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Everybody who is of a certain age remembers that famous line spoken
by commander Jim Lovell from the Apollo 13 spaceship during the aborted
lunar mission in April of 1970. Tom Hanks made the phrase even more
popular in the 1995 movie, Apollo 13.
So I just came from my nephrologist (kidney doctor) on Friday and I would have to echo the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem."
But first, the good news.
I have been back to Oasis of Hope, the integrative cancer clinic in California, for another round of treatments. It is a place of great encouragement for me. Being there lifts my spirits while at the same time making my body stronger to fight the cancer. The optimism and dedication of the staff, as well as the interaction with the other cancer patients, is healing in itself.
Upon returning home I had a CT Scan of the trunk of my body. Results of the scan were encouraging. The scan showed no growth of the tumors in my lungs or kidney bed since my very first scans beginning in January. That might not seem like much to you, but to me it was a great victory. Even my oncologist called the CT Scan comparison "remarkable." My lungs continue to sound clear with no obstruction in breathing. I still feel good and have no pain.
Furthermore, the large tumor on my thigh seems to be changing shape, softening and--dare I say it--receding? Yes, I dare. I haven't had any recent MRIs of the thigh area, so right now I'm going on what appears to be happening by observation and feel. I've had three medical professionals examine the tumor on the leg and all three agree that something is happening with the tumor and for now they are taking it as a good sign. We'll know more in a month when my next MRI is scheduled.
For now, the "problem" I would ask you to especially pray about is my one remaining kidney--that God would restore the function and filtering capability of the diseased organ. My kidney function has gotten worse since my cancer diagnosis, and we are not sure what is causing it. It could be many things. I am under the care of an excellent nephrologist whom I like and trust, but unlike many of today's maladies, you don't just take another pill and your kidney improves. No one knows how to restore kidney function. I'm not in deep trouble at this time, but we do have substantial concern about it. I am rather fond of that kidney.
So what does this have to do with Apollo 13?
Well, after one of our prayer meetings last February I received a letter from a good brother in our fellowship, John Newstrom. With his permission I share portions of that letter below:
"Many of us remember the vivid scares during the Apollo days of the space race during the late 1960's and into the early 70's when America launched Apollo 13. I don't care to elaborate, but more than one item went on the blink and failed to respond in order to return the men involved back to safety.
Yet, after all the severe equipment failures, all three men made it back to the earth without a hitch or scratch.
Without the dedicated ground control at the Cape and at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, such a rescue would have been impossible.
The dedicated members of Life Discovery, along with your family and other friends, appear to be in the process of attaining similar results......and with the divine power of Jesus, together will go far in an effort to place you into remission away from any threatening disease or symptoms of discomfort in the months to come."
So there you have it--ground control. Thanks, John!
I love the analogy, partly because I have always loved the history of our country's space program and partly because I could so easily feel like I am up there twirling around inside an out-of-control spaceship. Cancer can do that to you. But the Lord has grounded me and given me His peace, and I am aware that my life is sustained by the prayers of the faithful that are offered up daily...by the team in "ground control."
Thank you to all of you. God is good. I am blessed.
In His care,
Greg
So I just came from my nephrologist (kidney doctor) on Friday and I would have to echo the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem."
But first, the good news.
I have been back to Oasis of Hope, the integrative cancer clinic in California, for another round of treatments. It is a place of great encouragement for me. Being there lifts my spirits while at the same time making my body stronger to fight the cancer. The optimism and dedication of the staff, as well as the interaction with the other cancer patients, is healing in itself.
Upon returning home I had a CT Scan of the trunk of my body. Results of the scan were encouraging. The scan showed no growth of the tumors in my lungs or kidney bed since my very first scans beginning in January. That might not seem like much to you, but to me it was a great victory. Even my oncologist called the CT Scan comparison "remarkable." My lungs continue to sound clear with no obstruction in breathing. I still feel good and have no pain.
Furthermore, the large tumor on my thigh seems to be changing shape, softening and--dare I say it--receding? Yes, I dare. I haven't had any recent MRIs of the thigh area, so right now I'm going on what appears to be happening by observation and feel. I've had three medical professionals examine the tumor on the leg and all three agree that something is happening with the tumor and for now they are taking it as a good sign. We'll know more in a month when my next MRI is scheduled.
For now, the "problem" I would ask you to especially pray about is my one remaining kidney--that God would restore the function and filtering capability of the diseased organ. My kidney function has gotten worse since my cancer diagnosis, and we are not sure what is causing it. It could be many things. I am under the care of an excellent nephrologist whom I like and trust, but unlike many of today's maladies, you don't just take another pill and your kidney improves. No one knows how to restore kidney function. I'm not in deep trouble at this time, but we do have substantial concern about it. I am rather fond of that kidney.
So what does this have to do with Apollo 13?
Well, after one of our prayer meetings last February I received a letter from a good brother in our fellowship, John Newstrom. With his permission I share portions of that letter below:
"Many of us remember the vivid scares during the Apollo days of the space race during the late 1960's and into the early 70's when America launched Apollo 13. I don't care to elaborate, but more than one item went on the blink and failed to respond in order to return the men involved back to safety.
Yet, after all the severe equipment failures, all three men made it back to the earth without a hitch or scratch.
Without the dedicated ground control at the Cape and at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, such a rescue would have been impossible.
The dedicated members of Life Discovery, along with your family and other friends, appear to be in the process of attaining similar results......and with the divine power of Jesus, together will go far in an effort to place you into remission away from any threatening disease or symptoms of discomfort in the months to come."
So there you have it--ground control. Thanks, John!
I love the analogy, partly because I have always loved the history of our country's space program and partly because I could so easily feel like I am up there twirling around inside an out-of-control spaceship. Cancer can do that to you. But the Lord has grounded me and given me His peace, and I am aware that my life is sustained by the prayers of the faithful that are offered up daily...by the team in "ground control."
Thank you to all of you. God is good. I am blessed.
In His care,
Greg
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