Merry Christmas! We hope that you and yours are greatly blessed. Our greatest blessing this year has been your prayers for Debbie and for our family. Because of God’s mercy and your prayer, we are enjoying another Christmas celebration with Debbie. We know that it is only because of the mercy and grace of God that we are alive. And because of what has happened to Debbie, we feel a special sense of gratitude for our time together.
Debbie has had a great week preparing for our celebration. She grows weary much sooner then before but with rest she has felt strong enough to return to many of her roles has keeper of our home. She and I both enjoyed the preparations more this year because we rejoiced in each thing she was able to do.
The most recent blood test revealed that her CA 125 count had dropped even more. (It was 30). This is excellent news and is one indicator that the treatments are doing what our doctors wanted them to achieve. The tumors are still present but the cancer cells are not multiplying as rapidly they were just a few weeks ago. Please pray that the tumors will shrink and then disappear.
Please pray that her red cell blood count would increase. This is necessary for Debbie to continue having her treatments. The red blood cells also determine her energy level. The most recent test revealed that her red blood cell count was lower then normal.
This morning as our family read the Nativity passage in Luke 2, I was stirred once again by the faith of Joseph and Mary to cooperate with God. They must have known Him as Lord. They fully surrendered to His will in spite of how it caused them to suffer.
It is a mystery to me why some have this kind of faith and some do not. I have observed this kind of faith in Debbie during her darkest days. In the midst of great pain and suffering both physically and emotionally, I have heard her say, “I trust you Father”.
Why does she trust Him like this? Why did Joseph and Mary trust Him like this?
As we approach January 1, I am approaching my 35th anniversary as a Christian. 35 years ago, I decided to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer. (The blessings of following Jesus have far out weighed any suffering.) Why did I make the choice to follow Jesus in spite of how it might cause me to suffer? Why did Debbie make this same choice 35 years ago before we met?
Through the mercy and grace of God, we saw we were sinners. Because of His mercy, we saw the wickedness of our hearts. We also saw for the first time what Jesus did to save us from our wicked condition. The Holy Spirit then baptized us with the love of God and we gave our lives to follow Jesus no matter what it cost.
When we consider our faith, we can only give God glory. Without His mercy and grace and the revelations we received of ourselves and of Him, we would have never made the choice to follow Him. Now more than ever, we need Him to reveal Himself to us. And He is faithful to do so because of His mercy and grace toward us.
If you are in Christ, He has pledged to you His mercy and grace and the revelation you need for the difficulties that you currently face and will face in the future. Take time to be with Him and to listen to Him. He will be true to His pledge. He will lead you like a shepherd that loves His sheep.
If you are not in Christ, I believe that His mercy and grace is being directed toward you and He wants to reveal Himself to you as He has revealed Himself to us. You may see yourself as seeking truth but the truth is He is seeking you. That is why you have taken a moment to read this blog today. He is seeking you!
If you are not in Christ, but He is seeking you, you need to keep seeking the truth from the bible and from those who follow Jesus no matter what it cost. He will reveal to you the truth about yourself and the truth about His mercy and grace to you. Do not stop the pursuit because He is seeking you. I can assure you that you will find what you are seeking because He is faithful.
Merry Christmas from Debbie and from all the Wells!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sixtynine Days After Surgery
Debbie has had much more energy after this Chemotherapy Treatment. She has felt good enough to do some things she wants to do with the exception of last Thursday. She is excited about Christmas and all the preparations. She decided she wanted to host our family on Christmas Day and God is giving her the strength to get things ready. There will be about 27 of us. We have come a long way in the last five weeks since her last stay in the hospital. Thank you for your prayers.
She is also getting some relief with the problem in her urinary tract. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray that every thing would function normally. Pray specifically that her bladder would not have spasms from the stint that was inserted when she was in the hospital.
She is also getting some relief with the problem in her urinary tract. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray that every thing would function normally. Pray specifically that her bladder would not have spasms from the stint that was inserted when she was in the hospital.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sixtythree Days After Surgery
Today marks nine weeks since Debbie's surgery. One of Debbie's greatest losses has been her ability to be the keeper of her home. On Monday evening Debbie was able to prepare a meal for our family for the first time since October, with William's assistance. This brought her great joy and brought all of us a satisfied appetite. We rejoiced together for this blessing from the Lord and gave Him thanks.
CA-125, cancer antigen-125, is a protein that is found at levels in most ovarian cancer cells that are elevated compared to normal cells. CA-125 is produced on the surface of cells and is released in the blood stream. It is one way to measure the activity of the cancer cells and how a patient is responding to the treatment. Debbie has a blood test for her CA 125 level every two weeks. It has been well over 200 in every test since she was diagnosed last October. Two weeks ago her count was over 200. As of Monday, it was in the mid 50s. 35 is considered normal. Yesterday, when our doctor's assistant gave Debbie the report from Monday's test they exchanged high fives. We praised the Lord together for this good report. We greatly appreciate your prayers.
At 4:00pm yesterday, as I prepared to leave the church to pick up Debbie after her chemotherapy treatment, my car was missing from the church parking lot. There was a pile of glass where my car had been sitting. The car had been stolen. The body of Christ quickly went into action to meet our immediate needs. One of our associate Pastors went to pick Debbie up at the hospital while I waiting on the Police. Another one of our associate Pastors had his family bring me a car that they wanted to loan us.
The policeman arrived and asked me if there was any chance that the car had been repossessed. This made me look at the way I was dressed to see what would give him that impression. He then mentioned the glass and that most collectors would not go to that kind of trouble. I assured him that the car was paid for and he took down all of the information.
At about 6:30am this morning in my devotions, I was reflecting on "He is Redeemer!" As I was singing, "There is a Redeemer," the phone rang. The police had found the car in a ditch on the Southeast side of Oklahoma City. It was not drivable but it was found. It is damaged but He is Redeemer!
Are you lost this Christmas season? Has Satan stolen you from God and as a result, you have been greatly damaged and your life is in a ditch! There is a Redeemer! He will redeem you if you will trust Him.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
Thanks again to all of you that are praying for us!
CA-125, cancer antigen-125, is a protein that is found at levels in most ovarian cancer cells that are elevated compared to normal cells. CA-125 is produced on the surface of cells and is released in the blood stream. It is one way to measure the activity of the cancer cells and how a patient is responding to the treatment. Debbie has a blood test for her CA 125 level every two weeks. It has been well over 200 in every test since she was diagnosed last October. Two weeks ago her count was over 200. As of Monday, it was in the mid 50s. 35 is considered normal. Yesterday, when our doctor's assistant gave Debbie the report from Monday's test they exchanged high fives. We praised the Lord together for this good report. We greatly appreciate your prayers.
At 4:00pm yesterday, as I prepared to leave the church to pick up Debbie after her chemotherapy treatment, my car was missing from the church parking lot. There was a pile of glass where my car had been sitting. The car had been stolen. The body of Christ quickly went into action to meet our immediate needs. One of our associate Pastors went to pick Debbie up at the hospital while I waiting on the Police. Another one of our associate Pastors had his family bring me a car that they wanted to loan us.
The policeman arrived and asked me if there was any chance that the car had been repossessed. This made me look at the way I was dressed to see what would give him that impression. He then mentioned the glass and that most collectors would not go to that kind of trouble. I assured him that the car was paid for and he took down all of the information.
At about 6:30am this morning in my devotions, I was reflecting on "He is Redeemer!" As I was singing, "There is a Redeemer," the phone rang. The police had found the car in a ditch on the Southeast side of Oklahoma City. It was not drivable but it was found. It is damaged but He is Redeemer!
