Hi all - thanks for checking in with us again! I'm sorry that between the technology issues and the pace of life we've kept up over here, our postings have been few and far between. Nevertheless, James made it back to the States on Monday, and yesterday (or today, depending on where you are in the world) (Wednesday) James had his PET scan and a review with the doctor. Dr. Einhorn was away at a medical conference, so James was seen by his colleague. (Just to forewarn you of the coming pronoun change.)
I'll first share her observations & then the conclusion.
She noted that James is doing really well and looks really good. He's put on some weight (not surprisingly!) which is noted a good thing in cancer world. I was able to mention that his energy levels are way up even from two months ago, and that his cough is generally improved as well. She felt that overall he is doing great and looking quite healthy. She was really pleased with his overall condition.
Per the scan, all the tumors in his chest are stable. There is one spot that was a little brighter than before, but not enough to worry about yet. His hip, however, continues to light up strongly with no improvement. In fact, it is a bit worse than before - though whether this denotes tumor growth or inflammation (15 hour plane flight, anyone?) is impossible to discern.
She observed that James is definitely favoring his hip, making sure that he doesn't do too much to cause additional pain. She was not comfortable with him continuing like this. She also doesn't like the possibility of tumor growth.
So, the plan for now is to continue on with the immunotherapy. She felt that James needs more time, and that given that his overall health is improving & that the tumors are stable is proof enough that it may be working. Yesterday was his 5th dose, so he's only been on this for 3 months. I get the sense that they were expecting a fairly immediate result, but as James's cancer never acts the way they think it should, I am not surprised. And I am also thankful that we're not pulling the plug on immunotherapy yet.
Additionally, given James's age, energy level, and the reality of present cancer she has recommended that James start radiating his hip. She doesn't want any tumor growth and they know (as much as they "know" anything related to James's cancer - ha!) that radiation will help with pain. Different than before - where radiation was daily for over a month - this will be a once a month treatment between immunotherapy treatments. For all I know, this may kill off the tumor there...though they haven't said that. (Personally, while I believe it's a tumor there, I am not fully convinced that it's lung cancer in the bone...since it doesn't act the way it's supposed to and they've never biopsied it.) Who knows but that radiation may be a means of His grace to bring healing. We can at least pray toward that end.
So we move forward. As I said, we are both thankful that James gets more time with the immunotherapy. James was feeling less then thrilled about radiation, but I believe that since it's not daily nor concurrent with chemotherapy, his experience with it this time will likely be radically different than before. We are both genuinely thankful that James had such an incredible month here in China, impacting so many people in such a short time. We give thanks that James's health is improving, and that the cancer is stable. As I told the doctor yesterday,* I think that is counted as a win in the world of cancer.
We both feel strongly to continue to move forward, one day at a time, trusting in God's loving care. We are called to believe and to trust in who He is, and that His plans for us are genuinely good, even when things don't go exactly the way we want them to. (See Tim Challies, "God Doesn't Owe Us a Happy Ending.") So for today, we have grace to believe that God is faithful, and He will sustain us to the end (1 Corinthians 1:8,9).
Thanks, as always, for your prayers! (And for reading what seems to be a very dry blog post!)
~james & kristen
*Yes, I talked to the doctor via James's WeChat app - there I was, stumbling out of bed at 12:30a.m. like a drunk housewife, trying to put coherent thoughts together while simultaneously trying not to wake everyone in my house. I am sure I made quite a first impression!
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
how he's really doing
So many of you are so faithful to ask us how James is really doing, and as I've not updated you on his situation in a couple weeks...this post is for you. Your faithful prayers mean so very much to us...what an incredible blessing it is to walk this road with you all, to be lifted by your prayers, encouraged by your love, and strengthened by your faith.
The last week of May James saw Dr. Einhorn, and at that time was not feeling all that great. In fact, his hip pain was getting stronger and he ended up asking for prescription pain killers in anticipation of things worsening while we're away (and being away from the good drugs!). Naturally, that really concerned Dr. Einhorn who promptly contacted our insurance company...and got a PET approved for the week James returns.
