A Note from Jud About the Next Phase of Treatment. Written today, October 1st, his 74th birthday. Jud's Journal Entry Nine.
Our alarm went off well before sunrise yesterday, and Jan and I joined the rush hour into Boston. While most of the traffic was heading to work, we were making the trek to MGH, where I was scheduled for more tests and consultations with my medical team. We were also there to make our final decision on the next treatment I’ll be receiving for my AML [acute myeloid leukemia].
After weighing the options with leading cancer specialists in Boston and beyond, having discussions with our family, and considering the risks, we decided to embrace the option of a stem cell transplant involving an anonymous donor who matches my profile almost perfectly.
My recent in-patient hospital treatment of 28 days was the first step in slowing down the rapid advance of my leukemia and preparing for this transplant. Since my response to that part of the treatment was excellent, my doctors recommended that we move to this next phase, although they were careful to advise us of the considerable risks.
So, next Thursday, October 9th, I will be admitted to MGH, where I will probably be for at least a month, if all goes well following the transplant. Then I will be released to home care and modified isolation, with frequent hospital out-patient check-ups, for an additional 70 days. All of that adds up to something like 100 days of both uncertainty and hope.
While in the hospital, I won’t have to worry about whether the alarm goes off each morning! From my recent experience, I expect a steady stream of caregivers will be checking on me day and night. So who needs clocks? They’re not important, anyway. It’s the people who matter, including each of you.
This week, my primary doctor told me that fully one-third of the ability to get through the marathon ahead is the love and caring from family and friends. So thank you for your prayers, your notes on CaringBridge, and your ongoing support for Jan and me. Beyond that, I can say with the psalmist, “Thank God, His love never quits!” (Psalm 136:1) No matter what the outcome, with this assurance, I am on my way!
Jud
42 Comments
I think we should make it at least one-half of the ability... is love and caring and change the research, since one-third is a low estimate in your case. We realize this was a big decision, which is why you have a big God who helped you make it. We know how to pray, so we are ready at this end.
Love (part of the 50%) Dale and Marty
Blessings to you as you navigate this treatment!!! Your life touches everyone whom you come in contact. Can't help but think this is a divine appointment for you!!!! May God give you strength and peace, and may the treatments be successful!!! He formed you and holds you now!!!
So glad to hear that you are going forward with treatment. We continue to hold you both up in prayer daily.
Happy Birthday a day late, Jud. What a birthday you had. You are definitely on your way and you are not alone. For that and for you and your family and friends, and for your doctors and the stem cell donor I give thanks, abundant thanks. May you go well.
Happy Birthday, Jud. The Women's Ministry team of Harvest Community Church in Kittanning are praying for you and for your dear wife as she sits by your side, holds your hand and prays.
Thanks for showing us trust in God in all seasons. We are thankful for your updates and commit to journey with you in prayer. The constant refrain of Psalm 136 is a great reminder of God's presence and faithfulness in all situations. Our love to you both!
Jay & Barb
Dear classmate and friend from eons ago,
I feel joined to you in a special way, having been thrown into the same college and college year with you, graduating together, continuing our journeys, and ending up here at Gordon together. You were a president for the entire campus, doing so well--as you did as president of the...freshman class was it? Thank you so much for your judicious leadership and kindly spirit. My confidence for you, friend, is what I take for myself, that for those who set themselves to love God with all their heart, mind, strength, and soul, all aspects of our life's journey will work together for the greatest good. We are free, free of the anxiety and fear that destroys love. Free to live each day in this love, of ours for God and God's for us.
With prayer for God's richest blessing, especially the 100 days ahead,
Paul
Dear Jud and Jan,
We read your note, and believe me--you encourage us so much with the grace of God that you evidence during these days. One thing that we can do to help is to continue our prayers for the both of you and for your family.
Our love,
Roger and Karen
"We rest on Thee our shield and our defender. We go not forth alone against the foe. Strong in Thy strength, safe in thy keeping tender, we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go. Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender, we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go!" Hang in there Jud and Jan!! You can do it! We love you both and will keep you in our prayers.