Are you lost this Christmas season? Has Satan stolen you from God and as a result, you have been greatly damaged and your life is in a ditch! There is a Redeemer! He will redeem you if you will trust Him.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
Thanks again to all of you that are praying for us!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sixtyone Days After Surgery
Debbie had a very good weekend. She grew stronger each day and was able to get out and do some things that she wanted to do. She went to church. She went to several of our children's basketball games. She felt like doing several others things that were a great blessing to her and to us. Thank you for your earnest prayers.
Besides fatigue, her greatest physical battle continues to be her bladder. We believe that the stint that was inserted is causing pain and causing her bladder to have spasms. We would appreciate your prayers that this would be resolved.
Her next chemo treatment is tomorrow. I feel a great deal of empathy for her because she feels so much better right now but within the next 48 hours she will begin to experience the effects of the treatment. Please pray that the effects will be greatly minimized. Pray that God would anoint the chemotherapy to destroy every malignant cell in her body.
I mentioned a family in one of our previous blogs whose son has cancer and he is only three years old. Please continue to pray for Joel Morris. And if you would like to let the family know that you are praying for them, Joel's blog and the family e-mail address can be found at weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. I will keep you up to date on how Debbie responds to the treatment and how to pray throughout this week.
Jerry
Besides fatigue, her greatest physical battle continues to be her bladder. We believe that the stint that was inserted is causing pain and causing her bladder to have spasms. We would appreciate your prayers that this would be resolved.
Her next chemo treatment is tomorrow. I feel a great deal of empathy for her because she feels so much better right now but within the next 48 hours she will begin to experience the effects of the treatment. Please pray that the effects will be greatly minimized. Pray that God would anoint the chemotherapy to destroy every malignant cell in her body.
I mentioned a family in one of our previous blogs whose son has cancer and he is only three years old. Please continue to pray for Joel Morris. And if you would like to let the family know that you are praying for them, Joel's blog and the family e-mail address can be found at weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com.
Thank you again for standing with us at such a time as this. I will keep you up to date on how Debbie responds to the treatment and how to pray throughout this week.
Jerry
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Fiftysix Days After Surgery
Debbie began to feel much better on Monday. Her strength began to return and she is looking forward to a more active week. Her appetite is much better. She is able to care for herself which she enjoys. Thank you for your prayers.
She does have a bladder infection which is currently the only real pain that she has experienced. Please pray she will be healed of this infection.
Please pray for little Joel Morris. He is only three years old and the son of Terry and Cindy Morris. We received a report today that he has bone cancer that is advanced. The Morris family attended our church for many years and they are such a wonderful family.
She does have a bladder infection which is currently the only real pain that she has experienced. Please pray she will be healed of this infection.
Please pray for little Joel Morris. He is only three years old and the son of Terry and Cindy Morris. We received a report today that he has bone cancer that is advanced. The Morris family attended our church for many years and they are such a wonderful family.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Fiftyfour Days After Surgery
We are learning to live with our new normal. Debbie has a treatment. A few days later she loses almost all of her energy and becomes very weak. During these days, she uses most of her energy just to eat. This is a challenge because she does not have an appetite. It is also very challenging just to prepare herself for the day. She spends most of her time in our room sitting in what has become her recliner. This will last seven to ten days before she begins to feel like doing more things. And then on day fourteen, she has another treatment and the cycle begins again.
She is now one among millions of cancer patients who can identify with this cycle during their treatments. For some the side affects are much more severe. There is a whole list of other side affects that many patients experience during treatment.
Debbie's next treatment is scheduled for a week from tomorrow. She will have lab work done on her blood today and next Monday to see if she can receive the treatment.
We have a wonderfuly support system. Our family, our church family, and our friends have rallied around us and are providing emotional, physical, and financial support. So many other people have expressed to us that they want to help but they do not know what they can do. We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love that we have experienced.
There are things that we are able to experience now that we will not experience the same way in eternity. Since there will be no more sickness, we will not experience the same kind of support from you that we are experiencing now. We are experiencing the love of Christ in a way right now that we will cherish for all of eternity. You are helping us understand the love of Christ in a deeper way than we have ever known.
It reminds me of this prayer in this verses by the Apostle Paul.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Gaining a deeper understanding the love of Christ prepares us for eternity and for more effective ministry to others. We have never felt so loved by Christ and by you. My only regret is that there are so many who are going through trials like ours and they do not know this love. How do they survive without this deeper knowledge of the love of God?
Pray that God will use us to make God's love known to others as we walk on this path that God has chosen for us. Pray that God will strengthen us to be His instruments and His vessels. Pray that God will give us the grace to keep singing His praises as He heals us and transforms us into what He wants us to become.
Debbie sends you her love!
She is now one among millions of cancer patients who can identify with this cycle during their treatments. For some the side affects are much more severe. There is a whole list of other side affects that many patients experience during treatment.
Debbie's next treatment is scheduled for a week from tomorrow. She will have lab work done on her blood today and next Monday to see if she can receive the treatment.
We have a wonderfuly support system. Our family, our church family, and our friends have rallied around us and are providing emotional, physical, and financial support. So many other people have expressed to us that they want to help but they do not know what they can do. We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love that we have experienced.
There are things that we are able to experience now that we will not experience the same way in eternity. Since there will be no more sickness, we will not experience the same kind of support from you that we are experiencing now. We are experiencing the love of Christ in a way right now that we will cherish for all of eternity. You are helping us understand the love of Christ in a deeper way than we have ever known.
It reminds me of this prayer in this verses by the Apostle Paul.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Gaining a deeper understanding the love of Christ prepares us for eternity and for more effective ministry to others. We have never felt so loved by Christ and by you. My only regret is that there are so many who are going through trials like ours and they do not know this love. How do they survive without this deeper knowledge of the love of God?
Pray that God will use us to make God's love known to others as we walk on this path that God has chosen for us. Pray that God will strengthen us to be His instruments and His vessels. Pray that God will give us the grace to keep singing His praises as He heals us and transforms us into what He wants us to become.
Debbie sends you her love!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Fourtyseventh Day After Surgery
Yesterday I awoke to Debbie's voice singing praises to God. This prepared her for a rather traumatic day. She has been losing her hair so she decided to have her head shaved and yesterday was the day.
Only William and I looked on as her head was shaved. There was not one other person in the shop. The lady that shaved her head was so compassionate. There were tears and hugs.
Within a few hours Debbie had new hair. The Lord through our family provided just the right look.
Debbie had more energy yesterday then she has had in weeks. She did not stop until late in the evening and then she rested well. Today, she is having her second treatment.
Many are praying and we are so grateful.
Debbie amazes me. It has never been unusual for me to be awakened by her singing praises to God. Her relationship to the Lord has always inspired me. But what amazes me even more is that she keeps singing in spite of her circumstances.
I am so blessed to be married to such a one. Thank you for your prayers.
Only William and I looked on as her head was shaved. There was not one other person in the shop. The lady that shaved her head was so compassionate. There were tears and hugs.
Within a few hours Debbie had new hair. The Lord through our family provided just the right look.
Debbie had more energy yesterday then she has had in weeks. She did not stop until late in the evening and then she rested well. Today, she is having her second treatment.
Many are praying and we are so grateful.
Debbie amazes me. It has never been unusual for me to be awakened by her singing praises to God. Her relationship to the Lord has always inspired me. But what amazes me even more is that she keeps singing in spite of her circumstances.
I am so blessed to be married to such a one. Thank you for your prayers.
Friday, November 24, 2006
The Fourtyfourth Day After Surgery
Debbie has had three very good days in a row. She felt well enough to attend our son's mock trial on Wednesday. Josh and Jill are in the third year of law school at Oklahoma City University. We are so proud of them and our grand babies. Debbie also felt well enough to attend our thanksgiving celebration at the Mullets. Darla and Mike are my neice and nephew.
