When typing this date it comes to mind that the doctors who diagnosed renal cell cancer at the end of July suggested that the average life expectancy for those with my type of cancer is about five months. As we experience milestone events in the lives of our relatives, such as anniversaries and weddings, we contemplate that when these were scheduled it was doubtful that we would be able to attend. With all this in mind we praise our good God and Father in heaven for the bountiful blessings He has given to us in giving us life beyond expectations.
At the moment I am in the final week of the fourth chemo pill regimen. This coming Monday I hope to commence a two week holiday from this medication. This time around the doctors have reduced the dosage by 25% in order to prevent extremes in the side effects I suffered last time. It appears to have worked even though the side effects are present they are not bothersome to the same extreme as the last time. Humanly speaking we do not want to reduce the dosage too much thereby perhaps reducing the effectiveness while enduring less side effects. At the same time we remember that it is the Lord Who decides about our healing or not. We continue to feel completely in His care, recognizing that He also decides to use men and medicine to further His purpose. We depend on Him and live day by day expecting everything from His good father hand.
Even though we experience side effects during the chemo regimen we do contiue to enjoy life. Our work in the church community can continue and we have enjoyed anniversaries and weddings of relatives in the last month. We also dream of a time when perhaps we can travel to visit our out of town family, something we did not think would happen again some months back.
Being ill and depending on the Lord for each day has also given us more awareness of others who suffer from illness of various types. We continue to monitor and pray for others who suffer from cancer, but there are also so many others who suffer from a variety of maladies. We pray for them all and often have to think about some who suffer much more than we do. We pray that the Lord will also comfort and heal them and that He will be near to their relatives as they see their loved ones suffer and perhaps succumb to their illnesses. At the same time having been so near death we also have experienced that for believers in Jesus Christ death is not the end or a fearful departure into the unknown, but rather the door that leads to eternal life with our Saviour. Although we have been created to love this life, given to us by our Father, we also believe that after this life comes a far better existence without sin and filled with eternal joy.
We urge all those who do not know of this joy to turn to Jesus Christ as He has been revealed in the Holy Bible. He will give you peace even in the face of death.
Pieter de Boer
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 22, 2010
Psalm 71:1-4 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
We have just returned from seeing the doctor at the cancer clinic.
He had good news for us again. The CT Scan which we underwent last Tuesday showed that all the remaining cancer in the pelvic bone and kidney has reduced. For this we praise our God.
We also learned from the doctor that the plan is to stay the course, that is, to continue to take the chemo pill for four week periods with two weeks rest in between until, hopefully, the cancer completely disappears.
The doctor has reduced the dosage hoping that in this way the pain in the feet will not lead to in ability to get around as it did the last time.
One of the noteworthy comments the doctor made was that it appeared to him that I am one of the 'lucky' ones. I explained to him that I have a rather strong faith system and that I would attribute the healing to that rather than luck.
We continue to praise God for the wonderful work He is doing in our lives.
We firmly believe that it is His good pleasure to use the doctors and the medication to see that His will is done.
We thank so many of you who have continued to show interest in our well-being, who have encouraged us with well chosen words, etc. We also see the Lord at work in our lives in that way.
Rita and I would like to take this opportunity to point you back to the words with which I began this blog, the words from Psalm 71. They certainly apply to God's work of healing from cancer that was considered by experts to leave me with only about five months of life on this earth after July 30. Well, the Lord, had a different plan and through the prayers of the saints and His good pleasure He has extended my life. Praise be to Him. But even more importantly He has healed us from sin, a cancer that affects us all.
At this time of year our society celebrates Christmas. It has the word Christ in it but sadly so litte of His work is remembered. But for all those who believe He is salvation from the effects of sin, from now on into eternity. Praise be to Him. We hope that you will all celebrate fully that aspect of Christmas, for only then will you have a truly joyous Christmas and a blessed 2011.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Pieter de Boer
We have just returned from seeing the doctor at the cancer clinic.
He had good news for us again. The CT Scan which we underwent last Tuesday showed that all the remaining cancer in the pelvic bone and kidney has reduced. For this we praise our God.
We also learned from the doctor that the plan is to stay the course, that is, to continue to take the chemo pill for four week periods with two weeks rest in between until, hopefully, the cancer completely disappears.
