Nearly four months have passed since this blog was last updated - Jan. 13, when Jim had cellulitis in his right leg. On May 8, while re-reading that day's post about endurance from Hebrews
12: 1-2, I was reminded of what we should remember ALL THE TIME. Guess that's why we continue to be works in progress.
MINISTRY We have continued to minister to folks from the Wilton Baptist Church. ... Ron and Carla, Archie, Harry, Don and Anna. Harry Martin, who was near death last summer, but wasn't ready to leave this world, was given an extension until God took him home on April 20. (We last saw him on the morning of April 19.) By that time, he was ready.
Plus I have stayed in contact with Shirley and Judy, meeting for lunch and a movie once a month.
We continue to serve the very small congregation at Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, preaching on Sundays. Our friends Ron, Carla and Shirley from WBC surprised us by visiting a couple times. Fourteen attended for Easter - 5 members, 7 visitors and us - breakfast and worship.
We continue to be much involved with our family. Our grandson, Austin enjoyed Awana / Cubbies at Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, on Wednesday nights. This fall he will start kindergarten.
PITFALLS OF DIARRHEA March 11, Jim started dealing (or not) with diarrhea. It came and went. A visit to the doctor showed it to be a bacterial infection, so he was put on two different kinds of antibiotics plus Imodium to take when necessary. It took a week before there was improvement and he felt like eating. The problem redeveloped April 4 and he was back on antibiotics and Imodium by April 6. The second round of antibiotics took care of things in short order and the problem has not returned.
R & R We enjoyed a little R & R for two days in LaGrange, Mo., leaving right after Easter services and returning home April 18. We also visited Jim's longtime friends from Hannibal-LaGrange College days, Billie and Wilma Knight, who recently moved from their home in Pleasant Hill, Ill., to the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.
CAR VS GARAGE On April 21, we had a major incident with our garage. Jim, who often does what he thinks needs to be done, regardless of whether it is wise to actually do so, got groceries and mowed both the front and back yards. He was definitely tired. Then he picked me up from work at 6 p.m. On the way home, he noticed his right leg fell asleep; he couldn't push the pedal to go faster, but then it seemed okay. And he didn't have any problems stopping the car, but when he got to our driveway, he could not stop the car - and so drove it into the closed garage door. No one was hurt, but we needed a new garage door and our mini van repaired - back window was out, front windshield was badly cracked, hood was dented and had multiple scratches, fender was dented, antenna was broken off.
We needed a car to drive, and fortunately, we did not have to rent one. I put out an SOS on Facebook and through the Immanuel email, and Marie and Bob Kenward offered us the use of an extra car they had. The car was delivered around 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, and at the same time, Bob said he could fix the lawn mower that needed repair after being hit by the car.
As time went on, our insurance company decided our mini van was totaled because to repair it (over $5,000) was more than 70 percent of the value of the vehicle - we elected to buy it back and have it repaired for a couple thousand less. So after paying the deductible for both car and homeowners insurance and buying back the vehicle, we settled up with the insurance company.
We are hopeful we will have the car back by Friday afternoon, May 12. Since mid-week we have been told it was nearly done - they were working on detailing. We are to have the garage door trim replaced Sunday, assuming the weather is cooperative, and the door will be replaced as soon as the ordered piece comes in and can be scheduled.
DOCTOR'S VISITS On April 25, we visited our chiropractor, Dr. Jeff Mitchell, who suggested Jim visit his primary doctor. There was some thought the leg weakness could be the result of a stroke. On April 28, we visited Dr. Todd Butler. Preliminaries showed Jim's BP was rather low, ranging from 78/46 to 90/50 after three tries. Various tests showed he had right leg and foot weakness, but elsewhere he was fine.
NO STROKE An MRI of Jim's brain was scheduled for May 1 - results showed he did not have a stroke.
NO PINCHED NERVE Then an EMG was scheduled for May 9 at the Neurodiagnostic Lab on sixth floor of St. Luke's. He had this same test in 2011, when he was diagnosed with a stroke. The test/procedure involved using needles. The test did not give an indication of what was wrong, only what wasn't - all peripheral nerves looked healthy. The weakness was intermittent vs. constant, and Dr. Smith, who evaluated results, did not think it was a pinched nerve. He suggested seeing a neurologist, and if Jim was going to drive, to use his left leg when braking.
NEXT STOP NEUROLOGIST On Thursday, May 11, we visited our friendly neighborhood M.D., Dr. Todd Butler (whose 50th birthday was this day). Jim's BP were more on the normal side - 98/56. Dr. Butler also suggested seeing a neurologist. In years past, Jim has seen Dr. Krain, but that wasn't feasible this time around. We have an 8 a.m. appointment scheduled for July 14 with Dr. Thomas Rogers.
We celebrated our 26th anniversary on April 27. Lilacs were in bloom. Friends George and Jani Ford joined us for lunch in the Amanas.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT On May 4, Jim learned his name was on the second round list of $1,000 scholarship recipients to the SBC Pastor's Conference and Annual Meeting June 11-14 in Phoenix. Applications were sent out via the SBC Voices website. Whoever submitted applications first were given the opportunity to attend. Jim is among 60 smaller church pastors to be given this opportunity, thanks to a plan put in play by Iowa pastor Dave Miller, 2017 Pastor's Conference president, and his group and the generosity of larger churches, individuals and businesses who donated funds.
2 YEARS CANCER-FREE Friday, May 12, marks Jim's second anniversary of being cancer-free. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on Feb. 19, 2015.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Friday, January 13, 2017
God IS good ...
God IS good, all the time.
If we would but remember that, and keep our focus on Him and let Him take over, then we wouldn't get dismayed every time things got tough. But. we don't remember, we don't keep our focus on Him, we don't allow Him to take control all the time and we certainly do get dismayed.
Yet He hears the prayers of His children. And He answers .... it is in His own good time and sometimes the answer is Yes, sometimes No, sometimes Maybe or Perhaps or Later. Whenever and whatever He answers, it always will be for His purpose, always for us to learn to trust Him more, and always to His glory.
This week has been a long one. Eight nights, 7 days, 4 visits to the doctor, 2 different antibiotics. Concern, anxiety, with a leg very inflamed and lots of swelling and pain, and a diagnosis of cellulitis, gave way to more calmness as by Wednesday night, Jan. 11, it appeared the swelling was decreasing...the redness was lessening. There was still tenderness, but with Jim resting his leg by keeping it elevated as much as possible, God's healing power was evident.
Friday morning, Jan. 13, we visited Dr. Butler, and to say the least, he was very encouraged to see how well the leg was faring. During the day, Jim felt well enough to resume de-decorating the house of Christmas decorations and even sent the big Christmas tree packing down the basement stairs (also known as letting it slide).
The Scripture verse (Hebrews 12:1-2) we relied on during our journey with Jim's cancer during most of 2015 is a reminder the verse is for every day.
"Let us lay aside every weight, (every hindrance, every difficulty,) and the sin (unkind words, for instance) which so easily ensnares us, (captures us, locks us in,) and Let us run with endurance the race, (the journey, our life,) that is set before us, looking unto, (keeping our focus on,) Jesus, (only,) the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him - (the joy of our salvation) - endured, (dealt with patiently,) the cross, despising the shame, (the abuse done by others,) and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (has returned to His rightful place of honor)."
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Leg is stable
This morning when Jim got up, he thought the leg was more inflamed, although the redness had not spread. It was still painful, still swollen.
Late this afternoon he had his appointment with Dr. Butler and the doctor was encouraged by what he saw. The redness hadn't spread. The leg looked much like it did the day before - with lots of swelling and tenderness, but it hadn't got worse. So it was a good sign. The leg was stable.
The appointment for Wednesday afternoon was cancelled. Jim is to come back at 9 a.m. Friday.
In the meantime, whenever he is sitting or laying and is at home, he is to keep his leg elevated above his heart. That is his assignment. By doing this, the swelling will go down and the redness will lessen as well. He will remain on the Levaquin once a day. We talked about the side effects of the drug, whether he should discontinue taking it, but Dr. Butler felt it was useful for him, so we will continue. He said it is a common drug, often used in hospitals, and is also given to pneumonia patients.
His blood pressure had improved from yesterday too - 88/50.
Late this afternoon he had his appointment with Dr. Butler and the doctor was encouraged by what he saw. The redness hadn't spread. The leg looked much like it did the day before - with lots of swelling and tenderness, but it hadn't got worse. So it was a good sign. The leg was stable.
The appointment for Wednesday afternoon was cancelled. Jim is to come back at 9 a.m. Friday.
In the meantime, whenever he is sitting or laying and is at home, he is to keep his leg elevated above his heart. That is his assignment. By doing this, the swelling will go down and the redness will lessen as well. He will remain on the Levaquin once a day. We talked about the side effects of the drug, whether he should discontinue taking it, but Dr. Butler felt it was useful for him, so we will continue. He said it is a common drug, often used in hospitals, and is also given to pneumonia patients.
His blood pressure had improved from yesterday too - 88/50.
Monday, January 9, 2017
a new adventure ... NOT
A new year ... a clean slate ...
Jim's 68th birthday was Jan. 3. Had supper (and a game of Scrabble) the night before with our family and lunch the day of with longtime friends.
And then came Thursday, Jan. 5. Bedtime to be exact.
A scratch on his lower right leg. Nothing abnormal about that ... he's had scratches before. And this was not an open sore. It was healing. But Thursday night the leg was very red, puffy and hot to the touch. At first we put Melaleuca oil on it, but by Friday night, determined that because the oil was so concentrated, it could cause less good and more trouble, so we stopped that treatment.
On Friday, Jan. 6, Jim said he didn't sleep very well. The leg was painful. It hurt to walk on it, especially when getting up from a sitting or laying position. I didn't sleep well, so was aware when his breathing became labored.
Before I continue, I want to share the Scriptures I read that morning. It was a promise God gave to us, that as long as our focus stayed on Him, things would be fine. We were not to worry, not to fret, not to fear. Just trust Him.
From Isaiah 43: 2-3: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, Your Savior."
Originally Jim was going to a walk-in clinic alone, but I decided to work from home, so we both went to the clinic (Hiawatha Urgent Care). We arrived at 9:50 a.m. - there were 7 people ahead of us - it was going to be at least an hour before he could be seen. He mentioned Dr. Butler's name, and lo and behold, there was a cancellation at 10. The Lord orchestrated that just brilliantly.
