Debbie's red blood count and platelet count was low last week so they delayed treatment until this week. She is scheduled to receive the treatment on Wednesday. Please continue to pray for the treatment to find it's target and to destroy all the cancer cells. Please continue to pray for protection for Debbie's good cells and the rest of her vital organs. Pray for Debbie to know God's peace as she faces another treatment.
In my series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing the title of my message yesterday was He Is Good. Although my text is from the scripture, I have seen this message in Debbie's life. She believes that God is good in spite of her suffering.
1 Chron 16:34
34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
KJV
She is such an inspiration to all of us as we walk with her through these difficult days. God's grace keeps lifting her up with each new challenge.
The most recent challenge was a blood transfusion on Friday due to her low blood counts. Thank you for standing with us at such a time as this.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Fifteen Weeks After Surgery
Debbie resumed exercising this week. She is walking nearly two miles on the tread mill. We are very grateful to the Lord that she is able to resume something that she so thoroughly enjoys.
Joel Morris went to be with the Lord yesterday. Below is the latest blog from his father. Please continue to pray for the family.
"The Lord chose to take Joel to be with Him in glory around 4:30 PM this afternoon. We are at home and we will try to share more of our last day with Joel some time later. Please know that we so much appreciate all of you who have supported us through this trial. Joel had such an impact on so many people. It was a privilege as his father to spend these days and nights with him as he fought a good fight for life. His life is such a blessing to us, pray for our family as we go through these days...."
Thank you for standing with us and with the Morris family at such a time as this.
Joel Morris went to be with the Lord yesterday. Below is the latest blog from his father. Please continue to pray for the family.
"The Lord chose to take Joel to be with Him in glory around 4:30 PM this afternoon. We are at home and we will try to share more of our last day with Joel some time later. Please know that we so much appreciate all of you who have supported us through this trial. Joel had such an impact on so many people. It was a privilege as his father to spend these days and nights with him as he fought a good fight for life. His life is such a blessing to us, pray for our family as we go through these days...."
Thank you for standing with us and with the Morris family at such a time as this.
Monday, January 22, 2007
One Hundred And Three Days After Surgery
Debbie’s schedule for treatments has changed. She was supposed to have her sixth and final scheduled treatment this Wednesday, January 24. This treatment has been delayed because her red blood cell count is low. She will have more lab work done next Monday, January 29, and our doctor will make a decision on how to proceed when he gets the results.
One of the most difficult lessons in our Christian walk is to accept that the things that appear to be curses are blessings in disguise. Was the captivity of Joseph a curse or a blessing? Was the betrayal of Daniel a curse or a blessing? Was the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul a curse or a blessing?
These events appeared to be a curse but they were all blessings in disguise. Debbie and I hope that you will see the trials that you experience as blessings rather than a curse. And pray for us and our children to maintain this perspective as we face each new challenge.
One of the most difficult lessons in our Christian walk is to accept that the things that appear to be curses are blessings in disguise. Was the captivity of Joseph a curse or a blessing? Was the betrayal of Daniel a curse or a blessing? Was the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul a curse or a blessing?
These events appeared to be a curse but they were all blessings in disguise. Debbie and I hope that you will see the trials that you experience as blessings rather than a curse. And pray for us and our children to maintain this perspective as we face each new challenge.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ninety Seven Days After Surgery
Debbie had her fifth treatment last Wednesday. She is now suffering from a cold. Because her immune system is low we are very concerned. We would appreciate your prayers for her healing.
Her next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24. After that treatment she will have a CAT scan to determine if there will be more treatments.
Thank you again for your prayers and for standing with us at such a time as this.
Her next treatment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24. After that treatment she will have a CAT scan to determine if there will be more treatments.
Thank you again for your prayers and for standing with us at such a time as this.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Ninety Days After Surgery
Debbie had a doctor's appointment today. Her 5th chemotherapy treatment is tomorrow. All of her blood work was good. Her CA 125 count is down to 23. She is feeling very good. She says, "almost normal." Thank you for your prayers.
Please pray for Debbie has she endures another treatment. It is hard for a cancer patient to go in for treatment when they either already feel terrible or they feel really feel good. The treatment only makes you feel alot worse if you already feel bad and it is like infecting yourself with the flu or worse if you really feel good. Debbie is my heroe for many reasons. She is the mother of my eight children. I can add to the list her attitude as she faces a debilitating treatment. Pray for her strength to be renewed quickly after the treatment. Pray for protection from destructive side affects for the organs in her body. Pray for the chemo to find the cancer and kill it.
