Update June 30, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

To all who have been keeping up with our journey, let me thank you. We both appreciate your thoughts and prayers. This week we have seen significant improvement in Ginny’s condition. Perhaps the best way to explain this is to let you read a copy of one of our care-givers report for Thursday written to all of us and the other care-givers. Here was the report:

THE GINNY REPORT

Thursday, June 28, 2007

“Ginny began her third round of chemo treatment today (almost to the half way mark).   …..Dr. Cheng said Ginny is definitely responding to treatment and went through the explanation (not much of which we understood) about the Aredia (the 3 hour infusion) which strengthens the bones to prevent breaking.  The cancer is responding the way they hoped it would, and if it continues that way, her stem cell transplant will be scheduled as planned in September.  Dr. C recognized Ginny’s improved outlook and increased strength.  He stayed for a very long time just visiting with us and grinning from ear to ear (we’re not sure why)  — very pleasant and most reassuring — . 

Dr. Vescio (stem cell doctor from UCLA) is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10.  On the way home, we picked up lunch at Baja Fresh – TWO tacos for Ginny with salty chips – she ate it all.  We shared from Luke chapter 4 (such a great book by an encouraging physician) and claimed the promises  Luke 4:40 NKJ …..“When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to HIM, and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.“  “He, Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”  Matthew 8:17b   

Two different walks around the circle outside – one after lunch and one about 5 p.m.  In between we visited, watched TV and shut our eyes.  No pain pills today! Chemo seems to tire Ginny a bit (I must have great empathy because it wears me out too).  It was a restful afternoon, but a special day once again to spend with a very special friend.

Oh yes, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DON & GINNY — July 3. — Who da thunk????“

As you can tell, we have some wonderful women giving tender loving care for Ginny. But here is some encouraging news received after her blood test. When the doctors first made their diagnosis, her blood tested 9,500 for the cancer protein. The test after the first round of chemo reduced it to about 5,000. Her test this week came back at 1,200. That was a significant “kicking back” against the cancer. The doctor was pleased with the progress she is making. So are we.

Ginny hopes to join me at church this Sunday for our communion service. We look forward to being with our church family around the Lord’s Table. We have so much to be thankful for. Also, as mentioned above, we will be celebrating our 42 wedding anniversary on July 3rd. We look back with such gratitude for all God’s blessings on us, our children, grandchildren and church. We look forward with hope for many more years together. We are a blessed people!

May Christ’s grace strengthen us all,

Don & Ginny

 

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Update June 24

Dear family and friends,

This has been a full week. Ginny has gone through it with the help of your prayers and assistance. Here is a look back over the week:

• On Monday Ginny had to say “farewell” to her sister “Dorthy” from Kansas. She came and stayed with us for a week. Her help and care greatly encouraged us both. When she left it was hard for Ginny to say goodbye. Her sisters mean so much to her.  We also took Ginny back to her school classroom to say “farewell” to her children and her many treasured teaching friends. The children were seated on the floor waiting to see her. When I wheeled her in I must admit there was a huge lump in my throat as I fought back some tears. This was her farewell to 24 years of teaching. We didn’t see this coming. I didn’t know how she would handle this moment seated in  a wheelchair in the midst of her class and having teachers enter the room to give her a hug. She amazed me. She greeted the kids and put them to ease. One moment she was consumed with grief and pain. The next she was comforting her class. She wanted to know about them. She applauded their achievements. She asked if they noticed the puffiness of her face. They said, “No” (they were prepared and taught well). After a short time, she was ready to leave. Her energy depleted. When we got her in the car she cried. It was a huge release of a lot of emotions. Next we drove her to the doctor’s office for another day of chemo. It wasn’t the way she had invisioned retirement. When she completes here chemo process we will think about a more appropriate retirement celebration. Carolyn stayed with her in the afternoon helping debrief the day.
• On Tuesday she was joined by Barb. They learned Ginny’s spine proceedure had been denied by our insurance company.   This was discouraging since she had hoped this proceedure would not only stablize her spine but help relieve her pain.  We learned it was rejected because they considered it “experimental” which it isn’t considered by many other insurance companies and doctors across the nation. We tried to make an appeal through our doctor. This request was also denied. A further appeal is being planned however her date of surgery had to be canceled.
• Wednesday she went to see Andrew ( one of her grandsons) graduate from sixth grade at her school. She felt a since of accomplishment since she had accompanied and mentored him there since kindergarten. She did a splendid job. Everyone treated her so well at the graduation. It was a short but a great way to reconnect with the school as well as celebrate her part in Andrew’s life and education. Her friend Beth picked her up from the graduation and cared for her the rest of the day. I was able to resume my duties for the week.
• Thursday was another long day at the doctor gettng an infusion to strengthen her bones. It took almost four hours. She was accompanied all that time by Arnette, one of the dear friends from the church who care for her five days a week.  I was able to go to the office and carry on a regular and long day thanks to her. Our daughter Carrie stayed with her until I got home late from an elder meeting.
• Friday was a recovery day. She enjoyed her time with Debby. Together they talked and planned her day. They made a shopping list and went to the store. Gin stayed in the car. In the evening we had a wonderful meal together with our daughter Christy.  The meal was another great gift from our incredible church.
• Saturday is a day at home and maybe a drive by the beach. It is the day I finalize my sermon for Sunday. I look forward to us having the day together. I will be preaching Sunday from Psalm 119. I have come to realize the messages I prepare and preach are as much for me as others. I will say, “When afflicted God’s Word gives hope in the midst of the impossible, When afflicted God’s Word remains faithful in the midst of  difficult times” and When afflicted God’s Word revives our faint hearts.” Also tomorrow we are looking forward to the baptisms of three of our grandchildren, Luke, Annie Druckrey and Siena Keck. We hope Gin will be able to attend.