The usual readings were taken - weight and blood pressure. The BP was not good. It was taken three times - 70/42, 68/42 and 72/50 - all abnormally low. Butler was concerned that the consistent low readings could lead to kidney problems, as in shutting down. Dosage for the midodrine, taken to increase his numbers (which he hates to take, primarily, I think, because of the cost - $100 a month, with insurance), was returned to 3 pills 3 times a day. It seemed he was doing fine with 2 pills 3 times a day, but this new turn of events makes one wonder.
He was prescribed an antibiotic - 2 meds in one - called Amoxicillin / Clavulanic Acid 875-125 mg. Looks like horse pills and he takes one twice a day with food and plenty of water.
Dr. Butler told him that if he became light-headed, felt like he could pass out or had a fever, he should go immediately to the ER. He was to come back in 5 days for a follow-up - that would be Wednesday, Jan. 11.
We got home shortly before 11:30 a.m. Friday. He slept, I worked. He started taking 1 Ibuprofen for pain as needed.
When we had meals, he discovered the antibiotic makes some foods have no flavor. He especially noticed this with hamburgers and waffles / syrup. He could taste the sherbet, the pizza and the beef tips. It's a good thing not every food had lack of flavor, or he wouldn't be eating anything and he certainly doesn't need to stop eating.
On Saturday, Jan. 7, I also worked from home all day. Jim's breathing was not labored through the night, and although his leg still was painful, he was able to rest. Just before bedtime seems to be when we notice changes - Saturday night the redness started spreading to the other side of the leg and it was still swollen. But fortunately, there were no signs of being light-headed, passing out or fever - Thank you Lord.
Sunday, Jan. 8, we returned to Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, where we are providing interim pastoral care while the congregation's current interim pastor is out due to health conditions and they are deciding what to do in the future. We thought if need be, we would share driving duties going down, in case Jim's strength wasn't at its best. But he did fine. He didn't notice the pain in his leg, probably because he was preaching. He slept on the way home and most of the afternoon.
I posted on Facebook and the Immanuel email requesting prayer. There were some who suggested we go to the ER, especially since the redness was spreading. We were in a quandary. God told us not to fret, not to worry, not to fear. And all three of those were spouting their ugly heads.
Sunday night, the redness spread to his ankle. He started putting his legs up to reduce the puffiness.
Monday morning, Jan. 9, we called Dr. Butler's office and a return call got us an appointment for 4:30 this afternoon.
His blood pressure is up - 80/44. He was put on a different antibiotic - Levofloxacin 500 mg (Levaquin) and is to take 1 tablet once a day, at a different time than his vitamins. He'll start it at supper tonight. Dr. Butler remains concerned, but not sure a visit to the Emergency Room is warranted. Jim is to return to his office at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to see how he is doing with the new antibiotic.
We appreciate your continual prayers for healing as we strive to stay close to the Lord and proceed as best we can.
Jim's 68th birthday was Jan. 3. Had supper (and a game of Scrabble) the night before with our family and lunch the day of with longtime friends.
And then came Thursday, Jan. 5. Bedtime to be exact.
A scratch on his lower right leg. Nothing abnormal about that ... he's had scratches before. And this was not an open sore. It was healing. But Thursday night the leg was very red, puffy and hot to the touch. At first we put Melaleuca oil on it, but by Friday night, determined that because the oil was so concentrated, it could cause less good and more trouble, so we stopped that treatment.
On Friday, Jan. 6, Jim said he didn't sleep very well. The leg was painful. It hurt to walk on it, especially when getting up from a sitting or laying position. I didn't sleep well, so was aware when his breathing became labored.
Before I continue, I want to share the Scriptures I read that morning. It was a promise God gave to us, that as long as our focus stayed on Him, things would be fine. We were not to worry, not to fret, not to fear. Just trust Him.
From Isaiah 43: 2-3: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, Your Savior."
Originally Jim was going to a walk-in clinic alone, but I decided to work from home, so we both went to the clinic (Hiawatha Urgent Care). We arrived at 9:50 a.m. - there were 7 people ahead of us - it was going to be at least an hour before he could be seen. He mentioned Dr. Butler's name, and lo and behold, there was a cancellation at 10. The Lord orchestrated that just brilliantly.
The usual readings were taken - weight and blood pressure. The BP was not good. It was taken three times - 70/42, 68/42 and 72/50 - all abnormally low. Butler was concerned that the consistent low readings could lead to kidney problems, as in shutting down. Dosage for the midodrine, taken to increase his numbers (which he hates to take, primarily, I think, because of the cost - $100 a month, with insurance), was returned to 3 pills 3 times a day. It seemed he was doing fine with 2 pills 3 times a day, but this new turn of events makes one wonder.
He was prescribed an antibiotic - 2 meds in one - called Amoxicillin / Clavulanic Acid 875-125 mg. Looks like horse pills and he takes one twice a day with food and plenty of water.
Dr. Butler told him that if he became light-headed, felt like he could pass out or had a fever, he should go immediately to the ER. He was to come back in 5 days for a follow-up - that would be Wednesday, Jan. 11.
We got home shortly before 11:30 a.m. Friday. He slept, I worked. He started taking 1 Ibuprofen for pain as needed.
When we had meals, he discovered the antibiotic makes some foods have no flavor. He especially noticed this with hamburgers and waffles / syrup. He could taste the sherbet, the pizza and the beef tips. It's a good thing not every food had lack of flavor, or he wouldn't be eating anything and he certainly doesn't need to stop eating.
On Saturday, Jan. 7, I also worked from home all day. Jim's breathing was not labored through the night, and although his leg still was painful, he was able to rest. Just before bedtime seems to be when we notice changes - Saturday night the redness started spreading to the other side of the leg and it was still swollen. But fortunately, there were no signs of being light-headed, passing out or fever - Thank you Lord.
Sunday, Jan. 8, we returned to Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, where we are providing interim pastoral care while the congregation's current interim pastor is out due to health conditions and they are deciding what to do in the future. We thought if need be, we would share driving duties going down, in case Jim's strength wasn't at its best. But he did fine. He didn't notice the pain in his leg, probably because he was preaching. He slept on the way home and most of the afternoon.
I posted on Facebook and the Immanuel email requesting prayer. There were some who suggested we go to the ER, especially since the redness was spreading. We were in a quandary. God told us not to fret, not to worry, not to fear. And all three of those were spouting their ugly heads.
Sunday night, the redness spread to his ankle. He started putting his legs up to reduce the puffiness.
Monday morning, Jan. 9, we called Dr. Butler's office and a return call got us an appointment for 4:30 this afternoon.
His blood pressure is up - 80/44. He was put on a different antibiotic - Levofloxacin 500 mg (Levaquin) and is to take 1 tablet once a day, at a different time than his vitamins. He'll start it at supper tonight. Dr. Butler remains concerned, but not sure a visit to the Emergency Room is warranted. Jim is to return to his office at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to see how he is doing with the new antibiotic.
We appreciate your continual prayers for healing as we strive to stay close to the Lord and proceed as best we can.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
a new year begins
Today is nearing the end of the first day of the New Year of 2017.
Health-wise it has been relatively quiet.
In mid-October he decided to reduce the amount of Midodrine he is taking. Midodrine helps to increase his blood pressure. He has been taking 3 pills three times a day. Now he takes 2 pills three times a day. He has had infrequent episodes of shortness of breath, but he does not relate it to the decreased amount of Midodrine. But I always take note of it when he mentions it or I notice he is breathing harder.
Jim had two doctors visits in December.
... lab work followed by a physical at Dr. Butler's office was Dec. 13 - results were good. His weight, fully clothed, added a pound, so he checked in at 139.6 pounds. His blood pressure continues to waiver - 84/60. Thyroid remains normal. Labs showed no abnormalities.
... a CT scan of his chest was ordered by his cancer surgeon, Dr. Parekh. It was done Dec. 13 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
... a visit to Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, was Dec. 21. He finished his 5-year plan on Reclast, a once-a-year IV regimen for osteoporosis, last year, so this year the doctor decided two shots annually would be the plan. Insurance approved it, and Jim had the first shot Dec. 28.
... bone density scan was Friday morning, Dec. 23.
Ministries
We continue meeting with friends and members of the church Jim served at in Wilton as interim pastor (1-year through the end of August 2016), keeping up-to-date with news and sharing Scripture and prayer with each other. Sometimes we get together for a meal or a movie too and always lots of visiting.
Since the last Sunday of November we have started serving as "interim" for the interim pastor who is recovering from back surgery at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, a small church in Mount Pleasant.
We have a new website that we have named Glorify GOD Ministries. GOD stands for Go His Way, Obey His Commands, Do His Will ... Glorify His Name. That is our goal. We both liked the name, so I put something together. You can look at it here: http://glorifygodministries.blogspot.com/ It includes Jim's sermons since March, links to my blogs, his resume, contact information, about us, how to be saved.
We are considering the possibility of incorporating Bible study with our visiting and have ordered a book on "Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere" to review.
House Work - indoors, outdoors
Jim felt well enough to start cleaning the basement in mid-October. We have talked for more than a year about cleaning out the area underneath the stairs and putting a lot of our Christmas stuff in there. So he started and finished in relatively quick order. The things he found were interesting to both of us, but a lot of stuff was pitched.
He mowed the yard himself much of the summer and when Christina and the boys came over to rake leaves this fall, he mowed and mulched the yard.
One day in mid-November when the temperature was comfortable, he put up our outdoor Christmas decorations and decorated the lamp post. He took them down today without any problems.
It has been an eventful and sometimes troublesome 2016.
But now the slate is wiped clean and a new year begins.
Health-wise it has been relatively quiet.
In mid-October he decided to reduce the amount of Midodrine he is taking. Midodrine helps to increase his blood pressure. He has been taking 3 pills three times a day. Now he takes 2 pills three times a day. He has had infrequent episodes of shortness of breath, but he does not relate it to the decreased amount of Midodrine. But I always take note of it when he mentions it or I notice he is breathing harder.
Jim had two doctors visits in December.
... lab work followed by a physical at Dr. Butler's office was Dec. 13 - results were good. His weight, fully clothed, added a pound, so he checked in at 139.6 pounds. His blood pressure continues to waiver - 84/60. Thyroid remains normal. Labs showed no abnormalities.