Our little friend Joel Morris is battling for his life. Complicatons have caused him to go into a deep coma. For updates on his condition go to..... http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Below are sermon notes from my most recent message to our church. I think you will enjoy the story about Debbie and her $100.00.
He keeps Me Singing!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
On December 12, Debbie and I were driving to the hospital. Debbie was going to receive her third chemotherapy treatment. Debbie had been praying for a particular sum of money to use as a Christmas gift for a friend. As we were driving down interstate 35, I heard her gasp. She had just opened a card and enclosed was a gift of $100.00. This was the very amount for which she had prayed. Debbie was able to give this gift a few days later. The following Sunday, one of our faithful members approached Debbie. He said that he and his wife had been praying about giving her a gift. He then handed her $100.00. My birthday was the next week. And Debbie was able to use the money to buy gifts for me. It is always more meaningful to Debbie when she can buy me a gift for me from money that I have not earned. Debbie bought me several gifts for my birthday which was on December 22. After my birthday but before Christmas Debbie was opening a card from a friend in Yukon and inside the card there was a gift for $100.00. I asked Debbie what she intended for that $100.00 and she said that she wanted to do something fun with for all the kids. And that is what we did. A few days later, on December 26, Debbie was opening our mail. One of the cards was from friends that live over seas. When Debbie opened the card, enclosed with the card was a gift for $100.00.
I guess you are wondering what Debbie is going to do with this $100.00. We have taught our children that you cannot out give God. I believe there is a return on every gift we give to the church or to others if our motive is right. Several of our children offered to be the next recipient. Debbie is still praying about what to do with this $100.00.
I love to tell these kinds of stories. We have seen the hand of God upon our lives in so many ways this last year. And we are so grateful for every one of you that has been His hands and feet to us.
When you are walking in the darkness; when you are praying for God to change your circumstances but heaven is silent and you cannot see any light, it can appear that God has forsaken you. Even though God does not always change our circumstances the way we want Him to, He is always faithful to let us know that He is there and that He cares. And so many times He uses the body of Christ to reveal to us that He is there.
Our greatest challenge when we walk in darkness is to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God.
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
In the last 5 weeks, we have learned these names for our God.
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
This morning I want us to focus on…. He Is Comforter!
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
Comfort means to sigh or breathe strongly. It is what we do when we feel sorry for someone because they are suffering. It means to pity or to console.
God is a comforter! He is a person with a personality. He is not indifferent to our sufferings because He knows the outcome. Our tears are important to Him and they move Him.
Ps 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
KJV
I have never felt such pity as I have felt for Debbie. To see her lose her health and her strength has been so painful. The comfort I can give her is so limited. I can be there for her. I can sigh and breathe strongly. I can cry with her. But I know that my consolation is not all that she needs.
She needs to know that her heavenly Father also feels sorry for her. She needs to know that He is not indifferent to both her emotional and physical pain. She needs to know that He can really identify with her.
And He can! Jesus is the Son Of Man who has been touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Heb 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
KJV
We feel the most lonely when we think no one understands how we feel. And we feel especially lonely when we think that those who could change our circumstances do not understand how we feel.
He always understands because He has been there.
Isa 53:1-4
53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
KJV
And if we believe He understands our pain because He has been there, we will be comforted.
He is comforter!
But this truth is not the only way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us promises that no one else can give us.
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
A promise gives us Hope. And where there is Hope There Is Life! And our greatest promise is the resurrection of the dead.
God’s promise for Zion in Isaiah 51:3 will not be fulfilled until the final restoration of all things.
Rev 21:1-5
21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
KJV
When the dead are raised and the last judgment is past, this is His promise; no tears, no more death; no sorrow; nor crying; no more pain; for the former things are passed away.
When those we love are walking in darkness, we would like to comfort them by giving them assurance that there will be light and that there current circumstances will change.
We must be very careful that we do not promise anything that God does not promise. We must avoid kindling our own fire in our efforts to comfort others.
Isa 50:11
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
KJV
We may pray that God will change their circumstances.
But we should only offer those promises that He offers. Men’s promises can leave you disillusioned and damaged as they leave you behind in heap of false guilt. God’s promises are always true. And that is why…
He is Comforter!
But there is another way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us His Spirit.
