update # 19 on Jewel

Great news today! We had a conversation with Jewel’s Oncologist Surgeon late this afternoon. The results of the pathology are now in. We could not have asked for a better report. Even though it was confirmed as clear cell cancer (one of the most aggressive forms of ovarian cancer.) the pathology report showed that there was no spread of cancer beyond the tumor attached to the ovary. In other words, the cancer seems to be contained.

So tonight we are rejoicing in God’s goodness and His grace. Will you join us in giving thanks to the Lord for this positive news today.

Even with this positive report Jewel will still receive chemotherapy. The plan at this point is to tentatively begin her first treatment on October 16^th. This will be followed five more treatments of chemo 3-4 weeks apart. We will also have a discussion about introducing radiation into the mix.

We are also encouraged by the progress that Jewel is making every day from the effects of her surgery. The concern at this point is her very low blood pressure which causes dizziness and impacts her energy level.

While the doctor was very positive about the pathology results she was pleasantly surprised there had been no spread of the cancer.

The verse of Scripture that jumped into our minds this evening was Psalm 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

update # 18 on Jewel

This is going to be a really short blog.

Today we took an early morning trip to the doctors where Jewel had her 21 staples removed. (Can you imagine how the buzzers would have been set off at an airport security.) Please continue to pray that Jewel would rest well at night and for continued healing.

Thanks for your ongoing love and concern.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 17 on Jewel

Last night was a tough night. Jewel had an adverse reaction to some new medication around 10 pm. However, through some fast medical intervention she was stabilized. Again we are grateful for caring friends. Jewel was able to get seven hours of sleep. It has been a long time since she got any where close to the amount of sleep. Jewel awoke this morning more refreshed. She really enjoyed being able to walk completely around the garden with more energy.

Today was the first day I went into the office since Jewel’s health took a turn for the worse. It was not easy being gone. I’m thankful that Natasha “held down the fort” while struggling through her re-entry and adjustment to life back in Canada.

I am also so grateful for our staff who have covered so many bases for me during this time of crisis.

Today we began to look at the future calendar. What appointments should be kept and what should be postponed, cancelled or passed on to someone else? Not easy decisions. I hope to have some clarity by the end of the week.

As I think of the decisions that have to be made, I am reminded of some reflections by Pastor Joe Stowell, He wrote:

It’s easy to think that Joshua and God’s people in the Old Testament were unusually blessed because God promised to be with them (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:9). But we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the same promise is given to us in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus Himself promised that He would not leave us as “orphans” but would send the Holy Spirit to be in us and with us (John 14:16-18). In fact, if anybody has an edge, we do! God dwells within us in the person of the Holy Spirit to convict, comfort, guide, and encourage. His 24/7 presence is waiting to be tapped and used no matter where we are or what we are facing. We have the full revelation of Scripture that the Holy Spirit uses to teach and direct our lives. No Bible hero had the privilege of having a Book that could be carried, read, memorized, and used in transforming ways to tell them everything they needed to know about God and themselves—but you and I do!

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 16 on Jewel

Justin and Natasha went off to Church this morning while I stayed home with Jewel. I think Natasha is pretty happy to be driving again after I put insurance on our car yesterday. It was real encouraging to see Jewel taking a short walk in our garden today. Jewel just loves to see the roses, which she has cared for so well.

Today, I made a ‘Sunday roast’ for dinner. (It’s been a while since I did that. :-) ) It was kind of fun doing it. Hopefully it was as enjoyable for those eating as it was for me making it!!!

While Jewel did not sleep well last night, she was not discouraged. She had a beautiful encounter with the Lord. As Jewel explained to me her worshipful experience she radiated this deep sense of joy and peace. The Lord is teaching her new and profound lessons as we continue this journey.

This afternoon we had a wonderful visit with my spiritual father Maurice and his wife Lois. As I look back on my life they have always been there at every key moment and crisis point. We are grateful for their loving support and encouragement.

Today I have been contemplating about some thoughts sent to me a couple of days ago by my good friend, Doug Birdsall, leader of the Lausanne Movement.

“Yesterday I preached in chapel at Gordon-Conwell on endurance, taking the passage from Hebrews 11:23-27, "Moses persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." As I was reflecting on the life of endurance, I was also re-reading Romans 8:28. It struck me that the "all things working together for good" is not so much about the "happy ending" to every challenge in life as it is about the fact that adversity serves to conform us more and more to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).”