The doctor has reduced the dosage hoping that in this way the pain in the feet will not lead to in ability to get around as it did the last time.
One of the noteworthy comments the doctor made was that it appeared to him that I am one of the 'lucky' ones. I explained to him that I have a rather strong faith system and that I would attribute the healing to that rather than luck.
We continue to praise God for the wonderful work He is doing in our lives.
We firmly believe that it is His good pleasure to use the doctors and the medication to see that His will is done.
We thank so many of you who have continued to show interest in our well-being, who have encouraged us with well chosen words, etc. We also see the Lord at work in our lives in that way.
Rita and I would like to take this opportunity to point you back to the words with which I began this blog, the words from Psalm 71. They certainly apply to God's work of healing from cancer that was considered by experts to leave me with only about five months of life on this earth after July 30. Well, the Lord, had a different plan and through the prayers of the saints and His good pleasure He has extended my life. Praise be to Him. But even more importantly He has healed us from sin, a cancer that affects us all.
At this time of year our society celebrates Christmas. It has the word Christ in it but sadly so litte of His work is remembered. But for all those who believe He is salvation from the effects of sin, from now on into eternity. Praise be to Him. We hope that you will all celebrate fully that aspect of Christmas, for only then will you have a truly joyous Christmas and a blessed 2011.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Pieter de Boer
Thursday, November 25, 2010
November 25, 2010
Greetings to All:
Today I am at the mid-point of my third four-week chemo regimen. As you all know, the Lord has been using this regimen to send healing. At the same time it always brings along certain discomfort. As the days pile up the side effects increase. By now they are not unexpected and therefore also less of a surprise. Still the discomfort is there again and will likely increase for the next two weeks.
The mouth and tongue are super sensitive and the taste buds do not function (normally). Food is eaten for survival but is less enjoyable. My skin is dry and some nausea and reflux is starting to appear again. Although the latter two items are less intrusive as I have been given some medication to alemiorate these symptoms. There is also a marked reduction in energy. The thing to do, I imagine, is to lay low. To understand what is happening and to actually realize that I am ill and need to rest and be patient.
However, it appears that I have gotten used to the idea of healing and feeling well when I am off the pill and even during the early stages of taking the pill. But I must also continue to realize that the Lord is teaching me patience and that His healing does not come without some physical discomfort. I pray for patience.
At the same time Rita and I also express abundant thanksgiving in our prayers. I suppose that is an important point to stress especially because our neighbours in the USA are celebrating Thanksgiving Day today. We have heard that the American Reformed Church in Lynden, Wash. had a worship service this morning. We are glad to understand that they recognize the true focus or thanksgiving.
Although we Canadians have had our Thanksgiving Day more than a month ago we continue to give thanks every day. At our home we particularly give thanks for the healing we have and are receiving. We also give thanks for the many prayers that have gone to throne of God on our behalf. We further give thanks for the many other means of grace God gives us to strengthen our faith and to worship Him with. We give thanks for the tasks our God still lays before us and the strength He gives us to do them.
We are also thankful for what the Lord is doing with so many others who we also know to be suffering with cancer. We pray for healing for them as well and are thankful for the situations where He has sent that. And in the end we always realize that 'Thy will be done" is not only a fall-back position for when things don't go our way, but it should be our true desire, for His will alone is truly good and right.
My present chemo regimen is schedule to complete on Dec. 9 and on Dec. 14th I a CT Scan has been scheduled for my pelvic area to see what has/is happening to the cancer there. At present I am able to do far more with my left hip area than I have been able to for the previous six months. Nothing else has been scheduled before my next visit to the cancer clinic. That is schedule for Dec. 22. I suspect that I will be put on a fourth four-week regimen starting Dec.27. If all of this is true than we look forward to a wonderful end of the calendar year and all the attendant celebrations with good energy and much health.
Rita and I wish all of you a joyous Christmas and a blessed year of our Lord 2011.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Pieter de Boer
Today I am at the mid-point of my third four-week chemo regimen. As you all know, the Lord has been using this regimen to send healing. At the same time it always brings along certain discomfort. As the days pile up the side effects increase. By now they are not unexpected and therefore also less of a surprise. Still the discomfort is there again and will likely increase for the next two weeks.
