New Update from Jud and Jan -- First CaringBridge Journal Entry
Dear Friends of Jud and Jan,
Most of you are aware that Jud has been undergoing a tough inpatient chemotherapy regimen at Massachusetts General Hospital ahead of a possible stem cell transplant. This treatment is for his Acute Myeloid Leukemia. You’ll recall that, about three years ago, he was treated for two lymphomas and a myeloma and, thanks be to God, has had a remarkably good run since then. A few months ago, he began to be symptomatic again and, following recent surgery to remove his spleen, his AML—a FOURTH and very serious cancer—was diagnosed!
Following an intense regimen of inpatient chemotherapy at MGH, he is having a bone marrow biopsy today (Thursday). The results could come as soon as tomorrow and will help determine their next step.
They cannot communicate individually with the great crowd of witnesses—that would be us—looking on from the outside, praying and hoping for the best for them. So Jan has asked that this CaringBridge site be created to serve as a vehicle for them to communicate with us and for us to send them our love and encouragement. Jan says they do not need us to be doing anything so much as they need for us to be praying. Jud can’t have visitors outside the immediate family right now. He can’t have fresh flowers or fruit baskets in the hospital. They don’t need meals. Instead, they would like us to pray:
for no infections during these critical days
for wisdom in deciding what to do with the information that will come out of his bone marrow test
for the peace of God
Jan would also like you to know that they struggle to find words sufficient to express their gratitude to their family, to the loving Gordon College community, and to other dear friends who are on this journey with them. Their daughter, Heather, and her spouse, Matt, their son, Chad, and his spouse, Kristina, have been so present, taking turns staying overnight with Jud, consulting with his doctors (both Heather and Matt are physicians), and being there for their mother in many helpful ways. Then there’s the little troop of grandchildren praying from afar, calling, sending notes, and drawing pictures for their “Popo’s” hospital room. When ten-year-old Luke, Heather and Matt’s middle child, was asked what he thinks about all this, he said, “I choose hope.”
Please pray for their strength and wisdom and peace, and please use this site to let them know you’re pulling for them.
23 Comments
Tom & I are continually and fervently praying for both of you. We're asking the Lord to send special grace, mercy, contentment, and joy as well as complete healing.
I've just finished reading the most recent, stunningly good update about Martha Giltinan and her battle with AML. Before a stem cell transplant, her leukemia cells are being significantly reduced. I trust that will come as a real encouragement to you, Jud and Jan--along with all the prayers our Lord is receiving for your healing and health, Jud--
Jud and Jan,
Praying that you will experience mini-miracles each day that will encourage you and show you God's faithfulness.
Janet & Ken Arndt
Cont'd... i have taken this saying to a new level! Xoxoxo
Hi Jan and Jud!
Im praying like crazy for smooth sailing over the weeks in the hospital- for peace and joy despite circumstances!
I love you guys! Wish I could send a little care package from CA! But prayers are coming!
Love, Shauna
PS- I have to tell you about my latest parenting statefy with my 4 y/o, Gideon. He has an inherited tendency to quit whatever he is doing before the task is completed. Chad used to imitate you (Jan) saying, FINish your job!
We join with the Gordon community - the place you call home - praying for you, Jud. Be strong and know that you are loved by so many. Claiming the hope along with Basil. God be with you this day.
Bob, Barb
Bailey, Bobby and Cameron
@ 27 Martel Road ("your" house)
Dear Jud and Jan,
Over my many years ar Gordon I have been inspired by your devotion to your faith. May God keep you strong as you face this latest challenge, and may you be aware of the many prayers being offered up for you and your family.
We love you, Jud and Jan, and are praying words of hope and faith and healing for you. Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing! xoxo
Praying.
Our arms around you.
We all need encouragement for our faith to be strong during trials.
Jud and Jan, you are our model. May God lead and heal by His grace.
You are constantly in our prayers.
We love you and hope with you, Jan, Jud, Chad, and all your family.
Jud, Jan, and family,
May you sense as never before the presence of God.
Paul Borgman
We echo Basil's sentiment and choose hope as well!
We are on our knees in pray for you, Jud, Jan & your sweet family.
We pray for protection, wisdom & peace.
Know you are adored by the Rourke & Swenson family!
Kari, Jeff & kids
Marcia & David too
Hope is a good choice. With God all things are possible as Jesus said this to his disciples after the passage about the rich young man. Jud, may God's strength and protection fill you today.
- Beckie
Janet and I are praying for you as well.
Russ
Praying with you and praying for you, Jud and Jan! Much love to you both!
We choose hope too, Jud and Jan! Much love, many prayers and God's peace be with you now and always.
Pam Mulvihill
Jud and Jan: you are both in my prayers and I will continue praying for both of you, especially that Christ's peace will sustain you during this time.
We are standing with you, Jud and Jan. We continue to pray and to hope. Bless you this day!
Sue and I pray for Jud's return to good health and for the Carlberg family during this time.
Jud and Jan - you both have been such inspirations to me always, and I continue to pray - particularly for the PEACE that passes all understanding. Praying for and loving you both, Gaynelle
Dear Jud and Jan,
I'm with Basil--let's choose hope. We continue to pray for you both as you make this journey.
Dick
Dear Jud and Jan,
We leave for Nigeria tomorrow, but we will take our thoughts and prayers with us. We think of you often and will keep in touch through this network when we return.
Our love to you both and to your family.
Roger and Karen
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