Thank you for your prayers. God is renewing Debbie's strength.
Her next treatment is this coming Tuesday. This will be her second treatment.
Please pray once again for the chemo therapy to destroy the all the cancer cells and that her good cells would be protected and strenghtened. Also pray specifically that the chemotherapy and her immune system would destroy the stem cells of the cancer cells.
We hope that you and yours have had a wonderful thanksgiving and holiday filled with the love that only Christ can supply!
Thank you for your prayers. God is renewing Debbie's strength.
Her next treatment is this coming Tuesday. This will be her second treatment.
Please pray once again for the chemo therapy to destroy the all the cancer cells and that her good cells would be protected and strenghtened. Also pray specifically that the chemotherapy and her immune system would destroy the stem cells of the cancer cells.
We hope that you and yours have had a wonderful thanksgiving and holiday filled with the love that only Christ can supply!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
The Thirtyninth Day After Surgery
My precious wife is eating some solid foods and everything is processing.
Her greatest challenge with her digestion is occasional nausea. This is one of the normal side affects of Chemotherapy. Please pray for her stomach to be at peace.
Pray for her strength to be renewed this week as she prepares for her second treatment on Monday, November 27. She also needs to gain some weight.
With many tears Debbie tells me to tell all of you thank you for your love and prayers. She says with determination, "Please tell them Jerry." She is deeply moved with the knowledge that you are standing with her at such a time this.
Her greatest challenge with her digestion is occasional nausea. This is one of the normal side affects of Chemotherapy. Please pray for her stomach to be at peace.
Pray for her strength to be renewed this week as she prepares for her second treatment on Monday, November 27. She also needs to gain some weight.
With many tears Debbie tells me to tell all of you thank you for your love and prayers. She says with determination, "Please tell them Jerry." She is deeply moved with the knowledge that you are standing with her at such a time this.
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Thirtyseventh Day After Surgery
Debbie came home from the hospital on Tuesday evening. It was a long seven days. The things that we accomplished were the insertion of the stint in her ureter and the first chemotherapy treatment last Saturday evening.
When we left the hospital Debbie was still having a hard time ingesting food and eliminating food. When we left she had not eliminated food on her own in seven days. She was bloated and in a great deal of pain. There was very little sound of digestion in her stomach.
On Thursday evening we started Debbie on a clear liquid died. We also started rotating Debbie from one side to the other and even had her lay on her stomach. Yesterday morning somewhere between 3:00am-4:00am, she started eliminating food without any assistance for the first time in nine days. Debbie and I had a praise service. Thank you for your prayers and we thank God especially for those that He used to give us wise counsel about her needs.
Debbie has not had any pain medication since Wednesday night. She still battles nausia which could be a symptom from the chemotherapy or from the disease. Pray for peace and healing for Debbie's stomach so that she can begin to eat foods with more substance than broth and juice.
God has sent so many people to us just when we needed some direction or a word of encouragement. We cannot thank all of you personally at this time so please accept this as our sincere appreciation for your love for us.
Debbie woke up singing this morning. My heart was filled with joy as I listened to her express her love for the Lord.
Remember you can write Debbie at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net
When we left the hospital Debbie was still having a hard time ingesting food and eliminating food. When we left she had not eliminated food on her own in seven days. She was bloated and in a great deal of pain. There was very little sound of digestion in her stomach.
On Thursday evening we started Debbie on a clear liquid died. We also started rotating Debbie from one side to the other and even had her lay on her stomach. Yesterday morning somewhere between 3:00am-4:00am, she started eliminating food without any assistance for the first time in nine days. Debbie and I had a praise service. Thank you for your prayers and we thank God especially for those that He used to give us wise counsel about her needs.
Debbie has not had any pain medication since Wednesday night. She still battles nausia which could be a symptom from the chemotherapy or from the disease. Pray for peace and healing for Debbie's stomach so that she can begin to eat foods with more substance than broth and juice.
God has sent so many people to us just when we needed some direction or a word of encouragement. We cannot thank all of you personally at this time so please accept this as our sincere appreciation for your love for us.
Debbie woke up singing this morning. My heart was filled with joy as I listened to her express her love for the Lord.
Remember you can write Debbie at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Thirtyfourth Day After Surgery
Debbie received a stint in her right ureter yesterday and the procedure went well. It alleviated some pressure and some pain and is helping her right kidney function better.
The feeding tube was removed and she started on a liquid diet. It is still a challenge to digest and eliminate food. This is her greatest physical need at this time.
The doctor's goal is to keep Debbie healthy enough to allow the Chemotherapy Treatments to reduce the size of the tumors or send them into remission. Chemotherapy works well for most Ovarian Cancer patients. Reoccurence is common at some point but partial or complete remission does give many patients more time and a small percentage are cured. Many Ovarian Cancer patients are never cured but they live for many years managing the disease with further treatment. We have reports from several of these cases who are very satisfied with the quality of their life. If you know of others please send Debbie their stories. Such stories are very encouraging to her.
So, this is the Doctor's goal. We have been told that it normally takes anywhere from one week to six weeks for the treatments to begin to reduce the size of the tumors. We are obviously praying for the one week and would ask you to join us. Her first treatment was Saturday, November 11. We are also praying for her bowels to heal so she can digest and eliminate food. Debbie has been standing on these verses...
Prov 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.KJV
We have found the grace to endure by spending much time praising the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our strength. And our commitment is to praise Him in health and in sickness, in life and in death. May you join us in praise as well as prayer. Debbie's current favorite request is On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand. We will be singing this song today and we hope that you will stand on the Rock with us wherever you are and whatever circumstances you are facing.
Ps 104:33
33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.KJV
The feeding tube was removed and she started on a liquid diet. It is still a challenge to digest and eliminate food. This is her greatest physical need at this time.
The doctor's goal is to keep Debbie healthy enough to allow the Chemotherapy Treatments to reduce the size of the tumors or send them into remission. Chemotherapy works well for most Ovarian Cancer patients. Reoccurence is common at some point but partial or complete remission does give many patients more time and a small percentage are cured. Many Ovarian Cancer patients are never cured but they live for many years managing the disease with further treatment. We have reports from several of these cases who are very satisfied with the quality of their life. If you know of others please send Debbie their stories. Such stories are very encouraging to her.
So, this is the Doctor's goal. We have been told that it normally takes anywhere from one week to six weeks for the treatments to begin to reduce the size of the tumors. We are obviously praying for the one week and would ask you to join us. Her first treatment was Saturday, November 11. We are also praying for her bowels to heal so she can digest and eliminate food. Debbie has been standing on these verses...
Prov 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.KJV
We have found the grace to endure by spending much time praising the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our strength. And our commitment is to praise Him in health and in sickness, in life and in death. May you join us in praise as well as prayer. Debbie's current favorite request is On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand. We will be singing this song today and we hope that you will stand on the Rock with us wherever you are and whatever circumstances you are facing.
Ps 104:33
33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.KJV
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Thirtythird Day After Surgery
Debbie rested well through the night. Today a stint will be place into her ureter which is the tube that connects our bladder to our kidneys. Debbie will have one placed just below her right kidney. There is a restriction that the doctors believe is being caused by a tumor. Her right kidney is under alot of stress as a result. This procedure should relieve that stress and much of the pain that she has been experiencing in her right side.
The Chemotherapy Treatments began Saturday night. I will update this blog each time Debbie has a treatment scheduled so you can pray for God's blessing on the treatment and protection for the good cells in Debbie's body.
The greatest side affect that Debbie felt yesterday was more fatique in the afternoon.