The mouth and tongue are super sensitive and the taste buds do not function (normally). Food is eaten for survival but is less enjoyable. My skin is dry and some nausea and reflux is starting to appear again. Although the latter two items are less intrusive as I have been given some medication to alemiorate these symptoms. There is also a marked reduction in energy. The thing to do, I imagine, is to lay low. To understand what is happening and to actually realize that I am ill and need to rest and be patient.
However, it appears that I have gotten used to the idea of healing and feeling well when I am off the pill and even during the early stages of taking the pill. But I must also continue to realize that the Lord is teaching me patience and that His healing does not come without some physical discomfort. I pray for patience.
At the same time Rita and I also express abundant thanksgiving in our prayers. I suppose that is an important point to stress especially because our neighbours in the USA are celebrating Thanksgiving Day today. We have heard that the American Reformed Church in Lynden, Wash. had a worship service this morning. We are glad to understand that they recognize the true focus or thanksgiving.
Although we Canadians have had our Thanksgiving Day more than a month ago we continue to give thanks every day. At our home we particularly give thanks for the healing we have and are receiving. We also give thanks for the many prayers that have gone to throne of God on our behalf. We further give thanks for the many other means of grace God gives us to strengthen our faith and to worship Him with. We give thanks for the tasks our God still lays before us and the strength He gives us to do them.
We are also thankful for what the Lord is doing with so many others who we also know to be suffering with cancer. We pray for healing for them as well and are thankful for the situations where He has sent that. And in the end we always realize that 'Thy will be done" is not only a fall-back position for when things don't go our way, but it should be our true desire, for His will alone is truly good and right.
My present chemo regimen is schedule to complete on Dec. 9 and on Dec. 14th I a CT Scan has been scheduled for my pelvic area to see what has/is happening to the cancer there. At present I am able to do far more with my left hip area than I have been able to for the previous six months. Nothing else has been scheduled before my next visit to the cancer clinic. That is schedule for Dec. 22. I suspect that I will be put on a fourth four-week regimen starting Dec.27. If all of this is true than we look forward to a wonderful end of the calendar year and all the attendant celebrations with good energy and much health.
Rita and I wish all of you a joyous Christmas and a blessed year of our Lord 2011.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Pieter de Boer
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 10, 2010
Greetings to all:
Yesterday was Rita's birthday. In the morning her mother, and her five siblings with spouses all came by to celebrate. In the evening her local in-laws and spouses minus one, all her children minus one with spouses minus two, came over to continue the celebration. The Lord was good to her and to me to allow this celebration with so much family. There was much joy in our gatherings. We could rejoice about the goodness of God to Rita in that she has received many good years in which rich blessings could be showered upon her. Of course, when reflecting, she and we can also remember unhappy times, sadness and sorrow. But the Lord has kept her through them and given a day of celebration. We are happy we could enjoy this day together and with so much family. We praise(d) Him for it.
Today we received more reason for praise and thanksgiving. Although we had to bring our youngest son to the airport after a wonderful week of visiting, we received exciting news from the cancer clinic doctor this afternoon. Whereas he told us six weeks ago that the cancer in the chest and lungs had reduced, this time he informed us that he could not find any cancer on the x-rays at all.
He cautioned us that there might still be smidgeons left that he did not see, but he could not see any cancer on the x-ray. He also tested the leg which has been affected by cancer in the left pelvic bone and confirmed that there is better movement and less pain than there has been since April of this year. We are moved to tears of joy at the great blessings the Lord has granted in response to the many prayers brought before his throne.
The doctor advised experimentation with reduction in pain pills and increased excersize of the left leg. When we cautiously asked if it was permitted to speak of progress he concurred that we have definitely seen positive progress as the result of the chemo therapy. We rejoice greatly at the gift of healing the Lord has given.
We are going to start the third four-week chemo pill regimen this Friday, after which a CT scan has been scheduled for mid-December. We pray the Lord for continued healing by His great physician's hand.
We thank all of you who have included us in your prayers and who have visited us in person, by phone or by mail. Your Christian fellowship has been blessed and has comforted us greatly.
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.
Pieter and Rita de Boer
Yesterday was Rita's birthday. In the morning her mother, and her five siblings with spouses all came by to celebrate. In the evening her local in-laws and spouses minus one, all her children minus one with spouses minus two, came over to continue the celebration. The Lord was good to her and to me to allow this celebration with so much family. There was much joy in our gatherings. We could rejoice about the goodness of God to Rita in that she has received many good years in which rich blessings could be showered upon her. Of course, when reflecting, she and we can also remember unhappy times, sadness and sorrow. But the Lord has kept her through them and given a day of celebration. We are happy we could enjoy this day together and with so much family. We praise(d) Him for it.