Jud, We love you and Jan and continue our prayers for you!!
Dearest Dr. C, the Lord has been with you, the Lord IS with you and the Lord WILL be with you! His mercy endures forever and nothing can ever separate you from His love. His plans are good, to give us a future. He is surely a loving, faithful God! He is with you! Love and hugs, from us.
We are saying our prayers for Maggie and Poco's Momo & Popo! And now we have a new tongue twister for our theater warm ups!
With prayer for your encouragement and strength and courage in this next phase, Jud, and a keen sense that you are never alone. Likewise, for Jan and all your loving family. And then of course for healing and joy on the other side.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name... Who heals all your diseases...who redeems your life from destruction...who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies...
Our deepest hearts' love, David and Suzy
Happy Birthday Jud! Along with God, our love never quits and neither will our prayers until you are successfully beyond the 100 days and we can once again hug you and rejoice and praise God together for His mighty wonders.
No one more prepared "to get through the marathon ahead" than you!
Our prayers continue ...
Jud-
You are a survivor! May God bless you and Jan with his grace at this time. Love is healing, so we send ours -
Wonderful to see you and Jan at the restaurant tonight. We follow you on your journey with love gratitude and prayer.
May God bless you during this time.
Dearest Dr. C, the Lord has been with you, the Lord IS with you and the Lord WILL be with you! His mercy endures forever and nothing can ever separate you from His love. His plans are good, to give us a future. He is surely a loving, faithful God! He is with you! Love and hugs, from us.
We are saying our prayers for Maggie and Poco's Momo & Popo! And now we have a new tongue twister for our theater warm ups!
With prayer for your encouragement and strength and courage in this next phase, Jud, and a keen sense that you are never alone. Likewise, for Jan and all your loving family. And then of course for healing and joy on the other side.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name... Who heals all your diseases...who redeems your life from destruction...who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies...
Our deepest hearts' love, David and Suzy
Happy Birthday Jud! Along with God, our love never quits and neither will our prayers until you are successfully beyond the 100 days and we can once again hug you and rejoice and praise God together for His mighty wonders.
No one more prepared "to get through the marathon ahead" than you!
Our prayers continue ...
Jud-
You are a survivor! May God bless you and Jan with his grace at this time. Love is healing, so we send ours -
Wonderful to see you and Jan at the restaurant tonight. We follow you on your journey with love gratitude and prayer.
May God bless you during this time.
Praying here too...and on your support team from a distance...glad you were able to get to this decision with the best of the best surrounding you on every side - doctors, Jan, family, friends and mostly the Lord.
Yes, indeed, his love endures forever! Prayerfully and gratefully, Steve and Ruth
Jud and Jan,
We are praying often for both of you!
May the Lord encourage you every day.
Harold and Jeanette
J & J,
We are still on your team!
Praying "without ceasing."
And looking ahead to more of those special visits there and here. George and Darleen
Blessings on you for this next phase of treatment, Jud. Here's to "peaking at 80"!
Our love and prayers,
Bob and Sue
You boys from Brooklyn are pretty tough I must say!
Dear Jud, Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your decision on your next phase of treatment. Will continue to pray for your health. God bless you and Jan!
Praying here too...and on your support team from a distance...glad you were able to get to this decision with the best of the best surrounding you on every side - doctors, Jan, family, friends and mostly the Lord.
Yes, indeed, his love endures forever! Prayerfully and gratefully, Steve and Ruth
Jud and Jan,
We are praying often for both of you!
May the Lord encourage you every day.
Harold and Jeanette
J & J,
We are still on your team!
Praying "without ceasing."
And looking ahead to more of those special visits there and here. George and Darleen
Blessings on you for this next phase of treatment, Jud. Here's to "peaking at 80"!
Our love and prayers,
Bob and Sue
You boys from Brooklyn are pretty tough I must say!
Dear Jud, Happy Birthday! Thanks for sharing your decision on your next phase of treatment. Will continue to pray for your health. God bless you and Jan!