For Jewel, our children and myself in spite of our current challenges it is our prayer and hope that people will see the authenticity and depth of our trust in the Living God. While the depth of our struggle is deep, the grace of God is even deeper.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 15 on Jewel

Jewel has had another good day. While she has not done a marathon yet she has made several laps inside the house. Although she continues to tire easily she does seem to be getting stronger. She also continues to adjust her medication to manage her pain. We are all encouraged to see her appetite returning.

As I looked at my calendar today, I realized that Jewel and Justin should have been in Thailand visiting Justin’s sick friend, Natasha should have been in Rwanda ministering to street kids and I should have been in Hungary speaking at global conference of College president’s and deans. Yet today we all gathered in our family room at home reminding ourselves that in spite of our circumstances, God is still in control and he His faithful in keeping His promises.

God filled our bible with over 7,000 promises of His love, care, and protection. These are part of the promises God gives us:

GOD IS OUR PROTECTOR

"The Lord is my light and my salvation: Whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1,3)

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble. . .for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

GOD IS OUR PROVIDER

"Do not worry then, saying what shall we eat or what shall we drink" . . .for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:17)

THE LORD PROMISES US PEACE

"Peace I leave you; My peace I give to you; not as the world give, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27)

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL TO US

"The Lord ís loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF OUR LIFE

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)

GOD PROMISES US A FUTURE AND A HOPE

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank you Lord for these great promises.

On the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 14 on Jewel

This has been a good day so far. When Natasha and I arrived at the hospital early this morning, Jewel was ready to come home. So within hour we had everything all packed up, some final paperwork and had her home in bed. I think I have lost track of the number of times she has smiled and said, “I am so happy to be home”.

At this point her pain seems to be well managed and she getting stronger as the day goes progresses. Our goal now is to help her regain her strength and prepare her for first round of chemotherapy. Of course we continue to wait on the results of the pathology to determine if there was any spread of the cancer.

I read to Jewel a number of the emails we received today. It is so humbling and encouraging to read them. Some come from dear and close friends we have known for years. Others have come from individuals with whom we have had brief encounters. Like the email, we received from a Christian leader living in Brazil who committed to pray daily for Jewel or the one from a leader in the Vatican. We are keenly aware that thousands of people around the world are praying for Jewel. What a privilege to be a part of God’s big family. We feel like we have a huge cheer leading section from every part of the globe.

As I think about this wonderful group of encouragers I’m reminded of the words of Gregory of Nyssa, one of the early church fathers in the 4th century.

At horse races, the spectators, intent on victory, shout to their favorites in the contest. From the balcony, they incite the rider to keener effort, urging the horses on while leaning forward and flailing the air with their outstretched hand instead of a whip.

He then goes on to say…

I seem to be doing the same thing myself most valued friend and brother. While you are competing admirably in the divine race, straining constantly for the prize of the heavenly calling, I exhort, urge and encourage you vigorously.

We are so grateful for all those shouting from the stands heartily encouraging us.

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff

Update # 13 on Jewel

Today was a pretty hard day for Jewel. She has now been detached from all the tubes and lines. Coming off her major pain medications, keeping her blood pressure up to the right level and dealing with the after effects of the surgery have been hard for her. However, it was good to see her get of bed and then walk with me arm in arm down the hallways of the hospital. As the day went on she gained strength.

Natasha was able to get Jewel laughing quite a bit. Although that had to be controlled because “belly laughing” can be quite painful.

We also had several conversations about her discharge from the hospital (which we hope will be tomorrow) and her ongoing care. We have found the hospital staff and the cancer specialists very accessible and able to answer many of our questions. Today we were told her tumor had grown to the size of a cantaloupe. We are so grateful it has now been removed.

We have now been told that her first appointment at the Cancer Clinic is going to be on October 14^th and hopefully followed by her first chemotherapy on October 15^th.

One of the things that Jewel and I talked about today was an appreciation of God’s perfect timing. Jewel came home from Africa on September 6^th and was scheduled to fly to Thailand on September 29^th. While some people have said it was “lucky” that Jewel was home during this short window of time we recognize it as God’s hand of mercy.

Jewel has been very encouraged with all personal visits, prayer and flowers. Thank you.

The following two verses have been very encouraging today.

Col. 1:11 "God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient."

2 Cor. 4:18 (NLT) "So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."

Yours on the Journey,

Geoff