I now have a schedule for infusions 3 through 7. Each infusion will take 3-4 hours for the process with thorough blood work reviewed by either Dr. Mashru, the melanoma specialis who is overseeing the treatments, or a member of his team.
Infusion #3 – Jan. 14 (Opdivo + Yervoy)
Infusion #4 – Feb. 3 (Opdivo + Yervoy – is this the best present for Sherry’s birthday??)
Infusion #5 – Feb. 24 (triple strength Opdivo only from here on)
Infusion #6 – Mar. 9
Infusion #7 – Mar. 25
There will be a PET scan to check the impact of the infusions on the melanoma in my lungs and liver and an MRI of my brain to confirm that the Double Brain Zap destoryed the two nodules and to see if any new ones have metastasized into my brain. Neither have been scheduled yet.
I have a VERY packed teaching schedule involving a lot of travel beginning with a Jan. 10-11 trip to Boise for my Leadership Cohort class and to see Bethany Schlender, my non-legal Daughter, along with Jesse and their five. All of this has an asterisk beside it.
God’s word to me, “this is not the end – keep on with what you are doing” is a foundation I am living by. The almost non-existent side effects of the treatments is a confirmation of His word. The pure joy of pastoring and teaching a bunch of outstanding pastor/students keeps me eager to work so long as God continues to provide strength. My commitment is to watch my body – to go while there is strength and good sleep every night. When I am tired, I live out my New Mexico heritage and take siesta.
My long time friend, Bonnie Holland, sent me this verse: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Ps. 73:26 NLT) Whether I am strong or failing, I am strenghtened by the presence of the One who was “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (Isa. 53:3 NIV) Rather than explain suffering He entered fully into it to bring Joy, Hope, Peace and showed us how to “love your neighbor AND your enemy.”
I’m catching up and just read this today! I am so grateful for the word given to you and for the peace you have. Praying for health and rest in the midst of the infusions. Hopeful the repeat scans can be scheduled and will bring good news.
Gerry, I just stumbled upon this tonight. Mark and I respect you and your ministry. We are thankful for the ways (unknown to us) that you have encouraged and mentored Julia. We have faced cancer with loved ones. We will be supporting you and Sherry prayerfully. May God bless you both during this journey. To God alone be the glory.
Thank you so much, Laura and Mark. It is quite the process but God has given strength thus far. You did and do an amazing job of parenting, I have to say!
Read through your updates and I wanted to thank you for filling us in! Your testimony is shouting…many prayers!
Thank you, Tom. I deeply appreciate prayers, support and long time friendship from you and Sandy
What a great perspective with which to start the New Year! Thanks for the clear details and schedule. Will continue to pray for healing and Spirit-filled impact. And please tell Bethany and Jesse we say hello!
Thank you, Ben. I will definitely pass your greeting to Bethany & Jesse. They so appreciate you and Janet. I saw Claire Rusunen when I was in Bend and your names were in the conversation with gratitude
Thinking of you today in the New Year as I did thru the holidays with prayers for strength and healing. Continuing on can keep us focused on purpose and you inspire me and so many. God is glorified as you love out what you’ve taught. With love and sharing hope too as you go forward .
Karen
Thank you so much, Karen. I deeply appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement
Hey Gerry,
Siestas rule! Glad to see you honor them. Perhaps you could write a theology of napping…
Praying for you.
If I had any leading to write, a theology of napping would be a perfect topic!!
Gerry,
Phil and I continue to pray for your full recovery as well as for strength to keep giving away the decades of wisdom you’ve accumulated. You have influenced (and continue to shape) thousands of this generation’s leaders– including our son.
And no, that’s not a great birthday gift for your sweet Sherry!
Thank you for your prayers, Diane and Phil. You see the irony of that infusion on Sherry’s birthday. We will get a birthday dinner out with appropriate celebrations.
Oh Gerry… this is a good schedule. I hate to see you have to go through this. Praying for a good outcome with the infusions, and that The Great Physician has blasted out all the nodules in your brain, lungs and liver! The psalm of Asaph says, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!.” I pray that your health will not fail, and that your spirit won’t grow weak. I know that God is in your heart as you continue to pour out grace to everyone. I know that He is yours forever. May the New Year bring you excellent health, and continued peace in your heart!
Thank you, Bonnie. What a perfect Psalm. I am goint to add it to the post. Richest blessings on you, my Friend