John 14:16-18
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
KJV
There are places in the darkness where only God can walk with us. One of those places is the darkness of death. Our loved ones can walk with us through many trials. And there presence is very comforting. But only God can walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Ps 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
KJV
And He gives us His Spirit so that we never have to be alone.
He is comforter!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
I would do you a disservice if I did not tell you that what lies before you. There is a trial in which you will have to walk in darkness. You will pray for God to change your circumstances but heaven will be silent and you will not see any light. It will appear that God has forsaken you.
Ps 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
KJV
You will be faced with a choice. Will you trust in the name of the Lord?
Let us know God by knowing His name! Let us trust in His name! Let us stay upon Him because…
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
He is Comforter
How do you need to know Him this morning? He stands at the door of our heart and knocks.
Rev 3:20-22
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There is great reward if we will trust Him in the darkness.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
KJV
Please pray for Debbie has she endures another treatment. It is hard for a cancer patient to go in for treatment when they either already feel terrible or they feel really feel good. The treatment only makes you feel alot worse if you already feel bad and it is like infecting yourself with the flu or worse if you really feel good. Debbie is my heroe for many reasons. She is the mother of my eight children. I can add to the list her attitude as she faces a debilitating treatment. Pray for her strength to be renewed quickly after the treatment. Pray for protection from destructive side affects for the organs in her body. Pray for the chemo to find the cancer and kill it.
Our little friend Joel Morris is battling for his life. Complicatons have caused him to go into a deep coma. For updates on his condition go to..... http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Below are sermon notes from my most recent message to our church. I think you will enjoy the story about Debbie and her $100.00.
He keeps Me Singing!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
On December 12, Debbie and I were driving to the hospital. Debbie was going to receive her third chemotherapy treatment. Debbie had been praying for a particular sum of money to use as a Christmas gift for a friend. As we were driving down interstate 35, I heard her gasp. She had just opened a card and enclosed was a gift of $100.00. This was the very amount for which she had prayed. Debbie was able to give this gift a few days later. The following Sunday, one of our faithful members approached Debbie. He said that he and his wife had been praying about giving her a gift. He then handed her $100.00. My birthday was the next week. And Debbie was able to use the money to buy gifts for me. It is always more meaningful to Debbie when she can buy me a gift for me from money that I have not earned. Debbie bought me several gifts for my birthday which was on December 22. After my birthday but before Christmas Debbie was opening a card from a friend in Yukon and inside the card there was a gift for $100.00. I asked Debbie what she intended for that $100.00 and she said that she wanted to do something fun with for all the kids. And that is what we did. A few days later, on December 26, Debbie was opening our mail. One of the cards was from friends that live over seas. When Debbie opened the card, enclosed with the card was a gift for $100.00.
I guess you are wondering what Debbie is going to do with this $100.00. We have taught our children that you cannot out give God. I believe there is a return on every gift we give to the church or to others if our motive is right. Several of our children offered to be the next recipient. Debbie is still praying about what to do with this $100.00.
I love to tell these kinds of stories. We have seen the hand of God upon our lives in so many ways this last year. And we are so grateful for every one of you that has been His hands and feet to us.
When you are walking in the darkness; when you are praying for God to change your circumstances but heaven is silent and you cannot see any light, it can appear that God has forsaken you. Even though God does not always change our circumstances the way we want Him to, He is always faithful to let us know that He is there and that He cares. And so many times He uses the body of Christ to reveal to us that He is there.
Our greatest challenge when we walk in darkness is to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God.
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
KJV
In the last 5 weeks, we have learned these names for our God.
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
This morning I want us to focus on…. He Is Comforter!
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
Comfort means to sigh or breathe strongly. It is what we do when we feel sorry for someone because they are suffering. It means to pity or to console.
God is a comforter! He is a person with a personality. He is not indifferent to our sufferings because He knows the outcome. Our tears are important to Him and they move Him.
Ps 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
KJV
I have never felt such pity as I have felt for Debbie. To see her lose her health and her strength has been so painful. The comfort I can give her is so limited. I can be there for her. I can sigh and breathe strongly. I can cry with her. But I know that my consolation is not all that she needs.
She needs to know that her heavenly Father also feels sorry for her. She needs to know that He is not indifferent to both her emotional and physical pain. She needs to know that He can really identify with her.
And He can! Jesus is the Son Of Man who has been touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Heb 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
KJV
We feel the most lonely when we think no one understands how we feel. And we feel especially lonely when we think that those who could change our circumstances do not understand how we feel.
He always understands because He has been there.