Dr. Einhorn was careful to remind us that he's been "doing this for 40 years" and that he doesn't make a diagnosis based on symptoms. I think, though, that everyone had hoped that the hip pain would be gone by now. Since his bones will "never" be right again, as you can't grow new bone, it is impossible to know whether the pain is from cancer that just won't die (and is growing?!) or from the compromised nature of his bone. He also has intermittent pains in his chest - is it new tumors or the effects of coughing and radiation?
Naturally, cancer patients take any kind of pain quite seriously (as do their doctors) and after months of pain, treatment, and being a patient, it is probably difficult to objectively evaluate if your health is improved or worsening. (Is that twinge of pain new cancer? Is it back? Am I actually dying?)
So a PET is the best way to know what's really going on.
Since we've been back, James's pain has not gotten worse, and some days its been better. His cough also seems to be descreasing...especially in light of how many hours he daily spends in conversation. There were times where he couldn't speak more than a few words without coughing. But now he is able to speak for about as long as he wants before coughing once, and then continuing on. (As I write, he's sitting just across the room, sharing the Good News with a small group of people and has been speaking for at least 10 minutes with nary a cough!)
And I personally find it remarkable - being the optimist I am - that all those hours on the plane (15 hours, just for one stretch!) did not leave James completely incapacitated for several days after deboarding. In fact, he seemed to handle the travel as well (or better) than I did. It was only a few months ago that his hip pain kept him from traveling a mere 4 hours. So, improved, right?
Also, James's energy levels seem markedly better than even a month ago. I have watched as he divides his day studying, in hours of conversations with people, up and down multiple flights of stairs, playing with his girls, carrying them and letting them climb all over him, et cetera, et cetera...all without a nap, all without wearying until the end of the day. This would have been impossible even a month ago.
Of course, it's been enjoyable to see everyone comment on how healthy James looks. Everyone here is amazed at how strong he is, his coloring, his energy, his hair. Definitely not your typical cancer patient!
So - there's lots (in my humble opinion) to point to an improving state of health, that the immunotherapy drugs are working.
But...there's pain that won't go away, and there's so many opportunities for fearful thoughts to creep in. Short of (another) miracle, immunotherapy is the last resort for James. If this drug doesn't kick it, and God does not show mercy, James will not make it. There's nothing else that can be done.
So...as you've always done, and continue to do...pray. We know that nothing can alter God's purposes, and that His plans will stand. May His will be done, and may we have strength and faith to joyfully submit to all that He has for us.
Thank you.
The last week of May James saw Dr. Einhorn, and at that time was not feeling all that great. In fact, his hip pain was getting stronger and he ended up asking for prescription pain killers in anticipation of things worsening while we're away (and being away from the good drugs!). Naturally, that really concerned Dr. Einhorn who promptly contacted our insurance company...and got a PET approved for the week James returns.
Dr. Einhorn was careful to remind us that he's been "doing this for 40 years" and that he doesn't make a diagnosis based on symptoms. I think, though, that everyone had hoped that the hip pain would be gone by now. Since his bones will "never" be right again, as you can't grow new bone, it is impossible to know whether the pain is from cancer that just won't die (and is growing?!) or from the compromised nature of his bone. He also has intermittent pains in his chest - is it new tumors or the effects of coughing and radiation?
Naturally, cancer patients take any kind of pain quite seriously (as do their doctors) and after months of pain, treatment, and being a patient, it is probably difficult to objectively evaluate if your health is improved or worsening. (Is that twinge of pain new cancer? Is it back? Am I actually dying?)
So a PET is the best way to know what's really going on.
Since we've been back, James's pain has not gotten worse, and some days its been better. His cough also seems to be descreasing...especially in light of how many hours he daily spends in conversation. There were times where he couldn't speak more than a few words without coughing. But now he is able to speak for about as long as he wants before coughing once, and then continuing on. (As I write, he's sitting just across the room, sharing the Good News with a small group of people and has been speaking for at least 10 minutes with nary a cough!)
And I personally find it remarkable - being the optimist I am - that all those hours on the plane (15 hours, just for one stretch!) did not leave James completely incapacitated for several days after deboarding. In fact, he seemed to handle the travel as well (or better) than I did. It was only a few months ago that his hip pain kept him from traveling a mere 4 hours. So, improved, right?