... a CT scan of his chest was ordered by his cancer surgeon, Dr. Parekh. It was done Dec. 13 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
... a visit to Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, was Dec. 21. He finished his 5-year plan on Reclast, a once-a-year IV regimen for osteoporosis, last year, so this year the doctor decided two shots annually would be the plan. Insurance approved it, and Jim had the first shot Dec. 28.
... bone density scan was Friday morning, Dec. 23.
Ministries
We continue meeting with friends and members of the church Jim served at in Wilton as interim pastor (1-year through the end of August 2016), keeping up-to-date with news and sharing Scripture and prayer with each other. Sometimes we get together for a meal or a movie too and always lots of visiting.
Since the last Sunday of November we have started serving as "interim" for the interim pastor who is recovering from back surgery at Lincoln Street Baptist Church, a small church in Mount Pleasant.
We have a new website that we have named Glorify GOD Ministries. GOD stands for Go His Way, Obey His Commands, Do His Will ... Glorify His Name. That is our goal. We both liked the name, so I put something together. You can look at it here: http://glorifygodministries.blogspot.com/ It includes Jim's sermons since March, links to my blogs, his resume, contact information, about us, how to be saved.
We are considering the possibility of incorporating Bible study with our visiting and have ordered a book on "Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere" to review.
House Work - indoors, outdoors
Jim felt well enough to start cleaning the basement in mid-October. We have talked for more than a year about cleaning out the area underneath the stairs and putting a lot of our Christmas stuff in there. So he started and finished in relatively quick order. The things he found were interesting to both of us, but a lot of stuff was pitched.
He mowed the yard himself much of the summer and when Christina and the boys came over to rake leaves this fall, he mowed and mulched the yard.
One day in mid-November when the temperature was comfortable, he put up our outdoor Christmas decorations and decorated the lamp post. He took them down today without any problems.
It has been an eventful and sometimes troublesome 2016.
But now the slate is wiped clean and a new year begins.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
And on we go ...
The day after Jim's visit (Sept. 12) to St. Luke's ER he still had blood in the stool, but on the following day, Sept. 14, it was clear. Hallelujah! On that same day he also had an appointment with his primary, Dr. Butler, who determined more labs were unnecessary. Blood pressure still remained on the low side - for the nurse it read 70/40 and for the doctor it was 88/40. Dr. Butler requested a followup visit with Dr. Gerke in Gastroenterology at UIHC.
On Sept. 15, we received an email from Dr. Parekh's nurse, Joan Ricks-Mcgillen, who noted the CT scan done July 6 at St. Luke's - Cedar Rapids shows no recurrence of esophageal cancer. Great News! Another CT scan of chest will be done in late December.
Although we are no longer the pastor at Wilton Baptist Church, we continue to minister to its members, many of whom have become lifelong friends. We attended the last WBC Senior Day of the year on Sept. 27 and were blessed with visiting with so many we hadn't seen for nearly a month. Sometimes 4 weeks seems like forever! Pastor Appreciation Day is Oct. 16 and we plan to also attend those activities.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Jim had an appointment with Dr. Gerke in Iowa City re: the rectal bleeding Sept. 12. His weight is 137 pounds, blood pressure is 102/56 (good!) and temperature is 97.3. The doctor said he could have an internal hemorrhoid, but not necessarily - a rectal exam would not give an accurate picture - so recommends nothing be done unless another bleeding episode occurs.
Today - Oct. 6, Jim had an 8 a.m. appointment with Dr. Hoxie at PCI Urology - Cedar Rapids.
The ER visit Sept. 12 revealed:
On Sept. 15, we received an email from Dr. Parekh's nurse, Joan Ricks-Mcgillen, who noted the CT scan done July 6 at St. Luke's - Cedar Rapids shows no recurrence of esophageal cancer. Great News! Another CT scan of chest will be done in late December.
Although we are no longer the pastor at Wilton Baptist Church, we continue to minister to its members, many of whom have become lifelong friends. We attended the last WBC Senior Day of the year on Sept. 27 and were blessed with visiting with so many we hadn't seen for nearly a month. Sometimes 4 weeks seems like forever! Pastor Appreciation Day is Oct. 16 and we plan to also attend those activities.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Jim had an appointment with Dr. Gerke in Iowa City re: the rectal bleeding Sept. 12. His weight is 137 pounds, blood pressure is 102/56 (good!) and temperature is 97.3. The doctor said he could have an internal hemorrhoid, but not necessarily - a rectal exam would not give an accurate picture - so recommends nothing be done unless another bleeding episode occurs.
Today - Oct. 6, Jim had an 8 a.m. appointment with Dr. Hoxie at PCI Urology - Cedar Rapids.
The ER visit Sept. 12 revealed:
- portion of right urinary bladder distended, recommends cystoscopy
- mild increased dilation of distal common bile duct in the pancreas, measuring 8 mm in diameter compared to 5 mm a year ago. IF there is concern of biliary pathology, a right upper quadrant ultrasound would be recommended.
Jim returned from the appointment at 9. The doctor did a scope and said everything was fine. Dr. Hoxie said sometimes CT scans indicate things are abnormal, when they really aren't.
Thank you Lord for every miracle.
Monday, September 12, 2016
If it's not one thing, it's another ...
I updated the blog just Saturday, and two days later, I'm doing it again.
If this gets too graphic for you, I suggest you stop reading now. Otherwise, dive in.
Since the last time Jim had blood in the stool (that brought on the internal bleeding in October 2015), he has determined that if he ever had blood in the stool again, he would tell me.
So, this morning, guess what?! Blood in the stool. Lots of blood. He said there was a little Sunday morning, mostly on the tissue, but thought it could be because of straining. But this morning was a different story.
I called nurse friend, Lorraine (AKA Lori), who suggested we call our gastroenterologist (Dr. Gerke) in Iowa City, so I did. When the GI nurse returned the call, she suggested we go to the ER.
It was already late morning and I had appointments at 1:30 and 3, so we decided we'd go to St. Luke's after my last apointment. Hence we became part of the sit and wait, go and do, and sit and wait some more crowd from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Jim's blood pressure was actually high. Of course, medical staff was concerned over how low his readings were. The first reading was 80 over ? with an adult cuff, second reading was 88 over ? with pediatric cuff, and when he got his own room, a recheck showed it was 96/46. It has never been this high in the 9 months he has been taking midodrine to raise his blood pressure. At least not that I can remember. He has gained another pound to boot, coming in at 137 pounds fully clothed.
Jim had the pleasure (NOT!) of having a rectal exam, then he had blood work, then a CT scan of his rectum.
At 7:50 p.m., Tina, physician's assistant, came in with the findings ...
If this gets too graphic for you, I suggest you stop reading now. Otherwise, dive in.
Since the last time Jim had blood in the stool (that brought on the internal bleeding in October 2015), he has determined that if he ever had blood in the stool again, he would tell me.
So, this morning, guess what?! Blood in the stool. Lots of blood. He said there was a little Sunday morning, mostly on the tissue, but thought it could be because of straining. But this morning was a different story.
I called nurse friend, Lorraine (AKA Lori), who suggested we call our gastroenterologist (Dr. Gerke) in Iowa City, so I did. When the GI nurse returned the call, she suggested we go to the ER.
It was already late morning and I had appointments at 1:30 and 3, so we decided we'd go to St. Luke's after my last apointment. Hence we became part of the sit and wait, go and do, and sit and wait some more crowd from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Jim's blood pressure was actually high. Of course, medical staff was concerned over how low his readings were. The first reading was 80 over ? with an adult cuff, second reading was 88 over ? with pediatric cuff, and when he got his own room, a recheck showed it was 96/46. It has never been this high in the 9 months he has been taking midodrine to raise his blood pressure. At least not that I can remember. He has gained another pound to boot, coming in at 137 pounds fully clothed.
Jim had the pleasure (NOT!) of having a rectal exam, then he had blood work, then a CT scan of his rectum.
At 7:50 p.m., Tina, physician's assistant, came in with the findings ...
- CT scan showed no obstruction
- He does have constipation
- The bleeding could be a tear as a result of straining
- There appears to be area of pancreatic duct that is dilated
- Prostate is enlarged
- Bladder is distended
- Hemoglobin count is 9.6
Other details going forward ...
- The blood pressure was 102/54 when last checked at 8:07 p.m., and it was thought it was because he was getting fluids. So he still needs to drink more water than he does.
- The hemoglobin count is near the point where a blood transfusion might be necessary. 8.0 is the magic number he doesn't want to reach.
- He took a capful of Miralax (a more gentle stool softener/laxative) at 9:55 p.m.
- Make appointment with Dr. Hoxie, his urologist, to follow up on abnormal bladder findings
- Make appointment with Dr. Butler, his primary, to see if bleeding has subsided and do a repeat of CBCs
- Call Dr. Gerke's office and advice him of details
- Return to St. Luke's ER if he has worsening symptoms, which includes dizziness and shortness of breath
That's all folks.
Thank you Lord for getting the answers we needed quickly, even though it seemed so slow and we are not very patient.
Thank you Lord for enabling us to go home, not having to spend the night at St. Luke's or have to drive to University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Thank you Lord for all you do for us. We are so undeserving, but without you, we would be thankful for nothing.
Thank you Lord for enabling us to go home, not having to spend the night at St. Luke's or have to drive to University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Thank you Lord for all you do for us. We are so undeserving, but without you, we would be thankful for nothing.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Busy summer months; continued low blood pressure
The summer months were busy. Jim was often tired and short of breath, especially when taking care of yardwork, such as mowing, that others could have done. Sometimes he would do the back yard one day and the front yard the next day, but usually he mowed both yards all in the same day, with a breather inbetween. It didn't do much good to lecture him about his health, when his mindset was if it needed to be done, he should take care of it.
He was short of breath at other times as well, making us think his blood pressure must be low.
On June 6, a visit to his primary doctor, Todd Butler, definitely indicated his BP was low - 66/40 when taken by the nurse and 70/42 when the doctor took it. Jim wanted to get off the midodrine (which is supposed to help raise his BP), but that was just not going to happen. Dr. Butler scheduled a CT scan with angiogram - contrast for July 6 to determine reason for continued low blood pressure. There were no answers.
From June 13-15, we attended the Southern Baptist Convention and annual meeting in St. Louis as messengers of Wilton Baptist Church. The congregation graciously paid for our lodging, mileage and food. It is the second time Jim has attended the convention - the first time was in the 1970s in Kansas City when Billy Graham was the keynote speaker. This was the first time I had attended the convention, and Billy Graham's daughter, Ann Graham Lotz, spoke at the Ladies conference.