Debbie did eat on her own yesterday for the first time in about five days. She seemed to tolerate the soup well without any nausea.
Please pray specifically for Debbie's kidneys and bowels to function normally. Pray for the health of these vital organs as well as the health of her lungs and liver. Pray for her bones to be strenghthened to resist this disease.
Pray for Debbie and our family to receive the Lord's strength to face each new circumstance. Debbie and I discovered long ago that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We made a commitment long ago to praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances. We discovered that when we choose to praise Him for who He is and what He has done, we are strengthened with His joy. We also see our circumstances from His perspective. And this brings us great peace. Pray for our family to walk in this truth each day no matter what happens.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
The Chemotherapy Treatments began Saturday night. I will update this blog each time Debbie has a treatment scheduled so you can pray for God's blessing on the treatment and protection for the good cells in Debbie's body.
The greatest side affect that Debbie felt yesterday was more fatique in the afternoon.
Debbie did eat on her own yesterday for the first time in about five days. She seemed to tolerate the soup well without any nausea.
Please pray specifically for Debbie's kidneys and bowels to function normally. Pray for the health of these vital organs as well as the health of her lungs and liver. Pray for her bones to be strenghthened to resist this disease.
Pray for Debbie and our family to receive the Lord's strength to face each new circumstance. Debbie and I discovered long ago that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We made a commitment long ago to praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances. We discovered that when we choose to praise Him for who He is and what He has done, we are strengthened with His joy. We also see our circumstances from His perspective. And this brings us great peace. Pray for our family to walk in this truth each day no matter what happens.
Ps 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.KJV
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The Thirtyfirst Day After Surgery
Debbie had a great night sleep and a very good day. She has received food through her feeding tube since last night at 10:00pm. She is tolerating the food and has had more energy. She has already taken three five minute walks today.
She begins her chemotherapy treatments this afternoon. Please pray for this first treatment to reach it's mark fast and do it's work to the cancer cells. Most treatments take two or more weeks to see any progress. Pray that Debbie's treatment will work faster than normal.
As cancer advances it creates various complications. Pray that the Lord will protect Debbie's vital organs from these complications until the treatment can reduce and eliminate the tumors.
Pray that Debbie will be able to eat on her own in the very near future. Pray that any obstruction to her bowel would be removed.
She begins her chemotherapy treatments this afternoon. Please pray for this first treatment to reach it's mark fast and do it's work to the cancer cells. Most treatments take two or more weeks to see any progress. Pray that Debbie's treatment will work faster than normal.
As cancer advances it creates various complications. Pray that the Lord will protect Debbie's vital organs from these complications until the treatment can reduce and eliminate the tumors.
Pray that Debbie will be able to eat on her own in the very near future. Pray that any obstruction to her bowel would be removed.
Friday, November 10, 2006
The 30th Day After Surgery
Debbie slept well through the night. We praise the Lord for this rest.
They starting feeding her last night at about 8:00pm. They started with one ounce per hour. She has had no complications from this process and no increase in pain. We praise the Lord for this blessing of food.
This morning ladies from our church are cleaning our house for us. It is very humbling to receive so many gifts from people. The e-mails are such a blessing to Debbie. JHMI brought snacks for this time in the hospital. Prayer, prayer, and more prayers are being offered for us. We praise the Lord for the body of Christ.
The Lord's presence is very real to us. The Lord has sent His Word to us through our devotions and through the devotions of others. Yesterday morning Debbie woke up to find one of the resident doctors on his knees beside her bed praying for her healing. We see the Lord in the doctors and the nurses. The Lord's presence is very real.
Today someone dear to us sent us these words.
"I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand which never fails,
From seeming evil worketh good for me.
and though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:
'I trust in Thee.'
"I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love
Which has refused these things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.
"I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.
I will believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses.
I yet shall see through my severest losses
The greater gain.
"I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not quail
To breast the mighty unknown sea of death.
Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit,
'I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath."
"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one
way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."
This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way.
Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light. Even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. You must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may-winds, waves, coss-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers-no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.
-Richard Fuller
They starting feeding her last night at about 8:00pm. They started with one ounce per hour. She has had no complications from this process and no increase in pain. We praise the Lord for this blessing of food.
This morning ladies from our church are cleaning our house for us. It is very humbling to receive so many gifts from people. The e-mails are such a blessing to Debbie. JHMI brought snacks for this time in the hospital. Prayer, prayer, and more prayers are being offered for us. We praise the Lord for the body of Christ.
The Lord's presence is very real to us. The Lord has sent His Word to us through our devotions and through the devotions of others. Yesterday morning Debbie woke up to find one of the resident doctors on his knees beside her bed praying for her healing. We see the Lord in the doctors and the nurses. The Lord's presence is very real.
Today someone dear to us sent us these words.
"I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand which never fails,
From seeming evil worketh good for me.
and though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:
'I trust in Thee.'
"I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love
Which has refused these things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.
"I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.
I will believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses.
I yet shall see through my severest losses
The greater gain.
"I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not quail
To breast the mighty unknown sea of death.
Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit,
'I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath."
"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one
way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."
This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way.
Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light. Even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. You must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may-winds, waves, coss-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers-no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.
-Richard Fuller
Thursday, November 09, 2006
One Other Request Today
They will first try to feed Debbie through a thin tube through her nose. The other option is intraveneous.
Please pray that her intestines will receive this food without causing her pain. Pray that God will bless the food that she receives and richly nourish her body with it.
This would be the best way to nourish her until she can eat on her own.
Please pray that her intestines will receive this food without causing her pain. Pray that God will bless the food that she receives and richly nourish her body with it.
This would be the best way to nourish her until she can eat on her own.
Another Report On The 29th Day After Surgery
We met with our doctor this afternoon. Doctor Mannel expressed that he was surprised by how rapidly the cancer has progressed. He is making this determination based on a CAT Scan that was done yesterday and the images in the lungs and in the abdomen.
He said that any surgery at this point is out of the question based on the overall progression of the cancer in the lungs and in the abdomen. Because of the rapid progression he believes that Chemo is Debbie's only hope of survival.
We have decided to start the Chemotherapy Treatments. Debbie will be fed through a tube in her nose since her bowel is not completely impaired. They will drip food in slowly while she is in the hospital to see if she can tolerate it. If she cannot, they will feed her intraveously. She will be able to drink liquids as long as she can tolerate it.
Dr. Mannel said that it will take a minimum of two weeks to know if the chemo is working.
Chemotherapy is a poison to our bodies. It poisons the body as it kills the cancer cells. It sounds unreasonable to ask God to bless a poison but that is what we would ask you to do as you cry out to Him for Debbie. Please pray that He will annoint the poison to kill the cancer cells. And pray that He will strenghten Debbie's healthy cells to survive the Chemotherapy.
This is one of the verses that Debbie is standing on during this time.
Prov 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.KJV
I want to make sure that Debbie gets all the rest that she needs. I would ask that visits be limited to e-mails at this time. I read them to Debbie daily if you would like to send her a note at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net
He said that any surgery at this point is out of the question based on the overall progression of the cancer in the lungs and in the abdomen. Because of the rapid progression he believes that Chemo is Debbie's only hope of survival.
We have decided to start the Chemotherapy Treatments. Debbie will be fed through a tube in her nose since her bowel is not completely impaired. They will drip food in slowly while she is in the hospital to see if she can tolerate it. If she cannot, they will feed her intraveously. She will be able to drink liquids as long as she can tolerate it.
Dr. Mannel said that it will take a minimum of two weeks to know if the chemo is working.