Isa 53:1-4
53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
KJV
And if we believe He understands our pain because He has been there, we will be comforted.
He is comforter!
But this truth is not the only way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us promises that no one else can give us.
Isa 51:3
3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
KJV
A promise gives us Hope. And where there is Hope There Is Life! And our greatest promise is the resurrection of the dead.
God’s promise for Zion in Isaiah 51:3 will not be fulfilled until the final restoration of all things.
Rev 21:1-5
21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
KJV
When the dead are raised and the last judgment is past, this is His promise; no tears, no more death; no sorrow; nor crying; no more pain; for the former things are passed away.
When those we love are walking in darkness, we would like to comfort them by giving them assurance that there will be light and that there current circumstances will change.
We must be very careful that we do not promise anything that God does not promise. We must avoid kindling our own fire in our efforts to comfort others.
Isa 50:11
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
KJV
We may pray that God will change their circumstances.
But we should only offer those promises that He offers. Men’s promises can leave you disillusioned and damaged as they leave you behind in heap of false guilt. God’s promises are always true. And that is why…
He is Comforter!
But there is another way that He comforts us. He comforts us by giving us His Spirit.
John 14:16-18
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
KJV
There are places in the darkness where only God can walk with us. One of those places is the darkness of death. Our loved ones can walk with us through many trials. And there presence is very comforting. But only God can walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Ps 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
KJV
And He gives us His Spirit so that we never have to be alone.
He is comforter!
Isa 50:10
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
I would do you a disservice if I did not tell you that what lies before you. There is a trial in which you will have to walk in darkness. You will pray for God to change your circumstances but heaven will be silent and you will not see any light. It will appear that God has forsaken you.
Ps 22:1
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
KJV
You will be faced with a choice. Will you trust in the name of the Lord?
Let us know God by knowing His name! Let us trust in His name! Let us stay upon Him because…
He is Lord
He is Father
He is Savior
He is Redeemer
He is Comforter
How do you need to know Him this morning? He stands at the door of our heart and knocks.
Rev 3:20-22
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
There is great reward if we will trust Him in the darkness.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
KJV
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Twelve Weeks After Surgery
Happy New Year! We are very grateful for the three months the Lord has given us with Debbie since the surgery. We consider every day to be such a gift.
Debbie had her fourth treatment last Wednesday. By Friday she was very tired. Today she is feeling very good and should attend church this evening.
Please pray specifically for her bladder function. Physically, this has been Debbie's greatest source of discouragement in the last few weeks. Please pray for healing, relief from pain, and that it would function normally.
The doctors are not sure if the problem is created by her surgery, the treatment, or the disease. There will not be another CAT Scan until after the sixth treatment.
Please continue to pray for Joel Morris who is three years old and suffering from bone cancer. He begins a new round of chemotherapy treatments today. For more specifics on how to pray his blog site is...
http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Also continue to pray for our good friend Dr. Jim Hogin. He has been such a help to us during this most difficult time. He has been battling a brain tumor. He is doing well. His blog site is....
http://www.drhoginupdate.blogspot.com/
Thank you for keeping up with us. I will try to send an update at least once a week unless there is other news I feel needs to be published.
I have been preaching a series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing. If you would like the notes to these sermons just e-mail me at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. This is also where you can send an e-mail to Debbie.
Debbie had her fourth treatment last Wednesday. By Friday she was very tired. Today she is feeling very good and should attend church this evening.
Please pray specifically for her bladder function. Physically, this has been Debbie's greatest source of discouragement in the last few weeks. Please pray for healing, relief from pain, and that it would function normally.
The doctors are not sure if the problem is created by her surgery, the treatment, or the disease. There will not be another CAT Scan until after the sixth treatment.
Please continue to pray for Joel Morris who is three years old and suffering from bone cancer. He begins a new round of chemotherapy treatments today. For more specifics on how to pray his blog site is...
http://weloveyoujoel.blogspot.com/
Also continue to pray for our good friend Dr. Jim Hogin. He has been such a help to us during this most difficult time. He has been battling a brain tumor. He is doing well. His blog site is....
http://www.drhoginupdate.blogspot.com/
Thank you for keeping up with us. I will try to send an update at least once a week unless there is other news I feel needs to be published.
I have been preaching a series of messages called He Keeps Me Singing. If you would like the notes to these sermons just e-mail me at jerrywellsfam@sbcglobal.net. This is also where you can send an e-mail to Debbie.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day
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!
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!
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
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