Today we received more reason for praise and thanksgiving. Although we had to bring our youngest son to the airport after a wonderful week of visiting, we received exciting news from the cancer clinic doctor this afternoon. Whereas he told us six weeks ago that the cancer in the chest and lungs had reduced, this time he informed us that he could not find any cancer on the x-rays at all.
He cautioned us that there might still be smidgeons left that he did not see, but he could not see any cancer on the x-ray. He also tested the leg which has been affected by cancer in the left pelvic bone and confirmed that there is better movement and less pain than there has been since April of this year. We are moved to tears of joy at the great blessings the Lord has granted in response to the many prayers brought before his throne.
The doctor advised experimentation with reduction in pain pills and increased excersize of the left leg. When we cautiously asked if it was permitted to speak of progress he concurred that we have definitely seen positive progress as the result of the chemo therapy. We rejoice greatly at the gift of healing the Lord has given.
We are going to start the third four-week chemo pill regimen this Friday, after which a CT scan has been scheduled for mid-December. We pray the Lord for continued healing by His great physician's hand.
We thank all of you who have included us in your prayers and who have visited us in person, by phone or by mail. Your Christian fellowship has been blessed and has comforted us greatly.
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.
Pieter and Rita de Boer
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 4, 2010
Greetings
Almost three weeks have gone by since my last blog. I have been blessed in the past weeks with good experiences. The past three weeks have included the last two weeks of my second four week chemo pill regimen and four days of the two week rest from the pill. This second four week regimen has gone better than the first go around. Of course, the first time I did not know what to expect. This time around I could base my expectations on what I experienced the first time, and by way of comparison I can say that the second time around was easier. I also had the benefit of some medication to deal with the nausea and reflux. Both of these side effects did occur but to a lesser degree. Also a decrease in energy was noticed in the last week. The side effects most notably present in the fourth week also held over into the first number of days of the rest week. However, today I am feeling an increase in energy and less stomach and reflux problems.
Although the side effects are unpleasant they have served to remind me of the serious illness that I have. During the first rest weeks and first few weeks of the second chemo regimen I had good energy and little or no side effects leading at times to a positive outlook that may have been unrealistic about the seriousness of my illness. We hope and pray that the good feelings and stronger energy level may be indicative of the chemo doing its job. Next week Wednesday we have appointments for blood work, x-ray and to see the cancer clinic doctor. We hope for good reports.
We remain convinced however, that our situation, yes, our life itself is in the hands of our heavenly Father. He has given us much reason for joy and we know that in the end we depend on Him, and Him alone. Doctors, medication, prayers and communion of saints are all means that He has chosen to use to achieve His ends. We thank our gracious God for all these means. We are convinced that the prayers of saints are of much value to us. (James 5) We are also very grateful for the communion of saints we are allowed to experience so much of. We value the Biblical love so many have shown to us by visits, cards, words of encouragement as we meet in the course of the days, and the prayers that are sent to the throne of God for us.
Numbers of people have spoken of literal prayer lists that they have at their homes. This reminds us of so many others who are also suffering; some with a variety of cancers, others with different illnesses, still others with none physical difficulties. This leads us to the command to bring the difficulties of our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ before the throne of our Father. He is indeed our Chief Physician. We are still living in a world affected by sin, sin that makes us all guilty before God's throne of perfect justice. But there is a solution to our guilt. Our Saviour Jesus Christ has taken on human flesh and blood in order that He could suffer and die as we were destined to do as the result of sin. Through faith in Jesus Christ this payment for sin has been accepted by God as payment for our sin and guilt. We praise and thank God always for such a greeat salvation. Each and every moment of our lives it is our desire to thank God for this marvelous work in our lives.
Adam and Eve were created by God to serve and praise Him forever. They (and in them we too) failed because of our rebellion in wanting to be like God rather than serving Him. But having been graciously and mercifully forgiven of all our sins we now want and must live an obedient life of thankfulness in all we do each and every day. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to make an imperfect beginning in this calling. However, soon we will be delivered from this imperfect life which is nothing more than a constant death, and will appear without spot before the righteous judgement seat of God and will reign with Him over all things.