On June 19, we began our two-week vacation through northwest United States to Prince Edward Island, Canada - the smallest of the Canadian provinces. The most troubling part of our trip, which we had so looked forward to, was the endless driving, which resulted in more friction than necessary between the two of us. The four days spent in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, were relaxing and most enjoyable. All in all, we saw lots of interesting things, visited old friends and made new ones, and took over 600 photos.
When he wasn't short of breath and legs very tired, it was the ringing in his ears, which seemed to have gotten worse, especially at bedtime. He started taking a medicine, Inner Ear Plus, to improve it, but he's not sure it is working. Probably have to give it 3 months or so.
On Aug. 8, one month after the CT with angiogram, Jim went back to see Dr. Butler. His weight fully clothed was 136 pounds. Up 2 pounds! Blood pressure remains same - 70/42 on first reading and 76/44 on second reading. He is to remain on current dose of midodrine - that is 3 pills, 3 times a day. He is to come back in December for physical and labs.
Also during August, Jim was to have a repeat CT scan of his chest per instructions from his surgeon, Dr. Parekh, during his May visit. So far it has not been scheduled.
Jim continued serving as interim pastor at Wilton Baptist through August 2016 - a full year. Tuesday, Aug. 30, was his last day, a bittersweet one for both of us, with gifts, a love offering, well-wishes, hugs and tears.
Aug. 30 reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
"Jesus Christ says, in effect, Don't rejoice in successful service, but rejoice because you are rightly related to Me. The snare in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service, to rejoice in the fact that God has used you. You never can measure what God will do through you if you are rightly related to Jesus Christ. Keep your relationship right with Him, then whatever circumstances you are in, and whoever you meet day by day, He is pouring rivers of living water through you, and it is of His mercy that He does not let you know it. When once you are rightly related to God by salvation and sanctification, remember that wherever you are, you are put there by God; and by the reaction of your life on the circumstances around you, you will fulfill God's purpose, as long as you keep in the light as God is in the light.
The tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory."
He was short of breath at other times as well, making us think his blood pressure must be low.
On June 6, a visit to his primary doctor, Todd Butler, definitely indicated his BP was low - 66/40 when taken by the nurse and 70/42 when the doctor took it. Jim wanted to get off the midodrine (which is supposed to help raise his BP), but that was just not going to happen. Dr. Butler scheduled a CT scan with angiogram - contrast for July 6 to determine reason for continued low blood pressure. There were no answers.
From June 13-15, we attended the Southern Baptist Convention and annual meeting in St. Louis as messengers of Wilton Baptist Church. The congregation graciously paid for our lodging, mileage and food. It is the second time Jim has attended the convention - the first time was in the 1970s in Kansas City when Billy Graham was the keynote speaker. This was the first time I had attended the convention, and Billy Graham's daughter, Ann Graham Lotz, spoke at the Ladies conference.
On June 19, we began our two-week vacation through northwest United States to Prince Edward Island, Canada - the smallest of the Canadian provinces. The most troubling part of our trip, which we had so looked forward to, was the endless driving, which resulted in more friction than necessary between the two of us. The four days spent in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, were relaxing and most enjoyable. All in all, we saw lots of interesting things, visited old friends and made new ones, and took over 600 photos.
When he wasn't short of breath and legs very tired, it was the ringing in his ears, which seemed to have gotten worse, especially at bedtime. He started taking a medicine, Inner Ear Plus, to improve it, but he's not sure it is working. Probably have to give it 3 months or so.
On Aug. 8, one month after the CT with angiogram, Jim went back to see Dr. Butler. His weight fully clothed was 136 pounds. Up 2 pounds! Blood pressure remains same - 70/42 on first reading and 76/44 on second reading. He is to remain on current dose of midodrine - that is 3 pills, 3 times a day. He is to come back in December for physical and labs.
Also during August, Jim was to have a repeat CT scan of his chest per instructions from his surgeon, Dr. Parekh, during his May visit. So far it has not been scheduled.
Jim continued serving as interim pastor at Wilton Baptist through August 2016 - a full year. Tuesday, Aug. 30, was his last day, a bittersweet one for both of us, with gifts, a love offering, well-wishes, hugs and tears.
Aug. 30 reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers:
"Jesus Christ says, in effect, Don't rejoice in successful service, but rejoice because you are rightly related to Me. The snare in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service, to rejoice in the fact that God has used you. You never can measure what God will do through you if you are rightly related to Jesus Christ. Keep your relationship right with Him, then whatever circumstances you are in, and whoever you meet day by day, He is pouring rivers of living water through you, and it is of His mercy that He does not let you know it. When once you are rightly related to God by salvation and sanctification, remember that wherever you are, you are put there by God; and by the reaction of your life on the circumstances around you, you will fulfill God's purpose, as long as you keep in the light as God is in the light.
The tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory."
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Mostly good news at 1-year followup visit
Today was Jim's one-year follow-up visit with cancer surgeon, Dr. Parekh, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Although the news was not completely 100 percent great, for the most part it was.
His weight has gone up and down in the past six months. Currently it is 133 pounds fully dressed. On his last visit to Dr. Parekh in November of last year, he weighed a couple of pounds less.
Blood pressure is up some at 92 /51.
Results of CT scan of his chest shows some patchiness on his left lung. The doctor thinks it could be aspiration where food or drink goes down the wrong tube. He wants another CT scan done in three months. Jim will have that done in August at St. Luke's Hospital here in Cedar Rapids.
If the second CT scan shows improvement then Jim will come back in a year for continual followup. If the CT scan shows infection or inflammation a PET scan will be scheduled.
We are reminded to run the race with endurance with our focus on Jesus. If we keep our thoughts on Him and thank Him for what comes, then we cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We covet your prayers to achive that.
Although the news was not completely 100 percent great, for the most part it was.
His weight has gone up and down in the past six months. Currently it is 133 pounds fully dressed. On his last visit to Dr. Parekh in November of last year, he weighed a couple of pounds less.
Blood pressure is up some at 92 /51.
Results of CT scan of his chest shows some patchiness on his left lung. The doctor thinks it could be aspiration where food or drink goes down the wrong tube. He wants another CT scan done in three months. Jim will have that done in August at St. Luke's Hospital here in Cedar Rapids.
If the second CT scan shows improvement then Jim will come back in a year for continual followup. If the CT scan shows infection or inflammation a PET scan will be scheduled.
We are reminded to run the race with endurance with our focus on Jesus. If we keep our thoughts on Him and thank Him for what comes, then we cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We covet your prayers to achive that.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
One-year anniversary May 12 / followup visit with surgeon May 25
The last time I updated The Race was 3 months ago, on Feb. 15. At that time, Jim had gained a little weight at 138 pounds, blood pressure was on the low side at 80/54 and he was slightly anemic. He was to come back in April to see his primary care doctor, but because of other things, the appointment was rescheduled for June 6.
The only doctors he has seen in the past 3 months are the dentist and the podiatrist. A year has passed since his esophageal cancer surgery May 12, 2015. He will have a one-year follow-up on May 25 - a chest CT scan and then a visit with Dr. Parekh at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The days since have been busy and for the most part Jim has been feeling good. Tiredness sets in after doing too much, but then that's a common complaint for all of us. He continues to take Midodrine to increase his blood pressure. Sometimes he gets a little light-headed and I attribute it to not taking the medicine regularly. He is doing better at remembering to take it three times a day.
He continues to serve as interim pastor at Wilton Baptist Church, fulfilling pastoral duties there three times a week. He and I enjoy serving there, being among the members, visiting and working to meet their needs and finding ways to enable church growth. At the beginning of March we started recording his sermons and putting them on the church website (www.wbc2002.com). You can access them there under sermons or go to http://www.podcasts.com/wilton-iowa-baptist-church-8cb59301a which should give you multiple sermon links too.
We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary April 27 with a reception open house on the 30th at Immanuel Baptist. Outdoors it was cold and rainy, but fortunately, we were inside. It was nice to see family and friends old and new, but was sorry for those unable to come. God answered our prayer for the lilacs to be in bloom, so that was a nice touch. Artificial flowers just aren’t near as pretty and definitely not fraqrant.
On May 7, when I was reviewing "The Race" events of the past year, I wrote the following article.
I was thinking about The Race To Run With Endurance.
It's not just about health, but also our whole life is a race. Keep going. Persevere. Push past every pain, every struggle.
God set us apart to be different, to show the world His Way, His Truth, His Life.
If we're not showing His Way and delivering His Truth, then we most certainly are not living as He.
We have succumbed to a lower power to whom we have bestowed more greatness than the God of the universe and The Son who died to set us all free. We have given Satan free reign over our lives and he will never bring us to gloryland. He will control us. We will hear and believe every negative. We will live and die in bondage. We will forget to whom we truly belong. We will think the lust of the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of our thoughts and wants and desires are what is important; are all that matters.
Satan is the destroyer - one person at a time. He has destroyed many.
Will he, is he destroying you too?
God allows events to unfold. God gives us each free will. The choices we make now will determine the outcome of future events.
Remember His love
Turn Back - Turn Around
Before the hour gets later
Before there is no time
Don't be a statistic ...
Be a glimmer
a glimmer of light amidst the darkness
"To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet unto the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:79 NKJV
The only doctors he has seen in the past 3 months are the dentist and the podiatrist. A year has passed since his esophageal cancer surgery May 12, 2015. He will have a one-year follow-up on May 25 - a chest CT scan and then a visit with Dr. Parekh at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The days since have been busy and for the most part Jim has been feeling good. Tiredness sets in after doing too much, but then that's a common complaint for all of us. He continues to take Midodrine to increase his blood pressure. Sometimes he gets a little light-headed and I attribute it to not taking the medicine regularly. He is doing better at remembering to take it three times a day.
He continues to serve as interim pastor at Wilton Baptist Church, fulfilling pastoral duties there three times a week. He and I enjoy serving there, being among the members, visiting and working to meet their needs and finding ways to enable church growth. At the beginning of March we started recording his sermons and putting them on the church website (www.wbc2002.com). You can access them there under sermons or go to http://www.podcasts.com/wilton-iowa-baptist-church-8cb59301a which should give you multiple sermon links too.