Chemotherapy is a poison to our bodies. It poisons the body as it kills the cancer cells. It sounds unreasonable to ask God to bless a poison but that is what we would ask you to do as you cry out to Him for Debbie. Please pray that He will annoint the poison to kill the cancer cells. And pray that He will strenghten Debbie's healthy cells to survive the Chemotherapy.
This is one of the verses that Debbie is standing on during this time.
Prov 3:5-8
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.KJV
I want to make sure that Debbie gets all the rest that she needs. I would ask that visits be limited to e-mails at this time. I read them to Debbie daily if you would like to send her a note at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net
The Twentyninth Day After Surgery
There is not a diagnosis this morning other than the CAT scan shows an abmnormalty in the small intestine. Debbie will have another test done this morning to try to determine if the abnormalty is cancer or something else.
Debbie did eat last night. She had some soup and some crackers and a small portion of a baked potatoe. Within about three hours, she was in great pain. She finally got some relief from the pain and rested through the night.
We received the following message in an e-mail this morning. It's arrival was very timely.
Troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.Romans 5:3-4 Romans 5:3-4 NCV
Storms come for a reason. They also come for a season. Discover the reason and grow wiser. Outlast the season and grow stronger - but never quit!
Chuck Swindoll writes: "Somebody needs to address the other side of Christian life, if for no other reason than to uphold reality. We need to be told that difficulty and pressure are par for the course. No amount of Biblical input, deeper life conferences or super-victory seminars will exempt you from struggle. God promises no bubble of protection.
Ask guys like Job, Joseph, Daniel and Paul, and you'll become acquainted with an ancient word that has almost disappeared in this generation of splashy, always-grinning, a-miracle-a-day Spirituality - perseverance! I know of no better partner to dance with when you're doing the three-steps-forward and two-steps-back number. It's in the tough times that true character is forged, the life of Christ is reproduced in us, and our flimsy theology is exchanged for a set of convictions that enable us to handle things rather than trying to escape them.
It's when the bottom falls out and life tries to pound you into a corner of doubt and unbelief that you need what perseverance produces:
(a) A willingness to accept whatever comes, knowing that by God's grace you'll win and come out stronger.
(b) A determination to stand firm while those around you are falling or running away.
(c) Insight to see the character-developing hand of God in it all. Without that, we stumble and fall and God is grieved. With it, we survive and conquer and God is glorified." Can you think of one quitter, just one, who ever accomplished anything worthwhile?
Debbie did eat last night. She had some soup and some crackers and a small portion of a baked potatoe. Within about three hours, she was in great pain. She finally got some relief from the pain and rested through the night.
We received the following message in an e-mail this morning. It's arrival was very timely.
Troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.Romans 5:3-4 Romans 5:3-4 NCV
Storms come for a reason. They also come for a season. Discover the reason and grow wiser. Outlast the season and grow stronger - but never quit!
Chuck Swindoll writes: "Somebody needs to address the other side of Christian life, if for no other reason than to uphold reality. We need to be told that difficulty and pressure are par for the course. No amount of Biblical input, deeper life conferences or super-victory seminars will exempt you from struggle. God promises no bubble of protection.
Ask guys like Job, Joseph, Daniel and Paul, and you'll become acquainted with an ancient word that has almost disappeared in this generation of splashy, always-grinning, a-miracle-a-day Spirituality - perseverance! I know of no better partner to dance with when you're doing the three-steps-forward and two-steps-back number. It's in the tough times that true character is forged, the life of Christ is reproduced in us, and our flimsy theology is exchanged for a set of convictions that enable us to handle things rather than trying to escape them.
It's when the bottom falls out and life tries to pound you into a corner of doubt and unbelief that you need what perseverance produces:
(a) A willingness to accept whatever comes, knowing that by God's grace you'll win and come out stronger.
(b) A determination to stand firm while those around you are falling or running away.
(c) Insight to see the character-developing hand of God in it all. Without that, we stumble and fall and God is grieved. With it, we survive and conquer and God is glorified." Can you think of one quitter, just one, who ever accomplished anything worthwhile?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
The Twentyeighth Day After Surgery
Debbie is back in the hospital at OU Medical Center. She got dehydrated because of the problems with her digestive system. They are running some tests to determine what is causing the severe pain in her abdomen. And during the last week, her nausea has gotten worse.
Thank you for your standing with us in prayer.
Thank you for your standing with us in prayer.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Twentysixth Day After Surgery
We have an appointment with the Doctor again tomorrow to discuss his protocol for further treatment using conventional medicine. Please pray that God will give us wisdom.
Debbie has had a hard week with her digestive system. She is feeling much better today. Pray for her system to function normally.
Our daugher Mercy celebrated her 15th birthday yesterday. We celebrated with family. Please pray for our children to experience God's peace and hope during this difficult time.
Our new grandson Caedmon is doing great along with Mom. Please pray that Debbie will live to see all of her children's children.
The Lord touched all of our hearts in our worship service yesterday. The alter was full of people in response to the invitation. Pray for our church family as they walk with us through this difficult time.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Prayerfully,
Jerry
Debbie has had a hard week with her digestive system. She is feeling much better today. Pray for her system to function normally.
Our daugher Mercy celebrated her 15th birthday yesterday. We celebrated with family. Please pray for our children to experience God's peace and hope during this difficult time.
Our new grandson Caedmon is doing great along with Mom. Please pray that Debbie will live to see all of her children's children.
The Lord touched all of our hearts in our worship service yesterday. The alter was full of people in response to the invitation. Pray for our church family as they walk with us through this difficult time.
Eph 3:14-21
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.KJV
Prayerfully,
Jerry
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The Twentieth Day After Surgery
Debbie gets a little stronger each day. She went to church last Wednesday evening and also on Sunday. (She teaches a discipleship class for young ladies age 12-18). We had friends and family over on Saturday. We went to a friend’s Ordination Service on Sunday evening. She drove the car for the first time last week. We are definitely making progress.
Please continue to pray for her digestive system to work normally. Pray for her back to be strengthened and for the pain to be removed. Continue to pray that she will gain weight and that her appetite will increase. Continue to pray for God’s wisdom as we decide on treatment. We meet with the Doctor again next Tuesday, November 7.
Pray for both Debbie and I to be alert to those that the Lord wants us to minister to through this trial.
We appreciate all of you that are standing with us at such a time as this.
If you would like to e-mail Debbie, you can do so at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. She is not able to respond to all the e-mails she receives but she reads them all.
Please continue to pray for her digestive system to work normally. Pray for her back to be strengthened and for the pain to be removed. Continue to pray that she will gain weight and that her appetite will increase. Continue to pray for God’s wisdom as we decide on treatment. We meet with the Doctor again next Tuesday, November 7.
Pray for both Debbie and I to be alert to those that the Lord wants us to minister to through this trial.
We appreciate all of you that are standing with us at such a time as this.
If you would like to e-mail Debbie, you can do so at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. She is not able to respond to all the e-mails she receives but she reads them all.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Thirteen Days After Surgery
Today we received Debbie’s pathology report. We met with the Doctor to discuss his plan to treat her. It is now up to us to decide if we will subject ourselves to his plan.
The pathology report confirmed what our Doctor suspected. Debbie has Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. It has metastasized to both lungs and her large and small intestine.
The Doctor recommended treatment with the chemicals Carboplatin and Paclitaxel-which is also known as Taxol. He felt confident that this chemotherapy would cause the cancer to go into remission. But he also said that a cure is unlikely and that a reoccurrence of new tumors is common with this type of cancer and treatment.