 To all of you who so faithfully pray, write and care we both express our deepest appreciation. We are living what we believe to be true. Christ is our hope, Faithful Savior and Life-Giver. Thanks for sharing in our lives.

Hopeful,

Don & Ginny

June 16 Update

Dear family & friends,

Since our last update there is much to be gateful for. Let me share the many reasons why:

1. First we are overwhelmed with the love and care of so many. Your expressions of kindness continue to encourage and lift our spirits.  We’ve enjoyed meals of every imaginable kind….home prepared build a burger, comfort food casaroles, mexican enchaladas, persian cuisine, chinese dinners, italian pizzas not to mention beef & pork roasts & ribs, ham dinners as well as wonderful tossed and pasta salads. Every time we sit down to eat one of these meals we give thanks for the giver and the love behind them.  This has encouraged us in so many ways.

2. We are encouraged by the hundreds of cards and letters that just keep coming in. Some of you have sent several cards so that the effect of caring keeps on going day after day. 

3. We are encouraged by the progress Ginny is making. The cancer is reluctantly fighting back yet retreating with the chemo. Blood tests affirm this.  And because the cancer is dimenishing her pain is dimenishing as well.  A few weeks ago Ginny was wearing three pain patches and taking break through medications every four hours.  Today she is not taking any pain medication and  has reduced her pain patches down to one.  This has encouraged us all.

4. We were encouraged last Tuesday by hearing she is a candidate for a proceedure on the spine that should help fortify four places on her spine.  The date has been set for June 25th. This proceedure (“kephoplasty”) will require an overnight stay at Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills. This is being done to help prevent further compression of her spine. She has numerous lesions or erosions through out her spine but this is also an attempt not only to help elieviate her pain but also prevent further damage to her brittle bones. Ginny is getting pretty good using her walker. If possible she walks in front of our house three times a day with the help of a walker and a companion.

5. We are encouraged by the women who have formed a team to help us five days a week. They tend to our every need. This has encouraged Ginny beyond explanation. They show their love to her in so many ways.  They take her to the doctor for regular chemo treatments as well as walk with her and care for her. This has really helped me get back into the daily routine of my ministry. As they help Ginny they are ministering to me and my pastorate.

6. We are deeply encouraged by our family. Our daughters tend to us in so many ways… grocery shopping, helping their mom get ready for bed, taking her to the doctor, brining by the grandchildren and “therapy dog”.  For Father’s Day they invited me to join them on a picnic at a local park overlooking the ocean.  I was able to sit down and just enjoy being with my kids, sons n laws and my grandkids. They are my true delight. They each designed and drew Father’s Day cards for me. Hallmark couldn’t say what that meant to me. Ginny and I are so blessed to be so loved.

7. We are encouraged by having “Dorthy from Kansas” (her sister) this week.  She joyfully took many of my duties and showered her sister with TLC. They are a team to be reckoned with.  “Dottie” came in with a whirlwind and will leave on a plane Monday.  We will miss her BIG  TIME!

8. We were encouraged last Sunday night when Ginny was able to attend our church choir concert. Eventhough we were unable to be there through the entire concert it was a delight. Ginny wanted to show her love and appreciation to the church, the choir and all those who minister alongside me. 