Also, James's energy levels seem markedly better than even a month ago. I have watched as he divides his day studying, in hours of conversations with people, up and down multiple flights of stairs, playing with his girls, carrying them and letting them climb all over him, et cetera, et cetera...all without a nap, all without wearying until the end of the day. This would have been impossible even a month ago.
Of course, it's been enjoyable to see everyone comment on how healthy James looks. Everyone here is amazed at how strong he is, his coloring, his energy, his hair. Definitely not your typical cancer patient!
So - there's lots (in my humble opinion) to point to an improving state of health, that the immunotherapy drugs are working.
But...there's pain that won't go away, and there's so many opportunities for fearful thoughts to creep in. Short of (another) miracle, immunotherapy is the last resort for James. If this drug doesn't kick it, and God does not show mercy, James will not make it. There's nothing else that can be done.
So...as you've always done, and continue to do...pray. We know that nothing can alter God's purposes, and that His plans will stand. May His will be done, and may we have strength and faith to joyfully submit to all that He has for us.
Thank you.
made it...alive!
Well hello there...it's been a while, hasn't it? Excuse the delay, but between the time warp of the last week and the difficulty of getting onto just about any US website here...it's taken a bit of time to write an update. But here we are.
Back home.
Wow.
(I feel like we should throw in a "Thank You" and "Amen" in there too.)
Here's our life in bullet points...
*We have LOVED getting reconnected to people here. In fact, as I write, the girls are all down the street at the lake with one of their old local friends (and his mom). We have spent hours of time in conversation with people already, and are savoring every bit of time with them. The connection that we feel to people here (and they to us) is such a precious treasure...what a gift "reunion" is.
*The girls have adjusted fabulously! Thank you for your prayers in this regard. They all have various degrees of memories from this place, but they have slid back into life here like fish to a stream. It's been a joy to behold.
*Something else fun for the girls - June 1st was Children's Day, and business at the restaurant that night was booming. The girls - especially Lydia and Michaela - whole-heartedly plunged into restaurant work, bussing tables, charming the locals, entertaining their kids, and even helping wash the dishes. They were awesome! Every time I think about them working, I can't help but laugh at the stereotypical nature of it all. ("I went to school, and then during holidays I worked in my parents' restaurant." HA!)
*The mountains here are just so beautiful. There they are, every day, at the end of every street, outside every window of my house, firmly, stoutly jutting into the clear blue skies...I missed the mountains. (Strangely, gratefully - we haven't had any difficulty adjusting to the altitude - yeah!)
*This last week we've spent a fair amount of time getting settled into life here - our lives even before James's diagnosis were a bit hectic, and then added to that our hasty departure...so you might imagine we didn't leave our home in the best of conditions when we left. I will say this - it's amazing what kind of deep feelings of "home" result for me by de-cluttering my house and getting rid of all the old things. (Think flour, toothbrushes, torn clothes, broken toys...) I am sure if any of you ever had a summer home or cabin on the lake you can understand...if you multiply it by about 100 times the dust! (How does dust get inside cabinets and drawers?)
*"Home" also feels like making your family breakfast out of the kitchen you helped design - a first for me this morning. We've already been here a week, so it felt like a major accomplishment! That my precious (read: imported) stand mixer and oven still work are small miracles that I do not take for granted.
*James invited all the local shepherds to our restaurant last night to treat them dinner, encourage them in the work they do, and to reconnect to local work here. I think they spent about 4 hours together. When I woke up this morning, I found myself marveling that God has truly rejuvenated him and given him strength for the tasks before him. What a joy!
*Also not taken for granted - James preached last weekend and will preach again tomorrow morning at his local fellowship. I can't help but be reminded that in the weeks leading up to our departure to Thailand nearly 2 years ago, James had given up preaching. He was too sick, coughing too much, and had all but lost his voice. Immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness...
*As I've driven around town, I can't help but notice how much has stayed the same. Things aren't just vaguely familiar...so much is nearly exactly how we left it. (But not the local Walmart - it's been remodeled and is an absolute disaster.) It's been fun, too, to walk into places and be recognized by the shop keepers and restaurant owners. Lots of good conversations reconnecting with locals.
It is good to be home. We're savoring every bit of time here, and feel that even though we are busy, these weeks will be quite restful to us.