He said that in 1990, Debbie would only have a few months to live. He said that this treatment could add years to her life and possibly years upon years as research continue
He also gave us the option of becoming a part of a clinical research. In a blind clinical research, a third drug is added to the treatment of two thirds of the patients. In a third of the patients, the drug is administered during five of the first six treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is given during 28 treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is not given at all. Neither the doctors nor the patients know which group they are in until the study is completed after 15 months.
The third drug is a biological agent that inhibits the development of new blood vessels in cancer cells. It is called Bevacizumab. It is marketed under the name Avastin.
The treatments could begin as early as two weeks or we could wait as long as after Thanksgiving.
Our current options for treatment are to have Debbie receive six treatments over a period of 18 weeks; enter the Clinical research trial in which Debbie would receive 28 treatment over a period of 15 months and possibly (a 33% chance) receive this new drug that is producing encouraging results in many patients already being treated at the OU Medical Center; or continue to treat Debbie only with nutritionally supplements and diet under the direction of Dr. Sandra Bailey. (Sandra has also agreed to continue to treat Debbie if we choose chemotherapy treatment).
We need wisdom and direction from the Lord. We would appreciate your prayers.
As we were driving to the Doctor’s office this morning, I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today after our appointment. While we were sitting in the Doctor’s office listening to these options, my phone rang at about 10:00am. My son Josh was taking his wife Jill to the hospital because she was in labor. We left the Doctor’s office after our meeting at about 11:00am and drove immediately to the Hospital to check on Jill. I pulled up at the front door and let Debbie off. She said that she would wait on me in the Lobby while I parked the car. I told her I wanted her to go on up to Jill’s room because I did not want her to miss the birth. When Debbie walked into the room, our grandson Caedmon was just being delivered from the his mother’s womb. When I arrived a few minutes later, I could hear him crying on the other side of the door. I joined him as I cried and thanked the Lord there in the hallway.
When I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today, the Lord gave both of us a gift that totally overshadowed the reality of what we had just faced at the Doctor’s office. God had something for us far greater than what our finite minds could imagine. The timing of Caedmon’s birth has given us a new assurance that our times are in the Lord’s hands. It has also given us a greater confidence that no matter what we face in the future, the Lord will meet us during our darkest hours in ways that we do not expect.
Caedmon is named after an ancient hymn writer in the church. The Lord certainly used him on this day to bring music to our needy souls.
The pathology report confirmed what our Doctor suspected. Debbie has Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. It has metastasized to both lungs and her large and small intestine.
The Doctor recommended treatment with the chemicals Carboplatin and Paclitaxel-which is also known as Taxol. He felt confident that this chemotherapy would cause the cancer to go into remission. But he also said that a cure is unlikely and that a reoccurrence of new tumors is common with this type of cancer and treatment.
He said that in 1990, Debbie would only have a few months to live. He said that this treatment could add years to her life and possibly years upon years as research continue
He also gave us the option of becoming a part of a clinical research. In a blind clinical research, a third drug is added to the treatment of two thirds of the patients. In a third of the patients, the drug is administered during five of the first six treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is given during 28 treatments. In a third of the patients, the drug is not given at all. Neither the doctors nor the patients know which group they are in until the study is completed after 15 months.
The third drug is a biological agent that inhibits the development of new blood vessels in cancer cells. It is called Bevacizumab. It is marketed under the name Avastin.
The treatments could begin as early as two weeks or we could wait as long as after Thanksgiving.
Our current options for treatment are to have Debbie receive six treatments over a period of 18 weeks; enter the Clinical research trial in which Debbie would receive 28 treatment over a period of 15 months and possibly (a 33% chance) receive this new drug that is producing encouraging results in many patients already being treated at the OU Medical Center; or continue to treat Debbie only with nutritionally supplements and diet under the direction of Dr. Sandra Bailey. (Sandra has also agreed to continue to treat Debbie if we choose chemotherapy treatment).
We need wisdom and direction from the Lord. We would appreciate your prayers.
As we were driving to the Doctor’s office this morning, I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today after our appointment. While we were sitting in the Doctor’s office listening to these options, my phone rang at about 10:00am. My son Josh was taking his wife Jill to the hospital because she was in labor. We left the Doctor’s office after our meeting at about 11:00am and drove immediately to the Hospital to check on Jill. I pulled up at the front door and let Debbie off. She said that she would wait on me in the Lobby while I parked the car. I told her I wanted her to go on up to Jill’s room because I did not want her to miss the birth. When Debbie walked into the room, our grandson Caedmon was just being delivered from the his mother’s womb. When I arrived a few minutes later, I could hear him crying on the other side of the door. I joined him as I cried and thanked the Lord there in the hallway.
When I asked Debbie to give us something to look forward too today, the Lord gave both of us a gift that totally overshadowed the reality of what we had just faced at the Doctor’s office. God had something for us far greater than what our finite minds could imagine. The timing of Caedmon’s birth has given us a new assurance that our times are in the Lord’s hands. It has also given us a greater confidence that no matter what we face in the future, the Lord will meet us during our darkest hours in ways that we do not expect.
Caedmon is named after an ancient hymn writer in the church. The Lord certainly used him on this day to bring music to our needy souls.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Twelve Days After Surgery
Tomorrow we meet with our doctor at 8:30am to go over the pathology report and to hear his recommendations for treatment. The doctor will also give us a prognosis for Debbie's future based on probabilities and statistics. This could be very hard for both of us so we would appreciate your prayers. Pray that we will put our hope in God and trust in Him as we hear the report. Pray that the Lord will bring to our mind all of the questions that we need to ask so that we will be well informed.
Please pray for Debbie to gain weight. She weighed 114 dressed this morning. Her natural weight for years has been 131. Pray for the killer cells in Debbie's immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells. Cancer cells disquise themselves as healthy cells while they destroy any organ that they invade. Pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment.
Thank you for standing with us.
Please pray for Debbie to gain weight. She weighed 114 dressed this morning. Her natural weight for years has been 131. Pray for the killer cells in Debbie's immune system to identify and destroy the cancer cells. Cancer cells disquise themselves as healthy cells while they destroy any organ that they invade. Pray for us to make wise decisions regarding further treatment.
Thank you for standing with us.
Friday, October 20, 2006
The Ninth Day After Surgery
Debbie had a great day today. It makes all of us feel better just to see her feel better. Her digestive system has been working well and she has had a very good appetite. Her stitches were removed this morning and she felt like taking her first outing to Sams. We then had lunch together at a local restaurant and went to Lows. After a brief nap, she was up for the evening and feeling very good. Thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Seventh Day After Surgery
Debbie is having difficulty with her stomach which makes it difficult for her to eat and get stronger. Please pray for her stomach and digestive system to begin to function well.
Debbie has lost 20 pounds in the last six weeks. She is weak has a result.
Her Spirit is good. She is still at peace and resting in the Lord.
We will not receive a pathology report until we meet with the Doctor next Tuesday.
Thank you for your prayers.
Debbie has lost 20 pounds in the last six weeks. She is weak has a result.
Her Spirit is good. She is still at peace and resting in the Lord.
We will not receive a pathology report until we meet with the Doctor next Tuesday.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Fourth Day After Surgery
Debbie was released from the hospital this morning and is resting at home. She has times that she feels good and other times that she feels very weak. Her system is still adjusting after all the trauma.
We are praying that her appetite will greatly increase and that her digestive system will quickly be able to handle solid foods and vitamins.
The evidence of God's goodness is all around us. We are especially grateful for the support of our family, friends, and our local church family. We are also amazed by the number of Christians that we do not even know who have taken up our cause in prayer. Thank you for spreading the word about Debbie's condition.
We are praying that her appetite will greatly increase and that her digestive system will quickly be able to handle solid foods and vitamins.