 On Monday next week, Lord willing, Ginny hopes to return to her school before the school year ends to see the children in her class. It will be a very touching day for us all. It is a farewell to the children as well as a farewell to 23 years of teaching.  Its hard to watch all these things come to a sudden and abrupt end but we are also hopeful to enjoy uncertain days ahead together. On July 3rd we will be celebrating 44 years of marriage! I fondly think back over those years giving thanks for every year we’ve had together. What an adventure! How blessed to have each other! How blessed to be a pastor! How blessed to have our family & grandkids! How blessed to have the Lord!

As you think of us be in prayer as we learn to persevere. Our goal is to get the myeloma in remission so we can have a stemcell transplant for her by October. In the mean time we are taking one day at a time…encouraged by you and blessed by the Lord.

Yearning for Christ

Don & Ginny

  

Update June 9

Dear Family & Friends,

 I am so thankful to give some good news for a change.  Ginny had some rough days early in the week with pain and fatigue. On Thursday, however, our doctor told us a recent blood test showed about a 70% decrease in a cancer protein marker. He was encouraged with this progress. He also ordered another MRI on her spine to determine if there were any new fractures. The results came back Friday night. They discovered a fracture in another part of her spine. Because of this she will be referred on to a spine specialist to see if she is a candidate for a proceedure called a kephoplasty. If so we hope she can have this done as soon as possible. This may decrease her constant pain. She wanted to know what they were doing tomorrow.

She is able to walk a bit more freely by using a walker. This is to relieve the pressure on her bones.  She is taking less pain medicine which helps her think more clearly.  One day this week she asked rather discouraged, “What should I do? I have cancer.” My response was “persevere! You focus on getting better. You don’t have to be nice. Nor do you have to appear spiritual for others.  If you don’t feel like visitors read your letters and emails. Rest in your faith that you have been justified. If you can’t pray there are hundreds of people praying for you. If you can’t do much at all let the many people who are surrounding you help.”

I was so glad I could offer the hope of resting in Christ while trying to survive pain and suffering.  I don’t know how other people can do this without the assurance of God’s infinite love and sovereign grace. He is in this with us by using you.

Monday Ginny hopefully will be able to go to the school district office to sign official papers for her retirement. Its too bad she has to retire without the joy of being with the people she so loved to work with and the children she enjoyed in her class. We are praying this day will come before school lets out for the summer.

Again, thanks to all our faithful prayer partners and helpers in our difficulty.  You have given us support, help, encouragement and hope. 

Let us know how we can pray for you.

Christ is our portion

Don & Ginny

June 6 Update

Dear Family & Friends,

 Yesterday, Ginny met with her oncologist for a update. Blood levels seem to be holding eventhough she still has shifting bone pain from the back, hip and sternum.  Because of this the doctor has put on hold for now the medical proceedure that addresses her ”hot spots” on the spine to relieve the pain. This possibility will be up for evaluation as we continue through the chemo cycles. If the pain seems to localize and be specific a kephoplasty will be considered again. Until then she begins the 2nd of six chemo cycles this Thursday. The final cycle is hoped to be completed some time in September.  At that point Lord willing she will be elgible for a stemcell transplant. Right now Ginny has some stronger days than others and some up days as well as down days.

We are overwhelmed with the continual flow of cards, letters, emails, blog messages and visits.  She isn’t up to many visits yet. Our goal is to get her to see the children in her school class. She misses them and her teacher friends. We also hope to get her to a church service or music concert when she has enough strength. Until then we are just trying to get her feeling better while continuing the chemo treatments which have various side effects.

Our great friends from the church have organized a team of women to care for Ginny five days aweek. They tenderly care for her and help with house chores without a complaint from her grateful husband. He is able to go to church and put in a reduced weekly schedule that includes preaching and performing weddings. For this he is so grateful.  The church also is feeding us with wonderful meals.  Her husband is adjusting his belt and trying to see his shoes. All he sees now is the tip of the shoe. Some exercize and discipline are in order. We just don’t know how to thank each of you for these many ways of showing Christ’s love for us.

 Ginny’s sister, “Dorthy from Kansas”is returning to spend some time with us. She is a welcome addition to Ginny’s day.  Our daughters, son n laws and grandchildren continue to care for us in so many ways. One of them is assigned “daughter of the day” (DOD). We even have a “grand-dog” we call “Therapy-Dog”. How’s that for a complete caring family?

 Thanks to all of you who express your care in so many different ways. We are doing well…somedays a little more rested than others and somedays a little more encouraged than others but we keep trusting the Lord. We cling to various biblical promises, each with hope. “in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love continue to comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live..” (Ps. 119:75-77) 

We don’t know our Lord’s plan but we know His heart. It is good! We don’t know his purpose but we know His power. It is omnipotent! We don’t know the future but we know His promise….eternal life!…it begins now and goes on forever more.

We are Christians! Christ is our portion!

Don & Ginny Smith