We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary April 27 with a reception open house on the 30th at Immanuel Baptist. Outdoors it was cold and rainy, but fortunately, we were inside. It was nice to see family and friends old and new, but was sorry for those unable to come. God answered our prayer for the lilacs to be in bloom, so that was a nice touch. Artificial flowers just aren’t near as pretty and definitely not fraqrant.
On May 7, when I was reviewing "The Race" events of the past year, I wrote the following article.
"Be a glimmer"
The Scripture for "The Race" was taken from Hebrews 12:1-2a, which says, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."I was thinking about The Race To Run With Endurance.
It's not just about health, but also our whole life is a race. Keep going. Persevere. Push past every pain, every struggle.
God set us apart to be different, to show the world His Way, His Truth, His Life.
If we're not showing His Way and delivering His Truth, then we most certainly are not living as He.
We have succumbed to a lower power to whom we have bestowed more greatness than the God of the universe and The Son who died to set us all free. We have given Satan free reign over our lives and he will never bring us to gloryland. He will control us. We will hear and believe every negative. We will live and die in bondage. We will forget to whom we truly belong. We will think the lust of the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of our thoughts and wants and desires are what is important; are all that matters.
Satan is the destroyer - one person at a time. He has destroyed many.
Will he, is he destroying you too?
God allows events to unfold. God gives us each free will. The choices we make now will determine the outcome of future events.
Remember His love
Turn Back - Turn Around
Before the hour gets later
Before there is no time
Don't be a statistic ...
Be a glimmer
a glimmer of light amidst the darkness
"To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet unto the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:79 NKJV
Monday, February 15, 2016
Updates - Day 273
Today is Feb. 15, 2016. I was in the midst of Bible study and reviewing past notes when I realized today is near the one-year mark that Jim was diagnosed with cancer. Results of an endoscopy on Feb. 16, 2015, were revealed Feb. 19 with the diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
In the past week or so I have been I guess what you call in a funk. Down then up and down again. So many things have been on my mind. Thoughts swirl and I go places I am sure the Lord would not want me.
On Feb. 13, I wrote "The Lord's presence gives us peace, yet when our focus on Him is absent, our peace diminishes. The peace of God is so fine a treasure, yet what good is it when we don't give our all to the one who is the giver?"
On Valentine's Day, I remembered last year's theme verse - Hebrews 12:2-3, which says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
"The Lord says 'Come' " is a poem I wrote today. You can read it on this blog:
http://still-small-voice-of-god.blogspot.com/
~~~~~~~~~~
The last time I had any updates to share about Jim was just before Christmas on Dec. 21. I will start from that point and give highlights.
DECEMBER ...
On Dec. 23, Jim visited Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, at PCI. Jim has osteoporosis and every year for the past five years, he has been given reclast, an IV medicine. This year marked the last time he'd receive it. Something different for next year, and he would need a bone density scan as well.
On Christmas Day, he developed a cold, followed by a cough.
JANUARY ...
Jim celebrated his 67th birthday Jan. 3. He started a new series at Wilton Baptist Church on What Baptists Believe from the Baptist Faith and Message. The congregation provided a delicious birthday celebration dinner and he also received several birthday cards and gifts. That afternoon Jim and I went to the movies and saw "Star Wars."
Sunday night after work on Jan. 10, Jim took me to St. Luke's ER because of intense right side pain. I had UTI and was given antibiotics.
On Jan. 15, Jim visited Dr. Bailin, his cardiologist, at UIHC. He was given a good bill of heart health. No Afib. Blood pressure was 100/54, weight 128.3 pounds. He is to return in a year.
On Jan. 24, Jim presided over his first deacon ordination, with Ron Dunnahoo and Ken Paper being ordained during worship services at Wilton Baptist Church. It was a special day for everyone.
FEBRUARY ...
Jim and I met 28 years ago on Sunday, Feb. 7. Jim's sermon that morning at Wilton Baptist was "The Bread of Heaven" and he had made unleavened bread for the Lord's Supper following the service.
On Feb. 12, Jim attended the first of two luncheons for church pastors of the Great Rivers Southern Baptist Association. The luncheon was held at the Golden Corral restaurant in Davenport and organized by Mike Roberts, director of missions. Jim enjoyed visiting with the four others in attendance and mentioned one of them remembered him from days past when he served as interim pastor at Fairview Baptist in rural Anamosa.
Valentine's Day was Feb. 14. Breakfast was planned for 8:30 a.m. at Wilton Baptist and we were among several who brought tasty breakfast casseroles. The weather was less than cooperative, with snow and wind in abundance. One of the members, Charlotte, a member of the Red Hat Society, brought several red hats for all of us ladies to wear. (See photos below) So pretty. Red was definitely the color and love the theme. Worship was cut short because of the weather, so Jim did a devotional on "Love" from I Corinthians 13.
This morning, Feb. 15, Jim had an appointment with Dr. Butler, his primary care physician, at UnityPoint-Hiawatha. He has gained weight - 138 pounds fully clothed (must be the candy and sugar cookies I made him for Valentine's Day). Blood pressure has gone down again to 80/54, but there is no dizziness. He continues to take 7.5 mg of midodrine two to three times daily. The doctor said his white count shows him to be slightly anemic. He is to come back in April for a follow-up and have labs done for CVC, metabolic and thyroid. Thyroid levels were up a little in July and normal in November.
In the past week or so I have been I guess what you call in a funk. Down then up and down again. So many things have been on my mind. Thoughts swirl and I go places I am sure the Lord would not want me.
On Feb. 13, I wrote "The Lord's presence gives us peace, yet when our focus on Him is absent, our peace diminishes. The peace of God is so fine a treasure, yet what good is it when we don't give our all to the one who is the giver?"
On Valentine's Day, I remembered last year's theme verse - Hebrews 12:2-3, which says, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
"The Lord says 'Come' " is a poem I wrote today. You can read it on this blog:
http://still-small-voice-of-god.blogspot.com/
~~~~~~~~~~
The last time I had any updates to share about Jim was just before Christmas on Dec. 21. I will start from that point and give highlights.
DECEMBER ...
On Dec. 23, Jim visited Dr. Brooks, his rheumatologist, at PCI. Jim has osteoporosis and every year for the past five years, he has been given reclast, an IV medicine. This year marked the last time he'd receive it. Something different for next year, and he would need a bone density scan as well.
On Christmas Day, he developed a cold, followed by a cough.
JANUARY ...
Jim celebrated his 67th birthday Jan. 3. He started a new series at Wilton Baptist Church on What Baptists Believe from the Baptist Faith and Message. The congregation provided a delicious birthday celebration dinner and he also received several birthday cards and gifts. That afternoon Jim and I went to the movies and saw "Star Wars."
Sunday night after work on Jan. 10, Jim took me to St. Luke's ER because of intense right side pain. I had UTI and was given antibiotics.
On Jan. 15, Jim visited Dr. Bailin, his cardiologist, at UIHC. He was given a good bill of heart health. No Afib. Blood pressure was 100/54, weight 128.3 pounds. He is to return in a year.
On Jan. 24, Jim presided over his first deacon ordination, with Ron Dunnahoo and Ken Paper being ordained during worship services at Wilton Baptist Church. It was a special day for everyone.
FEBRUARY ...
Jim and I met 28 years ago on Sunday, Feb. 7. Jim's sermon that morning at Wilton Baptist was "The Bread of Heaven" and he had made unleavened bread for the Lord's Supper following the service.
On Feb. 12, Jim attended the first of two luncheons for church pastors of the Great Rivers Southern Baptist Association. The luncheon was held at the Golden Corral restaurant in Davenport and organized by Mike Roberts, director of missions. Jim enjoyed visiting with the four others in attendance and mentioned one of them remembered him from days past when he served as interim pastor at Fairview Baptist in rural Anamosa.
Valentine's Day was Feb. 14. Breakfast was planned for 8:30 a.m. at Wilton Baptist and we were among several who brought tasty breakfast casseroles. The weather was less than cooperative, with snow and wind in abundance. One of the members, Charlotte, a member of the Red Hat Society, brought several red hats for all of us ladies to wear. (See photos below) So pretty. Red was definitely the color and love the theme. Worship was cut short because of the weather, so Jim did a devotional on "Love" from I Corinthians 13.
This morning, Feb. 15, Jim had an appointment with Dr. Butler, his primary care physician, at UnityPoint-Hiawatha. He has gained weight - 138 pounds fully clothed (must be the candy and sugar cookies I made him for Valentine's Day). Blood pressure has gone down again to 80/54, but there is no dizziness. He continues to take 7.5 mg of midodrine two to three times daily. The doctor said his white count shows him to be slightly anemic. He is to come back in April for a follow-up and have labs done for CVC, metabolic and thyroid. Thyroid levels were up a little in July and normal in November.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Updates - Day 220
It was Thanksgiving and now it is nearly Christmas. It has been a busy month for us as it has for many of you.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Today, Dec. 21, Jim and I both had appointments. I know some of you have said you prefer to know what is going on with Jim than with me, but we are a couple, so our life is about us, not just him and not just me. You can always skip those parts that dwell on me.
I had an epidural in my back this morning at St. Luke's Pain Clinic. Some of the muscle and joint pain of recent months that I thought was related to my left hip and leg was actually in my low back.
Jim had a one-week follow-up with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Last week on Dec. 15, his visit with Dr. Butler revealed his blood pressure to be 70/42 and weight 132 pounds. He increased Jim's dosage of midodrine from 5 mg three times a day to 7 1/2 mg three times a day and suggested a MRA (angiogram) of chest muscles might be in order. Today, after the increase in medicine, Jim's blood pressure was 80/50 and weight 130 pounds. His waist, which had dropped from 33 inches to 31, now measures 29 inches. The doctor was concerned about the lower BP readings, but decided not to do anything about the MRA at this time. He would wait to see what Jim's cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Bailin, has to say. We see him on Jan. 15. Jim has not had any signs of dizziness or lightheadedness; his lungs are clear, heart and kidneys fine. Lab work was scheduled this past week, and results were normal. Jim is to return to Dr. Butler in 8 weeks.
We also received a phone call from the office of Jim's rheumatologist, Dr. Michael Brooks. We had to return to MedLabs mid-afternoon so Jim could have an INI of calcium. Jim is scheduled to have a Reclast, an annual IV injection for osteoporosis, on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, but that procedure may be delayed a week if calcium results are not received by early Wednesday. He was low on calcium, and earlier this week, was told he also was low on Vitamin D. Both of these supplements were stopped from May to July, when he was having various procedures at UIHC.