Do continue to remember us - of course it's impossible to be here, doing the work we do, without encountering spiritual opposition - it comes out in feelings of fear, discouragement, and being generally overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done. ("Where do we start? Will it even make a difference? Is real change possible?") Yes, we are loving being back, but it is not all rainbows and kittens. There are real people with real problems. There is a western restaurant with nary a westerner to help run it. (wink) And there is a local church comprised of many young believers that is trying to move forward in faith without a shepherd.
So ask that God would continue to fill us with faith, strength, wisdom, and courage for the days ahead. May He redeem the time we have, and may He be glorified.
Thanks for remembering us...
~james, kristen & the girls
Back home.
Wow.
(I feel like we should throw in a "Thank You" and "Amen" in there too.)
Here's our life in bullet points...
*We have LOVED getting reconnected to people here. In fact, as I write, the girls are all down the street at the lake with one of their old local friends (and his mom). We have spent hours of time in conversation with people already, and are savoring every bit of time with them. The connection that we feel to people here (and they to us) is such a precious treasure...what a gift "reunion" is.
*The girls have adjusted fabulously! Thank you for your prayers in this regard. They all have various degrees of memories from this place, but they have slid back into life here like fish to a stream. It's been a joy to behold.
*Something else fun for the girls - June 1st was Children's Day, and business at the restaurant that night was booming. The girls - especially Lydia and Michaela - whole-heartedly plunged into restaurant work, bussing tables, charming the locals, entertaining their kids, and even helping wash the dishes. They were awesome! Every time I think about them working, I can't help but laugh at the stereotypical nature of it all. ("I went to school, and then during holidays I worked in my parents' restaurant." HA!)
*The mountains here are just so beautiful. There they are, every day, at the end of every street, outside every window of my house, firmly, stoutly jutting into the clear blue skies...I missed the mountains. (Strangely, gratefully - we haven't had any difficulty adjusting to the altitude - yeah!)
*This last week we've spent a fair amount of time getting settled into life here - our lives even before James's diagnosis were a bit hectic, and then added to that our hasty departure...so you might imagine we didn't leave our home in the best of conditions when we left. I will say this - it's amazing what kind of deep feelings of "home" result for me by de-cluttering my house and getting rid of all the old things. (Think flour, toothbrushes, torn clothes, broken toys...) I am sure if any of you ever had a summer home or cabin on the lake you can understand...if you multiply it by about 100 times the dust! (How does dust get inside cabinets and drawers?)
*"Home" also feels like making your family breakfast out of the kitchen you helped design - a first for me this morning. We've already been here a week, so it felt like a major accomplishment! That my precious (read: imported) stand mixer and oven still work are small miracles that I do not take for granted.
*James invited all the local shepherds to our restaurant last night to treat them dinner, encourage them in the work they do, and to reconnect to local work here. I think they spent about 4 hours together. When I woke up this morning, I found myself marveling that God has truly rejuvenated him and given him strength for the tasks before him. What a joy!
*Also not taken for granted - James preached last weekend and will preach again tomorrow morning at his local fellowship. I can't help but be reminded that in the weeks leading up to our departure to Thailand nearly 2 years ago, James had given up preaching. He was too sick, coughing too much, and had all but lost his voice. Immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness...
*As I've driven around town, I can't help but notice how much has stayed the same. Things aren't just vaguely familiar...so much is nearly exactly how we left it. (But not the local Walmart - it's been remodeled and is an absolute disaster.) It's been fun, too, to walk into places and be recognized by the shop keepers and restaurant owners. Lots of good conversations reconnecting with locals.
It is good to be home. We're savoring every bit of time here, and feel that even though we are busy, these weeks will be quite restful to us.
Do continue to remember us - of course it's impossible to be here, doing the work we do, without encountering spiritual opposition - it comes out in feelings of fear, discouragement, and being generally overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done. ("Where do we start? Will it even make a difference? Is real change possible?") Yes, we are loving being back, but it is not all rainbows and kittens. There are real people with real problems. There is a western restaurant with nary a westerner to help run it. (wink) And there is a local church comprised of many young believers that is trying to move forward in faith without a shepherd.
So ask that God would continue to fill us with faith, strength, wisdom, and courage for the days ahead. May He redeem the time we have, and may He be glorified.
Thanks for remembering us...
~james, kristen & the girls
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