The evidence of God's goodness is all around us. We are especially grateful for the support of our family, friends, and our local church family. We are also amazed by the number of Christians that we do not even know who have taken up our cause in prayer. Thank you for spreading the word about Debbie's condition.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Second Day After Surgery
Debbie has had a good day. She is recovering well with no complications. The tubes have been removed. She is walking and sitting in a chair. She is still just having fluids for her meals. She is very weak but joyful and at peace.
We have not received the pathology report. Our doctor said it may be Monday.
Thank you for your most recent prayers. We keep being lifted up in our darkest hours.
Psalms 40:1-3
We have not received the pathology report. Our doctor said it may be Monday.
Thank you for your most recent prayers. We keep being lifted up in our darkest hours.
Psalms 40:1-3
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Day After Surgery
Debbie is recovering well from the surgery. This morning they removed the draining tube from her nose to her stomach. She can drink liquids now. She is very peaceful and very strong in the Lord.
The surgeon did a complete hysterectomy, removed her omentum, and lymph nodes. What cancer remains is what is in her lungs and some spots on her bowel that are all very small. By next Monday, we will receive the results of the lab tests and know specifically the kind of cancer. The doctors will then develop a protocol to fight the disease. Different cancers respond differently to chemotherapy. We will meet with the doctors in two weeks to discuss their protocol.
Debbie is under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Bailey for her nutritional needs. Sandra’s plan includes a very specific diet to fight cancer and organic supplements that come from whole foods. Sandra calls Debbie a very good patient. Debbie is very disciplined and she has felt a great sense of well being sense she started receiving Sandra’s treatment.
The surgery lasted only two hours and fifteen minutes. We were anticipating four to five hours. When I asked the doctor why the surgery was so short, he said, “Because it went so well.” This was certainly an answer to our prayers for the “perfect surgery”.
We are now praying for the perfect treatment plan for Debbie. Please pray that the Lord will show us His perfect will for Debbie.
We are still asking the Lord for divine healing. But we consider all healing to be from the Lord. We are rejoicing that the surgery was such a success. It feels like we just won a battle in a war that is still raging. Please pray for God to strengthen our family as we continue the fight.
Jerry Wells
The surgeon did a complete hysterectomy, removed her omentum, and lymph nodes. What cancer remains is what is in her lungs and some spots on her bowel that are all very small. By next Monday, we will receive the results of the lab tests and know specifically the kind of cancer. The doctors will then develop a protocol to fight the disease. Different cancers respond differently to chemotherapy. We will meet with the doctors in two weeks to discuss their protocol.
Debbie is under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Bailey for her nutritional needs. Sandra’s plan includes a very specific diet to fight cancer and organic supplements that come from whole foods. Sandra calls Debbie a very good patient. Debbie is very disciplined and she has felt a great sense of well being sense she started receiving Sandra’s treatment.
The surgery lasted only two hours and fifteen minutes. We were anticipating four to five hours. When I asked the doctor why the surgery was so short, he said, “Because it went so well.” This was certainly an answer to our prayers for the “perfect surgery”.
We are now praying for the perfect treatment plan for Debbie. Please pray that the Lord will show us His perfect will for Debbie.
We are still asking the Lord for divine healing. But we consider all healing to be from the Lord. We are rejoicing that the surgery was such a success. It feels like we just won a battle in a war that is still raging. Please pray for God to strengthen our family as we continue the fight.
Jerry Wells
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Surgery Report
As of 3:30pm Debbie is out of surgery and will be in recovery for the next 2 hours. The surgeons were encouraged by the surgery and what they were able to accomplish. The surgeon said that everything went according to plan. It does not appear that the cancer has metastisized to her spine or the muscle tissue around her spine. The cancer did invade some lymph nodes along the spine that were removed.
The doctor was optimistic. Debbie will recover and we will meet with the doctors again in two weeks to discuss our options and the next steps to take. In order to allow Debbie time to rest and recover she will not be receiving any visitors until Friday. At that time please call our cell phones to set up a time to visit that would be best for Debbie. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and signs of support.
Jerry
The doctor was optimistic. Debbie will recover and we will meet with the doctors again in two weeks to discuss our options and the next steps to take. In order to allow Debbie time to rest and recover she will not be receiving any visitors until Friday. At that time please call our cell phones to set up a time to visit that would be best for Debbie. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and signs of support.
Jerry
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The results of Debbie’s PET scan were not what we wanted to hear. The diagnosis is that she has multiple malignant tumors in both of her lungs. They are in the form of small nodules, the largest being the size of a pea. They are inoperable.
Besides her ovaries, the cancer has also metastasized to some muscle tissue in her abdomen and to some bone in her back. The doctor said that they would not know the extent of the metastasis in the abdomen until they do the surgery. The doctor said that they would not know the true origins of the cancer or the kind of cancer until biopsies are taken. Those biopsies will be taken during the surgery, which is tomorrow at 12:30pm at the OU Medical Center in the Presbyterian Tower.
The doctor’s plan is to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and her uterus. They will also remove other tissues that have been invaded by the cancer.
Please pray for discernment for our surgeon as he makes decisions about what to remove and what to leave. Our doctor will want to address whatever cancer remains with chemotherapy.
It has been a difficult 24 hours. Debbie is still feeling very good physically with very little pain. Please pray for us to receive God’s abundant grace to deal with the bad reports and our own emotions. We have been shaken but we are not without hope. May the Lord’s peace surround us, as our family trusts in Him.
Jerry
Besides her ovaries, the cancer has also metastasized to some muscle tissue in her abdomen and to some bone in her back. The doctor said that they would not know the extent of the metastasis in the abdomen until they do the surgery. The doctor said that they would not know the true origins of the cancer or the kind of cancer until biopsies are taken. Those biopsies will be taken during the surgery, which is tomorrow at 12:30pm at the OU Medical Center in the Presbyterian Tower.
The doctor’s plan is to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and her uterus. They will also remove other tissues that have been invaded by the cancer.
Please pray for discernment for our surgeon as he makes decisions about what to remove and what to leave. Our doctor will want to address whatever cancer remains with chemotherapy.
It has been a difficult 24 hours. Debbie is still feeling very good physically with very little pain. Please pray for us to receive God’s abundant grace to deal with the bad reports and our own emotions. We have been shaken but we are not without hope. May the Lord’s peace surround us, as our family trusts in Him.
Jerry
Saturday, October 07, 2006
No New News
We have not received the report from the PET scan. Since we did not receive it yesterday, it will probably be Monday.
Debbie is still doing well emotionally and physically. She can feel the tumors in her abdomen at times. She says it is not a sharp pain but just uncomfortable.
She is rejoicing in the delay of the surgery. She was able to teach her bible class for young ladies age 12-18 last Wednesday evening. She will now be able to attend our daughter-in-law's baby shower on Monday evening. She has been able to spend more quality time with her sister who came for the surgery. She has more time to prepare her body for the surgery. She will be able to attend church tomorrow and receive more prayer from the church.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Debbie is still doing well emotionally and physically. She can feel the tumors in her abdomen at times. She says it is not a sharp pain but just uncomfortable.
She is rejoicing in the delay of the surgery. She was able to teach her bible class for young ladies age 12-18 last Wednesday evening. She will now be able to attend our daughter-in-law's baby shower on Monday evening. She has been able to spend more quality time with her sister who came for the surgery. She has more time to prepare her body for the surgery. She will be able to attend church tomorrow and receive more prayer from the church.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Debbie has multiple nodules in both her lungs. The Surgeon has indicated that the nature (malignant or non-malignant) of these nodules will determine the nature of the surgery.
He has requested that Debbie have a PET scan tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.