Jim still is tired, probably because of the ischemic stroke and arthritis, but the Lord enables him to accomplish many things.
On Nov. 29, he decorated the lamp post in front of our house and set up the vintage sleigh, reindeer and Santa my parents made many long years ago. He also set up lights so passersby could see it and the nativity in the evening hours. Most of the decorating indoors was done by Dec. 1, and on Dec. 5, Jim started baking for our open house. I helped with decorating sugar cookies, writing and printing the Christmas newsletter, setting up the food display, etc. We had 35 people come to our Open House Dec. 12, including four members from Wilton Baptist.
We have over 50 nativities (as well as multiple Christmas trees, angels and Santas) and 10 of them were obtained just this month. Among them: a silver nativity from Ron and Carla Dunnahoo at Wilton, a glass nativity with Merry Christmas across the top from church members at Wilton and one from a hospice client Jim visits in Central City.
Various Christmas programs we attended were Cedar Rapids Washington Madrigal Singers during evening services Dec. 13 at Immanuel, Austin's preschool musical Dec. 15 at Taylor School, and Immanuel's youth choir during evening services Dec. 20, also at Immanuel.
We continue to serve at Wilton Baptist Church and love our time there. We are in no hurry to have it end, but that is all in God's timing, so we will enjoy whatever He gives us. Jim and I drive to Wilton every Sunday and sometimes Jim or both of us (if it works out) go there mid-week to visit members or lead a service. He also visits members who have had procedures in the hospital. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Thursday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Thankfulness - Day 196
Today is Thanksgiving Day.
Today is the Day
the Lord has made
Let us rejoice
and be glad in it
Today was yesterday
Today is tomorrow
Everyday is the Day
the Lord has made
Let us give thanks
Let us be grateful
Let us look forward
toward the Lord
Keep us always aware
of Him who will guide us
along the path
He has for us.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
11.26.2015
Among requests in this morning's prayer time was that Jim would stop getting smaller. He doesn't think he is losing weight, however, his waist size is decreasing and he doesn't want to "waste away to nothing." Before his surgery, he wore 33 x 36 pants and large sweaters; now he wears 32 x 36 or 32 x 34, and depending on the cut, sometimes 31 x 34, and medium sweaters.
Jim still has occasional episodes of dizziness and shortness of breath, but nothing like it was.
Last night, Wednesday, we had Thanksgiving Eve services at Wilton Baptist. It was a good drive down even though the traffic was quite heavy on I-380 and I-80. There was and is much to be thankful for.
Jim has been working on his Christmas sermons. This coming Lord's Day, he will begin advent messages. The first message, on Nov. 29, has to do with prophecies. We enjoy our ministry with Wilton Baptist and hope the Lord will allow us to continue there, at the very minimum, through Christmas.
In a short while, we will travel to Waterloo and have Thanksgiving dinner with Jim's sister, Dianne, who lives in Ankeny, and their aunt, Effie, who lives at Friendship Village. We are looking forward to the visit and hope to play a game of Scrabble before returning home.
Since last writing, we've had our first run-in with snow. Jim got gas for the snow blower and it actually started after a few tries. The heavy wet snow began Friday night, Nov. 20, and stopped late morning on Saturday. He used the snowblower and the shovel on Saturday and was overly tired afterward.
Saturday night we had our family over - Rocky, Christina, Austin and James, for a Thanksgiving gathering - turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, scalloped corn, pumpkin pie, homemade potato rolls. All good. All filling.
Sunday morning, Nov. 22, the roads here were good. The roads and sidewalks in Wilton were not cleared, so ice was in many places. I had the day off from work, so we had lunch with Eric and Kathy in Wilton. It was good food - Jim ate everything he ordered and even a piece of cherry pie - and a good visit.
Today is the Day
the Lord has made
Let us rejoice
and be glad in it
Today was yesterday
Today is tomorrow
Everyday is the Day
the Lord has made
Let us give thanks
Let us be grateful
Let us look forward
toward the Lord
Keep us always aware
of Him who will guide us
along the path
He has for us.
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
11.26.2015
Among requests in this morning's prayer time was that Jim would stop getting smaller. He doesn't think he is losing weight, however, his waist size is decreasing and he doesn't want to "waste away to nothing." Before his surgery, he wore 33 x 36 pants and large sweaters; now he wears 32 x 36 or 32 x 34, and depending on the cut, sometimes 31 x 34, and medium sweaters.
Jim still has occasional episodes of dizziness and shortness of breath, but nothing like it was.
Last night, Wednesday, we had Thanksgiving Eve services at Wilton Baptist. It was a good drive down even though the traffic was quite heavy on I-380 and I-80. There was and is much to be thankful for.
Jim has been working on his Christmas sermons. This coming Lord's Day, he will begin advent messages. The first message, on Nov. 29, has to do with prophecies. We enjoy our ministry with Wilton Baptist and hope the Lord will allow us to continue there, at the very minimum, through Christmas.
In a short while, we will travel to Waterloo and have Thanksgiving dinner with Jim's sister, Dianne, who lives in Ankeny, and their aunt, Effie, who lives at Friendship Village. We are looking forward to the visit and hope to play a game of Scrabble before returning home.
Since last writing, we've had our first run-in with snow. Jim got gas for the snow blower and it actually started after a few tries. The heavy wet snow began Friday night, Nov. 20, and stopped late morning on Saturday. He used the snowblower and the shovel on Saturday and was overly tired afterward.
Saturday night we had our family over - Rocky, Christina, Austin and James, for a Thanksgiving gathering - turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, scalloped corn, pumpkin pie, homemade potato rolls. All good. All filling.
Sunday morning, Nov. 22, the roads here were good. The roads and sidewalks in Wilton were not cleared, so ice was in many places. I had the day off from work, so we had lunch with Eric and Kathy in Wilton. It was good food - Jim ate everything he ordered and even a piece of cherry pie - and a good visit.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Other things - Day 187
There really isn't anything healthwise to report re: Jim - he is better, the heart monitor will be returned by week's end, the only time he is short of breath is when he has over-exerted himself.
But there are other things, so I thought I'd share them.
We determined we were going to have our annual Christmas Open House this year no matter what. It is set now ... we have most invitations sent out and are working on decorating in and out. It is coming along much better in than out, because the weather is not very cooperative. We do have our outdoor nativity up, however.
We enjoy ministering to the people of Wilton Baptist. The 60.1-mile trip to and from seems to take less time the longer we serve there. We don't know how long we will remain there. Earlier this year after Jim had had his surgery, we talked about being willing to go wherever the Lord sent us. He sent us to United Federated in Lisbon for three weeks in August and then returned us to Wilton Baptist, where we have been since Aug. 30.
The church is searching for a fulltime bi-vocational pastor. Jim was called to be its interim pastor Sept. 27. For the past 3 to 4 weeks, we have considered applying for the open position.
It wasn't until today, Jim felt a tugging from the Lord. Of the several devotionals he reads, it was from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" that he thought God had given him an answer.
I have included it here in its entirety:
So it is up to God, as it always is. His will be done.
We covet your prayers for His will, not anyone's wishes, but simply His will.
But there are other things, so I thought I'd share them.
We determined we were going to have our annual Christmas Open House this year no matter what. It is set now ... we have most invitations sent out and are working on decorating in and out. It is coming along much better in than out, because the weather is not very cooperative. We do have our outdoor nativity up, however.
We enjoy ministering to the people of Wilton Baptist. The 60.1-mile trip to and from seems to take less time the longer we serve there. We don't know how long we will remain there. Earlier this year after Jim had had his surgery, we talked about being willing to go wherever the Lord sent us. He sent us to United Federated in Lisbon for three weeks in August and then returned us to Wilton Baptist, where we have been since Aug. 30.
The church is searching for a fulltime bi-vocational pastor. Jim was called to be its interim pastor Sept. 27. For the past 3 to 4 weeks, we have considered applying for the open position.
It wasn't until today, Jim felt a tugging from the Lord. Of the several devotionals he reads, it was from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" that he thought God had given him an answer.
I have included it here in its entirety:
"By Myself have I sworn, with the Lord, for because thou has done this thing ... that in blessing I will bless thee..." Genesis 22:15-19
Abraham had reached the place where he is in touch with the very nature of God, he understands now the Reality of God.
"My goal is God Himself ...
At any cost, dear Lord, by any road."
"At any cost, by any road" means nothing self-chosen in the way God brings us to the goal.
There is no possibility of questioning when God speaks if He speaks to His own nature in me; prompt obedience is the only result. When Jesus says - "Come," I simply come; when He says - "Let go," I let go; when He says-"Trust in God in this matter," I do trust. The whole working out is the evidence that the nature of God is in me.
God's revelation of Himself to me is determined by my character, not by God's character.
"'Tis because I am mean,
Thy ways so oft look mean to me."
By the discipline of obedience I get to the place where Abraham was and I see Who God is. I never have a real God until I have come face to face with Him in Jesus Christ, then I know that "in all the world, my God, there is none but Thee, there is not but Thee."
The promises of God are of no value to us until by obedience we understand the nature of God. We read some things in the Bible three hundred and sixty-five times and they mean nothing to us, then all of a sudden we see what God means, because in some particular we have obeyed God, and instantly His nature is opened up. "All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen." The "yea" must be born of obedience; when by the obedience of our lives we say "Amen" to a promise, then that promise is ours.We spent the afternoon in Wilton. Today we learned the pastor search committee has invited a man to come in view of a call. He will be preaching Dec. 6. Today Jim shared he was interested in the position.
So it is up to God, as it always is. His will be done.
We covet your prayers for His will, not anyone's wishes, but simply His will.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Updates - Day 183
We'll start with Wednesday, Nov. 4 - Jim had his infected tooth that was diagnosed Nov. 2 removed this morning. Has had no problems with it since.
The following Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Jim had a CT scan of his chest, followed by a 3-month followup visit (even though it has been 6 months since the cancer surgery) with Dr. Parekh at UIHC. Results of the CT scan were good - no apparent reoccuring cancer. That is a blessing. His blood pressure is improving - 97/52. He is to return in 6 months and after that, yearly visits.
Today, Nov. 12 - he had an endoscopy to see how the ulcer was healing. Dr. Gerke said it was not healing, and it may never heal, but he was not overly concerned about it. It's not bleeding either, and as long as it stays that way, good. Perhaps this is what you call an inactive ulcer? He recommends Jim stay on 40 mg of Pantoprazole, once a day, to help it heal.
