October 26, 2011

This morning I read this in Psalm 37:3, 4.  Trust in the Lord and do good: dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

While I am not an advocate of any type of health, wealth, and prosperity theology I find this passage intriguing and encouraging. We are constantly trusting in the Lord and accepting the path before us. Although the path is not always clear we delight in what he is providing for us to move along the path. 

Our delight is in the Lord because if we delight in anything else we will never be satisified.


Kevin

Kevin's Update October 24, 2011

Well I am half way done with my first treatment regimen.  This week is a week off from treatments. Last week I had good reports from all the blood tests. All my numbers are improving and the staff at the Cancer Center tell me that I am doing very well.  The only major side effect I am facing has been increased insomnia.  Even that is a blessing because It gives me more time to study, pray, read, blog, and think.  Sometimes though, I'm not that energetic (smile).

I was fighting a cold this week and that seems to be clearing up.  I am very thankful for the prayers that are lifted up on my behalf.  Knowing that there are people all over the wold praying for me is very encouraging.

Last week as I was reading through Corinthians I came upon a very meaningful passage.  2 Cor 4:16-18 reminds us that there is a difference between the outward man and the inward man. Outwardly we are wasting away.  Inwardly we are renewed.  Your prayers are part of that renewal process for me. Each day, though I know my body is not doing what it is supposed to do, I find hope in the fact that this is only temporary and eternity is before me. I am renewed daily.  Be encouraged. Let God renew you daily too through placing your trust in Christ and the power of his life, death, and resurrection for your salvation.

Zach's First Marathon

A beautiful fall day in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.  The temperature was a brisk 50 degrees at 6 a.m. There were 10,000of your closest friends and acquaintances all around you. A party like atmosphere and eager anticipation filled he air.  Can you think of any better way to start your day than to run 26.1 miles??  Well, today in that atmosphere Zach completed his first marathon.  Here are some pictures of the event:

We started out staying warm in Crown Center.  Dad had to have his coffee!!

Zach smiling and ready to go

Our very great friend and Zach's encourager today - Terry Staley

Just before the race as the crowd gathered in the start zone

Zach, Terry Staley, and David Patterson waiting - and eager to go.  Terry and David both ran the Half-Marathon today and finished well.

Zach at the 9 mile point.  We didn't catch up to him again until mile number 24

Terry and David also at mile 9

Here is the finish line, just at about 11:20 a.m.

With Zach coming out of the banner

Here is your 2011 Kansas City Marathon, 17 and under SECOND PLACE finisher with a time of 4:15:58

WAY TO GO ZACH!! We are very proud of you. 

Kevin's Update October 15, 2011

 Friends,  This week I had two more appointments at the Cancer Center.  On Tuesday I began my second round of treatment.  No major issues and I felt good all day.  In fact on Wednesday I felt so good I spent 12 hours doing this:

Putting in an under tile heater in the bathroom

Tiling the bathroom

And ending up with a new floor

Thursday was not such a busy day.  The chemo usually takes a couple of days to kick in and that was true this week too.  So I was not feeling so great on Thursday.  It is not a "knock-me-on-my-back" kind of treatement but it does make me feel just a little off all day.  I have also had trouble sleeping this week and Thursday night/Friday morning got a whopping 2 hours of sleep.  Friday was a long day.

Friday I went for my second treatment of the week anticipating the return of an extra blood test they did on Tuesday.  That test was to show how effective the first round of treatment had been.  PRAISE the LORD!!  The major indicators in the bloodwork all improved dramatically.  The biggest indicator in the blood of a myeloma patient is the M-Spike.  My M-Spike began at 4.69, jumped to over 11 the week before we went to Hawaii in September and is now at 1.3.  What a dramatic improvement.  Strong indication that the treatment is having the effect we want.  So today, to celebrate, I went with Zach at 5 AM to downtown Kansas City, Missouri to watch him run in his first Marathon.  He did great and we will post that here too in a separate post because an accomplishment like that deserves one!!

Thanks for your prayers and your continued support.

Kevin

Kevin's Update 9 Oct 2011

All,  It has been a few days since I have updated you on my progress with my cancer.  This past week has been a week of no treatment.  Some of the side effects of the chemo have gone away.  I will start again on Tuesday this week. 

During my last visit with the doctor my blood work showed signs of improvement.  I have also seen a reduction in the primary visible indicator of my cancer.  All that means that the chemo is having the desired effect and fighting the cancer. 

Next week I will have a more in depth blood test and I will get the results of that on Friday.  Hopefully we will find a reduction in the cancer cells at that time.  That is how you can pray for us.  That the tests next week will show positive indications in the fight.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Kevin