Basically it is a way to take better pictures and get a better diagnosis then a CAT scan or an X-ray. The PET scan will scan her body from mid-thigh to her neck.
The surgery has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at 12:30pm, at the OU Med Center, Presbyterian Tower.
The doctors did not seem concerned about her lungs when we met with them last Tuesday. She had a new CAT scan and the results have elevated their concern. He does not want to proceed without knowing more about her lungs.
Yesterday, we were shaken emotionally by the news. After many tears we stood back up on the Rock.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Jerry
Ps. 40:1-3
He has requested that Debbie have a PET scan tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.
Basically it is a way to take better pictures and get a better diagnosis then a CAT scan or an X-ray. The PET scan will scan her body from mid-thigh to her neck.
The surgery has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at 12:30pm, at the OU Med Center, Presbyterian Tower.
The doctors did not seem concerned about her lungs when we met with them last Tuesday. She had a new CAT scan and the results have elevated their concern. He does not want to proceed without knowing more about her lungs.
Yesterday, we were shaken emotionally by the news. After many tears we stood back up on the Rock.
Your prayers keep lifting us up.
Jerry
Ps. 40:1-3
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Debbie’s surgery has been postponed until Monday or Tuesday of next week. The surgeon called us this morning.
His reason is that Debbie has some spots on her lungs that need to be tested. He said that he wants to know more before he operates.
This was certainly a shock to Debbie and to all of us.
We will update you as we receive more information.
Jerry
His reason is that Debbie has some spots on her lungs that need to be tested. He said that he wants to know more before he operates.
This was certainly a shock to Debbie and to all of us.
We will update you as we receive more information.
Jerry
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Debbie is feeling good
Last Sunday morning our church and our elders prayed for Debbie after our elders anointed her with oil. Debbie had taken some pain medicine before the service so she could sit through the service. Later that evening, some dear friends came to our house and prayed for Debbie. Since Sunday, she has been without the terrible pain that she had known for several weeks. She has not had any pain medicine since last Sunday. What a blessing this has been as she has prepares for the surgery and carries out her normal work load. Thank you Lord.
A new ultrasound taken the following Tuesday says the tumors are still present but her pain is gone.
Our faith and hope is strong and we ask you to continue to pray for Debbie to be healed as often as we come to your mind. Also pray for our perfect God to enable our skilled surgeons to perform a perfect surgery. And pray for our children to know the peace of God as we wait upon the Lord.
A new ultrasound taken the following Tuesday says the tumors are still present but her pain is gone.
Our faith and hope is strong and we ask you to continue to pray for Debbie to be healed as often as we come to your mind. Also pray for our perfect God to enable our skilled surgeons to perform a perfect surgery. And pray for our children to know the peace of God as we wait upon the Lord.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Update on Debbie
Debbie’s surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, at 1:00pm at the OU Medical Center.
We met our doctors yesterday. We believe that the Lord has directed us to stay in OKC and use these doctors.
Debbie is feeling great now. The symptoms are only minor and she is experiencing very little pain. She is full of energy.
We have started her on a nutritional plan and program that we believe the Lord has given us to boost her immunity system.
We trust that the extra week of waiting for the surgery is giving Debbie’s body a chance to build up for the trauma of the surgery.
We will know a lot more about what we are facing when the surgery is done. The doctors will analyze the tissue while Debbie is still on the operating table for the final confirmation that the tissue is malignant and how extensive the surgery needs to be.
The hospital stay is normally about 4 days. Recovery time from the surgery is normally about six weeks.
• Please pray for God to guide and empower Dr. Robert S. Mannel and his team to perform perfectly. We know only God can cause men to perform perfectly no matter how well they are qualified.
• Please pray for God to destroy every cancer cell. We know only God truly knows where all of these cells are located. All men’s vision is limited apart from the Lord’s divine inspiration.
• Please pray for Debbie’s body to respond well to the invasion by the surgeons. Pray that it will heal quickly and be divinely strengthened.
Our trust is in our Lord. Debbie is at peace and our hope is in God.
Ps 43:5
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
KJ
If you would like to e-mail Debbie, please send your e-mail to jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. She may not have time or strength to respond but she would love to hear from you.
We have also started a blog on the web. The address is http://debbieshealthupdate.blogspot.com
Prayerfully,
Jerry Wells
We met our doctors yesterday. We believe that the Lord has directed us to stay in OKC and use these doctors.
Debbie is feeling great now. The symptoms are only minor and she is experiencing very little pain. She is full of energy.
We have started her on a nutritional plan and program that we believe the Lord has given us to boost her immunity system.
We trust that the extra week of waiting for the surgery is giving Debbie’s body a chance to build up for the trauma of the surgery.
We will know a lot more about what we are facing when the surgery is done. The doctors will analyze the tissue while Debbie is still on the operating table for the final confirmation that the tissue is malignant and how extensive the surgery needs to be.
The hospital stay is normally about 4 days. Recovery time from the surgery is normally about six weeks.
• Please pray for God to guide and empower Dr. Robert S. Mannel and his team to perform perfectly. We know only God can cause men to perform perfectly no matter how well they are qualified.
• Please pray for God to destroy every cancer cell. We know only God truly knows where all of these cells are located. All men’s vision is limited apart from the Lord’s divine inspiration.
• Please pray for Debbie’s body to respond well to the invasion by the surgeons. Pray that it will heal quickly and be divinely strengthened.
Our trust is in our Lord. Debbie is at peace and our hope is in God.
Ps 43:5
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
KJ
If you would like to e-mail Debbie, please send your e-mail to jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. She may not have time or strength to respond but she would love to hear from you.
We have also started a blog on the web. The address is http://debbieshealthupdate.blogspot.com
Prayerfully,
Jerry Wells
Monday, September 25, 2006
A New Challenge For Our Family
On Wednesday, September 20, we received the news that Debbie has Ovarian Cancer. This diagnosis was made through an ultrasound and a CAT scan.
It appears that the cancer has spread into her abdomen area but not into her major organs. Our doctor says that it appears that it can be surgically removed. But because it has already spread from the ovaries, he is very concerned that it may develop somewhere else in her body after the surgery.
We see a surgeon Tuesday, September 26, and it appears Debbie will have surgery this week.
This came as a great surprise to us all since Debbie has appeared to be very healthy. She only went to the doctor because of the sudden onset of pain in her abdomen and a fever. We thought she had picked up a parasite on her recent trip to Africa.
Debbie has experienced remarkable peace which only comes to one who walks so close to the Lord. There have been many tears but God's peace is there. Debbie spoke to the church this past Sunday and we all felt the grace of God as she shared. She was then anointed with oil and the church leaders and the church prayed for her.
We are praying that the Lord will be merciful to us all and heal my precisous wife. Please pray for God's peace for the children and me. And please pray for wisdom as we are faced with various medical decisions.
It appears that the cancer has spread into her abdomen area but not into her major organs. Our doctor says that it appears that it can be surgically removed. But because it has already spread from the ovaries, he is very concerned that it may develop somewhere else in her body after the surgery.
We see a surgeon Tuesday, September 26, and it appears Debbie will have surgery this week.
This came as a great surprise to us all since Debbie has appeared to be very healthy. She only went to the doctor because of the sudden onset of pain in her abdomen and a fever. We thought she had picked up a parasite on her recent trip to Africa.
Debbie has experienced remarkable peace which only comes to one who walks so close to the Lord. There have been many tears but God's peace is there. Debbie spoke to the church this past Sunday and we all felt the grace of God as she shared. She was then anointed with oil and the church leaders and the church prayed for her.
We are praying that the Lord will be merciful to us all and heal my precisous wife. Please pray for God's peace for the children and me. And please pray for wisdom as we are faced with various medical decisions.
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