St. Tomorrow is a radiation only day. Then the weekend off.

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

I couldn't imagine going through this without the Lord,

Old Jer