While we await our departure we pray for strength and energy to continue to do His will in all things for as long as He will allow.
With joy and thankfulness in God through Jesus Christ,
Pieter de Boer
Almost three weeks have gone by since my last blog. I have been blessed in the past weeks with good experiences. The past three weeks have included the last two weeks of my second four week chemo pill regimen and four days of the two week rest from the pill. This second four week regimen has gone better than the first go around. Of course, the first time I did not know what to expect. This time around I could base my expectations on what I experienced the first time, and by way of comparison I can say that the second time around was easier. I also had the benefit of some medication to deal with the nausea and reflux. Both of these side effects did occur but to a lesser degree. Also a decrease in energy was noticed in the last week. The side effects most notably present in the fourth week also held over into the first number of days of the rest week. However, today I am feeling an increase in energy and less stomach and reflux problems.
Although the side effects are unpleasant they have served to remind me of the serious illness that I have. During the first rest weeks and first few weeks of the second chemo regimen I had good energy and little or no side effects leading at times to a positive outlook that may have been unrealistic about the seriousness of my illness. We hope and pray that the good feelings and stronger energy level may be indicative of the chemo doing its job. Next week Wednesday we have appointments for blood work, x-ray and to see the cancer clinic doctor. We hope for good reports.
We remain convinced however, that our situation, yes, our life itself is in the hands of our heavenly Father. He has given us much reason for joy and we know that in the end we depend on Him, and Him alone. Doctors, medication, prayers and communion of saints are all means that He has chosen to use to achieve His ends. We thank our gracious God for all these means. We are convinced that the prayers of saints are of much value to us. (James 5) We are also very grateful for the communion of saints we are allowed to experience so much of. We value the Biblical love so many have shown to us by visits, cards, words of encouragement as we meet in the course of the days, and the prayers that are sent to the throne of God for us.
Numbers of people have spoken of literal prayer lists that they have at their homes. This reminds us of so many others who are also suffering; some with a variety of cancers, others with different illnesses, still others with none physical difficulties. This leads us to the command to bring the difficulties of our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ before the throne of our Father. He is indeed our Chief Physician. We are still living in a world affected by sin, sin that makes us all guilty before God's throne of perfect justice. But there is a solution to our guilt. Our Saviour Jesus Christ has taken on human flesh and blood in order that He could suffer and die as we were destined to do as the result of sin. Through faith in Jesus Christ this payment for sin has been accepted by God as payment for our sin and guilt. We praise and thank God always for such a greeat salvation. Each and every moment of our lives it is our desire to thank God for this marvelous work in our lives.
Adam and Eve were created by God to serve and praise Him forever. They (and in them we too) failed because of our rebellion in wanting to be like God rather than serving Him. But having been graciously and mercifully forgiven of all our sins we now want and must live an obedient life of thankfulness in all we do each and every day. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to make an imperfect beginning in this calling. However, soon we will be delivered from this imperfect life which is nothing more than a constant death, and will appear without spot before the righteous judgement seat of God and will reign with Him over all things.
While we await our departure we pray for strength and energy to continue to do His will in all things for as long as He will allow.
With joy and thankfulness in God through Jesus Christ,
Pieter de Boer
Friday, October 15, 2010
October 15, 2010
Greetings:
It has been almost two weeks since my last post. In actual fact not many things have changed from then. Yet, there are things to report and to be thankful for.
I am now almost two weeks into my second four-week session with the chemo pill. I can not exactly remember the timing of the side effects from the first round, but I seem to be feeling better this round than the first time. I have received some medication for nausea and reflux. These appear to be working well. Also my energy level continues to remain higher than it was before I learned of the cancer. Folks who visit or who see me when I get out frequently remark that I am looking better than previously. All these things are encouraging and in themselves may be serving to improve my frame of mind and perhaps even physical condition.
Although the above is part experience and part speculation, one thing is sure. I am overwhelmed by my own joy. I am thankful beyond words for the grace of God Who answers prayers and provides me with everything I need, even in abundance. It is truly so that I can at times not find appropriate words to express my the joy I feel about my energy level and lack of side effects or pain.