The following Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Jim had a CT scan of his chest, followed by a 3-month followup visit (even though it has been 6 months since the cancer surgery) with Dr. Parekh at UIHC. Results of the CT scan were good - no apparent reoccuring cancer. That is a blessing. His blood pressure is improving - 97/52. He is to return in 6 months and after that, yearly visits.
Today, Nov. 12 - he had an endoscopy to see how the ulcer was healing. Dr. Gerke said it was not healing, and it may never heal, but he was not overly concerned about it. It's not bleeding either, and as long as it stays that way, good. Perhaps this is what you call an inactive ulcer? He recommends Jim stay on 40 mg of Pantoprazole, once a day, to help it heal.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Appointments - Day 174
The first of many appointments today was a visit with his primary care physician, Dr. Todd Butler. Weight is 128.6 pounds with clothes on. Blood pressure is 70/46. Jim's plan of action to reduce the frequency of taking Midodrine was curtailed by Dr. Butler, who said he really needs to be taking it three times a daily so it will last all day and raise his blood pressure. Otherwise the medicine only lasts a few hours and is of little benefit. Results of blood work drawn indicated his thyroid is fine and he is a little anemic.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
The consultation with his dentist, Dr. John McGrane, resulted in an appointment Wednesday morning at 11:10 to remove the infected tooth. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., he will have two fillings repaired.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Another infected tooth - Day 173
Today, Monday, Nov. 2, Jim had a dental appointment. There was no indication it would be anything but normal, but something was wrong when the hour appointment stretched into 1 1/2 hours. When he returned home, he said he had another infected tooth - upper right this time. Jim said they took 21
x-rays. The tooth needs to come out soon, so we are having a consultation with Dr. McGrane at 2 p.m. Tuesday to determine exactly what to do and when to do it. Another expense.
We spent a good share of the day in Wilton, where we visited with Ron and Jim had an interview with a reporter from the weekly newspaper, Wilton-Durant Advocate News.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 27, Jim had a colonoscopy. He had one tiny polyp, which Dr. Gerke removed. He is to return in 5 years.
He has reduced the frequency of taking the Midodrine (which raises his blood pressure) from three 1/2 tabs daily to one 1/2 tab. He thought the medicine was causing a decrease in potty flow. It appears this plan has helped as the BP has remained good, with no dizziness, and potty flow has increased.
In addition to the 3-month clinic visit with Dr. Parekh on Nov. 11, Jim is scheduled to have an endoscopy Nov. 12 to see how the ulcer is healing.
x-rays. The tooth needs to come out soon, so we are having a consultation with Dr. McGrane at 2 p.m. Tuesday to determine exactly what to do and when to do it. Another expense.
We spent a good share of the day in Wilton, where we visited with Ron and Jim had an interview with a reporter from the weekly newspaper, Wilton-Durant Advocate News.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 27, Jim had a colonoscopy. He had one tiny polyp, which Dr. Gerke removed. He is to return in 5 years.
He has reduced the frequency of taking the Midodrine (which raises his blood pressure) from three 1/2 tabs daily to one 1/2 tab. He thought the medicine was causing a decrease in potty flow. It appears this plan has helped as the BP has remained good, with no dizziness, and potty flow has increased.
In addition to the 3-month clinic visit with Dr. Parekh on Nov. 11, Jim is scheduled to have an endoscopy Nov. 12 to see how the ulcer is healing.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Second opinion informative - Day 164
Today is Saturday, the 164th day after Jim's esophageal cancer surgery. It has been a mostly quiet day, except for the occasional beep of the heart monitor he is to wear for the next 29 days.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
Yesterday - Friday, he had a second opinion appointment with Dr. Stephen Bailin, a cardiologist at UIHC. We like Dr. Bailin - he explains things so you understand what's going on and what isn't and he doesn't give you the impression whatever he says is what you should do. He listens to the patient and the family. He's going to be Jim's new cardiologist going forward. Good-bye Dr. Li.
We arrived 30 minutes early for our appointment. Weight and blood pressure were taken right away - 129 pounds fully clothed and BP was low.... 78/43. The EKG was normal.
We discussed not resuming the Coumadin - he has been off it since Oct. 1, when he was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer that resulted in another 5-day stay in the hospital. The multiple periods of dizziness and lightheadedness in a given day have been absent. He was feeling better. There have been two brief moments of dizziness, however, in recent days - one was Oct. 18, the other Oct. 19. If there were others, Jim hasn't said.
It was determined even though he had one episode of a stroke (ischemic), he has not been in AFib since his June surgery for the bowel obstruction. It was decided he didn't need to be on Coumadin, just a baby aspirin.
We discussed an alternative medicine to the Flomax taken for the prostate. Flomax can cause low blood pressure / dizziness too. Even though he has been on the medicine for a long time, it may possibly be causing problems in his body now. So the medicine Alfuzoin was considered as one less likely to cause hypotension. But we didn't end up going that route, at least not right now.
Another potential medicine is Midodrine which can raise blood pressure. Dr. Bailin asked if Jim had had an ultrasound. He did have an endoscopic ultrasound March 31. Apparently Jim has a congenital defect, with a flap-like opening in the wall of the heart. Usually this flap closes at birth, but there are some cases where it stays open. It appears Jim is one of those "cases."
Jim had his blood pressure taken laying down (84/49), sitting up (76/43) and standing (80/45). Then he had blood drawn for a cortisol stimulation test, which shows an excess or deficient amount of cortisol and how the adrenal glands are functioning. I'm not sure what his results mean. The preliminary numbers were 8.4. On Monday, Oct. 26, we found the final numbers to be 22.0 - elevated from the standard range. By Friday, Oct. 30, we learned the numbers were not abnormal, so I'm guessing the adrenal glands are functioning just fine.
The doctor wants to try him on the Midodrine, the smallest dose of 2 1/2 mg 2 to 3 times a day - morning, noon and supper time. The round pills are very hard to cut in half, even with a pill splitter.
Also, Jim is to be on a heart monitor for 30 days to see how he is doing. Records will automatically transmit to UIHC. Whenever he has an episode (dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath), he is is push the button on the monitor.
Interim Pastorate
Jim began serving as interim pastor at Wilton (Iowa) Baptist Church in October. We started traveling to the Wilton area Tuesday, Oct. 13, to visit church members. The next time was Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Jim went by himself. He did just fine driving to and from.
Sunday, Oct. 18, was Pastor Appreciation Day. All pastors who have ever served at Wilton Baptist were invited to a luncheon after worship. On this day, besides Jim and me, there was Mike and Ginny Roberts. Mike used to serve in the Cedar Rapids area, but now is in southeast Iowa as director of missions. Craig Horning, a former Cedar Rapidian and Immanuel member, who now lives in Deming, N.M., came with us. I had the afternoon off from work, so was able to enjoy more of the festivities.
Sunday, Oct. 25, Jim will preach from 1 Peter: 2:11-25 on "The Nitty-Gritty of Every Day."
Awana and Canning
Wednesdays are special - we take our grandson to Awana - Austin, who will be 4 in a few short weeks, is in Cubbies. He seems to enjoy the time there and is learning about Jesus.
Jim often is tired. I can't imagine why sometimes - he has taken up the art of canning and has come to be pretty good at it, via instructions from the internet. On Oct. 14, he canned 4 pints of tomatoes and 2 pints of applesauce. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, while I did Gazette work at home for six hours, Jim made homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread. We delivered the homemade goodies, including applesauce, to Cathy's adopted mommy, Miss Anna, and had a nice visit.
Follow-up visit Nov. 11
Jim's 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Parekh, his cancer surgeon, has been scheduled for Nov. 11. It may be his 3-month visit, but it's 6 months after surgery.
His next appointment with Dr. Bailin, his new cardiologist, is Jan. 15, 2016.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Questions - Day 153
We have more questions than answers re: Jim's health care after three hospital stays and two surgeries.
Jim was released from UIHC at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, after a five-day stay for internal bleeding / bleeding ulcer.
In my readings, I have found an ulcer is a hole generally in the stomach or small intestine, but can be anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Jim's ulcer formed at the juncture of the esophagus (1-2 inches) and stomach, where he had his esohagectomy May 12.
His thoracic surgeon, Dr. Parekh, says the tissue is still new and fresh and not healed, leaving it more susceptible to problems. His primary care physician, Dr. Butler, whom Jim saw Oct. 8, says it's been 5 months ... it should be healed!
In our visit with Dr. Butler, he made these comments:
**Coumadin does not cause dizziness
**Coumadin does not cause bleeding. It can cause you to bleed more, but not to start
**You can have reflux from stomach back up even if you do not have heartburn, therefore, you should be on pantoprazole.
**An acid blocker could heal the ulcer
**Some other medicine Jim is on causes the dizziness, such as Flomax or Benedryl.
Our unanswered questions:
**Why did Jimmy have dizziness when on Coumadin (June - September), but since being off of it (Oct. 1), there is none?
**Why is dizziness listed as a side effect of taking coumadin if that is not so?
**Why has it been said coumadin can cause low blood pressure which can result in dizziness?
**Why hasn't the tissue area healed where the esophagus and stomach were sutured?
**Why is he on Pepcid, an acid blocker?
**Why is there no clear cut direction from more than one doctor re: pantoprazole?
**How do you know the ulcer is a result of acid ... is it not possible it is because of bacteria?
**What would an endoscopial ultrasound show? He had one in March before the cancer surgery. He has had two endoscopies since Oct. 1. He is supposed to have an CATscan - is it not possible this would show ulcers or healing process?
**How do you determine normal readings for hemoglobin? We've been told 10 is normal for Jim, yet before the May 12 surgery it was 13.5. After 2 pints of blood were given between Oct. 1-5, it remained stable at 8.8. The lowest reading was 6.8. Dr. Butler says 8.8 is still low, 10 is low.
On Oct. 8 visit with Butler, Jim's BP was 90/42, which is normal for him. Weight with clothes on was 133 pounds. No scale is the same.
The next appointment coming up is Oct. 23 when Jim sees a cardiologist for a second opinion at UIHC.
My writings:
Questions
So many
agreement
between
doctors
missing
Answers
not found
We listen
We read
Nothing consistent
What one says
is fact
another says
is not
Who are we
to believe?
