Hello Everyone,
Sorry for such a long delay in updating the blog, this time of year we all get so busy with the holidays!
This time, it is me (Wally) who is writing to update you on how we're doing.
I want to thank each of you for your prayers and your words of encouragement to our family and to me. Your friendship and concern for me means more to me than I could ever express to you.
As you probably know, I have chemo every two weeks along with blood tests. Every eight weeks, I have new CT scans and chest X-rays. This last week, my oncologist had encouraging news for me. First, there is a blood test that is an indicator for pancreatic cancer, which is called "CA 19-9". Since the beginning of my chemo treatments, my CA 19-9 value has gone down approximately 50% (this is good). The second encouragement is that there has been no growth in the size of my tumor. My treatment plan is for one year and then is re-evaluated.
So how am I doing with the chemo and how am I feeling? Each chemo session lasts about five or six hours. They start with some blood tests to see how I'm doing and to set the dosage for the three different chemo drugs that I'm on. Along with the therapy drugs, they include some sedatives, so I spend most of each session sleeping. After each session, I feel fine for a day or two and then some mild flu like symptoms for a few days. Flu meds help and I'm not slowed down too much. I recently heard this called a "chemo flu". Sometimes my stomach is a little queasy feeling, but I've have had almost no nausea. I believe that our Lord has spared me much of the suffering that often goes along with cancer and its treatments. My most significant side effect has been a loss of taste; most things that I eat now taste very bland.
A comfort from having a strong Christian faith is the gift of a "peace that passes all understanding". I am completely comfortable and at peace with God's plan for my life, long or short. From an eternal perspective, I believe that He has already healed me. My number one goal in life is to be a useful and willing servant for His purposes.
I recently learned of a blog of a person who has gone through an experience very similar to mine and he always signed off with "God is good, all the time, God is good". I like that and I agree with it, so I will use it here today.
Thank you again!
God is good, all the time, God is good!
Wally
wallycarruthers@gmail.com
206-999-0271
11 comments:
Wally,
This is all wonderful news and I hope that you continue to get better with each passing week.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. My entire family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hey Wally that's great new's. Just keep doing what your doing and trust in him for he is an awesome God, and I know he's healing you.
Merry Christmas & lots of love
Kim & Warren
Yes! The Rainbow Sherbet is working!
When I was in Africa the pastor would start and end the service by saying "God is good" and the people would respond "All the time" and the pastor would continue "All the time" and the people finished "God is good"
What a beautiful thing to remember.
I love you and Merry Christmas!
-Danielle
Thank you for the reminder to enjoy the goodness of God, now and always. Thanking God for creating you, Wally!
susie v.
Wally! I am encouraged at your faith and your trust in the Lord - as well as the test results :)
I am amazed, howver, that you are not nearly as funny as Sheri is.
We continue to pray for you and your family. Happy New Year!
The Tolentino's
Wally- Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts! God is good, yes indeed, our God is good! We praise the Lord for the good results from your treatment, and even more for your faith in Him and peace that He has given you and Sheri! We are praying for you and your family!
Wally, Loved hearing such great news! Makes for an especially blessed Christmas, huh? Keep the updates coming and we'll be praying for a full recovery----Larry/Sherry G.
Hurray!
I am thankful that you are doing so well, Wally! I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and your New Years trip is simply splendid. You and your family are in my prayers.
love,
maria
"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15
Dear Wally,
What wonderful news! We are so thrilled to hear of the mercy God has shown in this way. We will continue to keep you, Sheri, and the children in our prayers.
In Christ, Connie Keller
Wally, I thank our heavenly Father for the His giving you His peace that passes all understanding. This tells me you're living the Truth that Christ Jesus' presence in/with you is full solution for your every problem. Our Lord is glorious.
Hi Wally and Sheri,
It is good to keep busy Wally, but a jackhammer--I agree with Sheri. But I don't think there is any stopping you so maybe Sheri you should pull up a chair and drink a glass of wine and just be on call.
We send our love and hugs and always our prayers. Wade & Janie
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