I have been able to continue to do my work as an elder in the congregation by visiting and phoning the members placed in my care. Together with Rita (my wife) I have been able to get out and visit and do other necessary and pleasant things.
We were saddened to hear of my sister's brother-in-law's sudden passing away, also from cancer, in Ontario. She and her husband have flown to Ontario to be with family and to attend the funeral. We pray for God's comfort and strength for the de Gelder family. We also remember others who suffer with cancer. There a number of Christian sisters who suffer in this way. One sister, in particular has expected to pass on for some time already, but the Lord continues to prolong her earthly life. Her faith remains strong and she enjoys the worship of our God whenever she is able to attend church but looks forward to worshipping Him in perfection without pain and suffering. But she remains patient in waiting for the Lord's hand to take her home at His time. Her example has been and is a blessing for me and many others, I am sure.
There is another sister who has had breast cancer and is receiving chemo treatments because her cancer was genetic, and even though she is presently cancer free, preventative measures need to be taken to try to prevent a re-occurance. The chemo treatment she receives brings considerable suffering so we remember her and her family in prayer.
There is a third sister who also had breast cancer and became cancer free, however at present she suffers from lung cancer and has also contracted pneumonia. She suffers greatly from difficulty in breathing and has to stay in hospital. Her joy at being cancer free was all to short and now she suffers again. We pray for her and her family that the Lord will have compassion on her and provide healing and easing of the suffering she is enduring.
Finally, we have heard from a minister of one of the Canadian Reforemd Churches nearby that the doctors have good hope that they can cure him from the colon cancer they discovered and removed. They plan to treat him with chemo therapy once his body has recovered from the surgery. We pray that the Lord will bless the treatments and that he will spare our brother from much suffering during the treatments.
We note how the Lord is busy with all His children. His hand is at work in all our lives. It is not only in sicknesses that we should Him at work but also when we are healthy we need to remember that we are His and He will guide our lives even though it is our responsibility to live obediently for Him.
Let us remember to pray for one another in sickness and in health. Our Father will hear our prayers and He will answer them. Of that we can be sure.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
It has been almost two weeks since my last post. In actual fact not many things have changed from then. Yet, there are things to report and to be thankful for.
I am now almost two weeks into my second four-week session with the chemo pill. I can not exactly remember the timing of the side effects from the first round, but I seem to be feeling better this round than the first time. I have received some medication for nausea and reflux. These appear to be working well. Also my energy level continues to remain higher than it was before I learned of the cancer. Folks who visit or who see me when I get out frequently remark that I am looking better than previously. All these things are encouraging and in themselves may be serving to improve my frame of mind and perhaps even physical condition.
Although the above is part experience and part speculation, one thing is sure. I am overwhelmed by my own joy. I am thankful beyond words for the grace of God Who answers prayers and provides me with everything I need, even in abundance. It is truly so that I can at times not find appropriate words to express my the joy I feel about my energy level and lack of side effects or pain.
I have been able to continue to do my work as an elder in the congregation by visiting and phoning the members placed in my care. Together with Rita (my wife) I have been able to get out and visit and do other necessary and pleasant things.
We were saddened to hear of my sister's brother-in-law's sudden passing away, also from cancer, in Ontario. She and her husband have flown to Ontario to be with family and to attend the funeral. We pray for God's comfort and strength for the de Gelder family. We also remember others who suffer with cancer. There a number of Christian sisters who suffer in this way. One sister, in particular has expected to pass on for some time already, but the Lord continues to prolong her earthly life. Her faith remains strong and she enjoys the worship of our God whenever she is able to attend church but looks forward to worshipping Him in perfection without pain and suffering. But she remains patient in waiting for the Lord's hand to take her home at His time. Her example has been and is a blessing for me and many others, I am sure.
There is another sister who has had breast cancer and is receiving chemo treatments because her cancer was genetic, and even though she is presently cancer free, preventative measures need to be taken to try to prevent a re-occurance. The chemo treatment she receives brings considerable suffering so we remember her and her family in prayer.
There is a third sister who also had breast cancer and became cancer free, however at present she suffers from lung cancer and has also contracted pneumonia. She suffers greatly from difficulty in breathing and has to stay in hospital. Her joy at being cancer free was all to short and now she suffers again. We pray for her and her family that the Lord will have compassion on her and provide healing and easing of the suffering she is enduring.