Our minds
in a
quandry
confusion
and frustration
take hold
We are obsessed
with knowing
what is
true and correct
I remember
The Lord
said
He would be with us
He would bring us through it
He would guide us
not just part of the way
but every step
That means
even through
the complications
and in retrospect,
not just through Jim's cancer
and the various side effects
but even my own
health issues
No more
We have too much
Take it away
Take it away Lord
Yet God says
in His word
He will not give us more than we can handle
What does He know
What does He see
He is wirh us
He guides us
If we are close
closer to Him
We will hear
in the stillness
His Holy Spirit
The answers
we seek
we find
in the solace
of our Lord Jesus
He hears our prayers
He knows our concerns
He answers
but are we listening
did we hear His response
or are we unsure
Doctors do not agree
have not agreed
say this and that
and another
Jim has been off
the coumadin
12 days
There is no dizziness
Is this God's answer?
Jim was released from UIHC at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, after a five-day stay for internal bleeding / bleeding ulcer.
In my readings, I have found an ulcer is a hole generally in the stomach or small intestine, but can be anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Jim's ulcer formed at the juncture of the esophagus (1-2 inches) and stomach, where he had his esohagectomy May 12.
His thoracic surgeon, Dr. Parekh, says the tissue is still new and fresh and not healed, leaving it more susceptible to problems. His primary care physician, Dr. Butler, whom Jim saw Oct. 8, says it's been 5 months ... it should be healed!
In our visit with Dr. Butler, he made these comments:
**Coumadin does not cause dizziness
**Coumadin does not cause bleeding. It can cause you to bleed more, but not to start
**You can have reflux from stomach back up even if you do not have heartburn, therefore, you should be on pantoprazole.
**An acid blocker could heal the ulcer
**Some other medicine Jim is on causes the dizziness, such as Flomax or Benedryl.
Our unanswered questions:
**Why did Jimmy have dizziness when on Coumadin (June - September), but since being off of it (Oct. 1), there is none?
**Why is dizziness listed as a side effect of taking coumadin if that is not so?
**Why has it been said coumadin can cause low blood pressure which can result in dizziness?
**Why hasn't the tissue area healed where the esophagus and stomach were sutured?
**Why is he on Pepcid, an acid blocker?
**Why is there no clear cut direction from more than one doctor re: pantoprazole?
**How do you know the ulcer is a result of acid ... is it not possible it is because of bacteria?
**What would an endoscopial ultrasound show? He had one in March before the cancer surgery. He has had two endoscopies since Oct. 1. He is supposed to have an CATscan - is it not possible this would show ulcers or healing process?
**How do you determine normal readings for hemoglobin? We've been told 10 is normal for Jim, yet before the May 12 surgery it was 13.5. After 2 pints of blood were given between Oct. 1-5, it remained stable at 8.8. The lowest reading was 6.8. Dr. Butler says 8.8 is still low, 10 is low.
On Oct. 8 visit with Butler, Jim's BP was 90/42, which is normal for him. Weight with clothes on was 133 pounds. No scale is the same.
The next appointment coming up is Oct. 23 when Jim sees a cardiologist for a second opinion at UIHC.
My writings:
Questions
So many
agreement
between
doctors
missing
Answers
not found
We listen
We read
Nothing consistent
What one says
is fact
another says
is not
Who are we
to believe?
Our minds
in a
quandry
confusion
and frustration
take hold
We are obsessed
with knowing
what is
true and correct
I remember
The Lord
said
He would be with us
He would bring us through it
He would guide us
not just part of the way
but every step
That means
even through
the complications
and in retrospect,
not just through Jim's cancer
and the various side effects
but even my own
health issues
No more
We have too much
Take it away
Take it away Lord
Yet God says
in His word
He will not give us more than we can handle
What does He know
What does He see
He is wirh us
He guides us
If we are close
closer to Him
We will hear
in the stillness
His Holy Spirit
The answers
we seek
we find
in the solace
of our Lord Jesus
He hears our prayers
He knows our concerns
He answers
but are we listening
did we hear His response
or are we unsure
Doctors do not agree
have not agreed
say this and that
and another
Jim has been off
the coumadin
12 days
There is no dizziness
Is this God's answer?
Monday, October 5, 2015
Coming Home - Day 146
One of us had a good night's sleep - and that would be me. Slept 6 1/2 hours through.
Of course that means Jim didn't have a good night's sleep, unless you count the time between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. His roommate's IV started beeping at 2, and it took 20 minutes for anyone to come in and stop it. Then at 4, his nurse came in to get Jim's BP, which was 80/40. Decided that was too low, so they tried the other arm. Then they hooked him up to an IV, probably with salt in it to boost the numbers. IV was in for an hour, then it beeped. Then labs done. By that time it was 6 a.m.
But there was good news with the morning ....
**Hemoglobin remains normal at 8.8.
**He could have a full regular diet, starting with breakfast.
**He could cancel Oct. 23 2nd opinion appointment with cardiologist -- he would not resume taking Warfarin / Coumadin - and report would be (hopefully) sent to local cardiologist Dr. Li
**He could come home early afternoon.
A few things on this list didn't quite happen as well as hoped.
One, we really need to keep the Oct. 23 appointment with UI cardiology, and
Two, early afternoon became early evening - we left UIHC at 4:45 p.m.
Differing opinions between doctors
We have heard a differing of opinions again between doctors. Can't seem to get everybody on the same page. So who do we listen to?
**One doctor said Jim should be off Coumadin, he should cancel the second opinion appointment with UI Cardiology.
**Zachary Smith, the gastro-intestinal doctor who has been treating him these past few days, said he is to be off aspirin and Coumadin until his appointment with his primary care physician (Dr. Todd Butler, Oct. 8), who is to make the determining decision.
Dr. Smith believed Jim should be on a blood thinner because of stroke in 2012 and because of being in Afib. He is under the mistaken belief that Jim has had multiple strokes, when he has had only one mini stroke.
He also thought Jim should be on omeprazole or pantoprazole because of acid reflux.
**Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, weighed in with his opinion.
I had called Joan, the thoracic coordinator, soon after visiting with Dr. Smith and asked her a couple of questions to speak to Dr. Parekh about:
1. What caused the ulcer? How did it form?
2. Why would omeprazole be prescribed when the cancer surgery did away with the need for it?
His answers --
The ulcer formed where it did - at the juncture of the reattached esophagus and stomach (esophagectomy) - because the tissue is still new (4+ months), fresh and healing. The bleeding was brought on by the Coumadin. Symptoms from the loss of blood (which could have been revealing itself for some time since Jim has complained of dizziness for months) reared its head big time on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when shortness of breath, extreme dizziness, extreme tiredness and weaknesss and black stools were evident.
Dr. Parekh reiterated what he indicated at the one-month clinic visit on July 1 - with the esophagectomy, there should be no heartburn or acid reflux problems. Taking omeprazole or pantoprazole will not change anything.
We are inclined to go along with his thinking. Why be prescribed medicine for a problem that was corrected in May? Jim did have acid reflux and Barrett's Esophagus, but he doesn't anymore.
He was put on Coumadin because he acquired Afib as a result of the May 12 surgery. By June 11, when he had the second surgery, Afib was no longer a problem, yet .... Coumadin remains a problem.
The GI doctors want another endoscopy performed to see how the ulcer is healing.
When Jim has his 3-month check-up with Dr. Parekh, he also will need a CATscan.
Of course that means Jim didn't have a good night's sleep, unless you count the time between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. His roommate's IV started beeping at 2, and it took 20 minutes for anyone to come in and stop it. Then at 4, his nurse came in to get Jim's BP, which was 80/40. Decided that was too low, so they tried the other arm. Then they hooked him up to an IV, probably with salt in it to boost the numbers. IV was in for an hour, then it beeped. Then labs done. By that time it was 6 a.m.
But there was good news with the morning ....
**Hemoglobin remains normal at 8.8.
**He could have a full regular diet, starting with breakfast.
**He could cancel Oct. 23 2nd opinion appointment with cardiologist -- he would not resume taking Warfarin / Coumadin - and report would be (hopefully) sent to local cardiologist Dr. Li
**He could come home early afternoon.
A few things on this list didn't quite happen as well as hoped.
One, we really need to keep the Oct. 23 appointment with UI cardiology, and
Two, early afternoon became early evening - we left UIHC at 4:45 p.m.
Differing opinions between doctors
We have heard a differing of opinions again between doctors. Can't seem to get everybody on the same page. So who do we listen to?
**One doctor said Jim should be off Coumadin, he should cancel the second opinion appointment with UI Cardiology.
**Zachary Smith, the gastro-intestinal doctor who has been treating him these past few days, said he is to be off aspirin and Coumadin until his appointment with his primary care physician (Dr. Todd Butler, Oct. 8), who is to make the determining decision.
Dr. Smith believed Jim should be on a blood thinner because of stroke in 2012 and because of being in Afib. He is under the mistaken belief that Jim has had multiple strokes, when he has had only one mini stroke.
He also thought Jim should be on omeprazole or pantoprazole because of acid reflux.
**Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, weighed in with his opinion.
I had called Joan, the thoracic coordinator, soon after visiting with Dr. Smith and asked her a couple of questions to speak to Dr. Parekh about:
1. What caused the ulcer? How did it form?
2. Why would omeprazole be prescribed when the cancer surgery did away with the need for it?
His answers --
The ulcer formed where it did - at the juncture of the reattached esophagus and stomach (esophagectomy) - because the tissue is still new (4+ months), fresh and healing. The bleeding was brought on by the Coumadin. Symptoms from the loss of blood (which could have been revealing itself for some time since Jim has complained of dizziness for months) reared its head big time on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when shortness of breath, extreme dizziness, extreme tiredness and weaknesss and black stools were evident.
Dr. Parekh reiterated what he indicated at the one-month clinic visit on July 1 - with the esophagectomy, there should be no heartburn or acid reflux problems. Taking omeprazole or pantoprazole will not change anything.
We are inclined to go along with his thinking. Why be prescribed medicine for a problem that was corrected in May? Jim did have acid reflux and Barrett's Esophagus, but he doesn't anymore.
He was put on Coumadin because he acquired Afib as a result of the May 12 surgery. By June 11, when he had the second surgery, Afib was no longer a problem, yet .... Coumadin remains a problem.
The GI doctors want another endoscopy performed to see how the ulcer is healing.
When Jim has his 3-month check-up with Dr. Parekh, he also will need a CATscan.
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