Finally, we have heard from a minister of one of the Canadian Reforemd Churches nearby that the doctors have good hope that they can cure him from the colon cancer they discovered and removed. They plan to treat him with chemo therapy once his body has recovered from the surgery. We pray that the Lord will bless the treatments and that he will spare our brother from much suffering during the treatments.
We note how the Lord is busy with all His children. His hand is at work in all our lives. It is not only in sicknesses that we should Him at work but also when we are healthy we need to remember that we are His and He will guide our lives even though it is our responsibility to live obediently for Him.
Let us remember to pray for one another in sickness and in health. Our Father will hear our prayers and He will answer them. Of that we can be sure.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 4, 2010
Greetings to all who read this:
Since the last time I posted an update things have been well. Not taking the chemo pill has restored my energy and eliminated the side effects. I might even be able to say that I have felt better than before starting the chemo pill about six weeks ago now.
I have been off of the pill for two weeks and have started a new four week regemine this morning. But I am pleased to do so as last Thursday the doctor at the cancer clinic showed us that two cancer spots on the chest/lung had reduced in size during the four weeks I was taking the chemo pill. We were very pleased to hear this good news and hope that the same thing was happening to the other cancer spots. The doctor has only checked the chest/lung area this time but we hope that he will check the kidney and pelvic areas after this next four week regemine.
As the result of feeling better these past two weeks we have also been able to do more things. We have been out more and were also able to do some elder work. It is wonderful to feel that the Lord still has work for us to do while we are in this life.
We joyfully live day by day and are happy to do the work He sets before us. We also trust that His plan for our lives is good and we hope that we may perform the tasks He assigns to us to glory of His name and edification of His people. Surely when we can do that our own faith will be strengthened as well.
We continue to enjoy the many visitors that look us up and the many cards we receive. Our family also continues to encourage us to stay in tune with what is happening in our lives. We thank them very much.
The de Boer brothers and sisters have started a habit of coming together for an evening every four weeks to chat and catch up, but also expressly to sing Psalms and Hymns together. This has become a highlight for us and a wonderfully edifying experience.
We also continue to remember others who are also dealing with illnesses similar to ours. We remember them regularly in our prayers. In particular we commend Rev. R. Schouten, Sr. J. Wubs, Sr. N. Krabbendam and Sr. H. Aikema to our heavenly Father and His care as they are also dealing with cancer in their lives.
May our loving and gracious God also be with all who read these words and give them His Holy Spirit to direct you all to Him in faith for salvation, eternal life and above all to the glory of His name.
Since the last time I posted an update things have been well. Not taking the chemo pill has restored my energy and eliminated the side effects. I might even be able to say that I have felt better than before starting the chemo pill about six weeks ago now.
I have been off of the pill for two weeks and have started a new four week regemine this morning. But I am pleased to do so as last Thursday the doctor at the cancer clinic showed us that two cancer spots on the chest/lung had reduced in size during the four weeks I was taking the chemo pill. We were very pleased to hear this good news and hope that the same thing was happening to the other cancer spots. The doctor has only checked the chest/lung area this time but we hope that he will check the kidney and pelvic areas after this next four week regemine.
As the result of feeling better these past two weeks we have also been able to do more things. We have been out more and were also able to do some elder work. It is wonderful to feel that the Lord still has work for us to do while we are in this life.
We joyfully live day by day and are happy to do the work He sets before us. We also trust that His plan for our lives is good and we hope that we may perform the tasks He assigns to us to glory of His name and edification of His people. Surely when we can do that our own faith will be strengthened as well.
We continue to enjoy the many visitors that look us up and the many cards we receive. Our family also continues to encourage us to stay in tune with what is happening in our lives. We thank them very much.
The de Boer brothers and sisters have started a habit of coming together for an evening every four weeks to chat and catch up, but also expressly to sing Psalms and Hymns together. This has become a highlight for us and a wonderfully edifying experience.
We also continue to remember others who are also dealing with illnesses similar to ours. We remember them regularly in our prayers. In particular we commend Rev. R. Schouten, Sr. J. Wubs, Sr. N. Krabbendam and Sr. H. Aikema to our heavenly Father and His care as they are also dealing with cancer in their lives.
May our loving and gracious God also be with all who read these words and give them His Holy Spirit to direct you all to Him in faith for salvation, eternal life and above all to the glory of His name.
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