Update by Mike Bullard:
Dear Friends,
As you are aware Graham returned from radiotherapy in Melbourne several weeks ago.
Unfortunately he has had to be hospitalised on Sunday, 26th Dec. He has some fluid build up in the lungs/heart area which needed to be drained. Tests have been done to determine why the fluid has gathered in his lungs. They are still not yet conclusive.
Please pray for God's strength and comfort, and ongoing healing - for Graham and Tracey, Paige and Carson.
Good news, while Graham won't be able to travel to the US, Wendell and Martha (Dad and mum) and Ben and Sherry (Brother and sister in law) will be travelling to Perth this weekend to see Graham.
If you would like to send Graham and Tracey a message, you can SMS +61402823078 (please do not call, just SMS) and they’ll get the message.
We will have a time of prayer at Subi Church today (31st Dec) from 6-7pm. You are invited to pray along with us if you are able. If you can't make it, please pray wherever and whenever you are able.
Blessings in Christ to you all,
Mike
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Health Update - 24 December 2010
Dear Friends,
Firstly, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! It's going to be a real celebration in our home. Many experts had me passing away in my sleep in December and not seeing 2011 at all.
Tracey and I were reflecting on the start of 2010 and how our world was turned upside down. As we think about 2011, I'm asking that the LORD would grant me time to meditate; pray; hang with Tracey and the kids; just enjoy each day for the beauty and opportunities each moment brings. So many things in my world that seemed significant and important have lost their sparkle. At this time, I still will have to watch the stress levels as well as the the physical exertion.
Let me update you on how I'm doing. Since returning for Melbourne, I've had one agenda: Rest and recovery. Good ole' R & R. For the most part, it's been pretty successful, not doing too much, but slowly incorporating a little exercise and a few more activities into my routine. Also, I had a dietician who told Tracey, "Let him eat whatever he wants. Don't worry about it. If he wants, let him have it."
• I asked you to pray for my appetite. Well, it's improving daily and I've added several kilos to my weight since I last wrote.
• I've asked for wisdom and I believe that Lord has been guiding me in this recovery process.
• I asked for strength that I might be well enough to travel to the US. On Dec. 31, the Johnston family will be boarding a plane bound for Dallas, TX, home of my parents. We're top of the list to be able to upgrade our points to Business class seating for the long flight over the ocean. The Doctors have given me the all clear and letters for Qantas have been prepared. It's looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing tons of friends and family in Dallas as I'll be staying on to the end of the month of January.
• I still need prayer as the radiation continues to burn inside me. Dr. Feigen and others have suggested that three months is a reasonable time frame before entering into the testing phase to see what has been accomplished. Tracey and I are praying that when the results do come back early in 2011, we're going to be told that I'm cancer free in the left lung and that the right lung remains clear as well.
I was speaking with a good friend as we reflected upon the profundity of Ephesians 3. In verse 10, Paul writes concerning us, His people, the Church, "His intent was that now through the Church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." This is saying that the things I'm going through are witnessed, not only by those on earth, but also by those in the heavenly. How I conduct myself should reveal how great and wise Our God is! Reflecting on this motivates me to follow Christ all the more.
Have a blessed holiday!
Thank you for your on-going prayers and concern. God is at work; I'm just along for the ride.
Blessings,
Graham
Firstly, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! It's going to be a real celebration in our home. Many experts had me passing away in my sleep in December and not seeing 2011 at all.
Tracey and I were reflecting on the start of 2010 and how our world was turned upside down. As we think about 2011, I'm asking that the LORD would grant me time to meditate; pray; hang with Tracey and the kids; just enjoy each day for the beauty and opportunities each moment brings. So many things in my world that seemed significant and important have lost their sparkle. At this time, I still will have to watch the stress levels as well as the the physical exertion.
Let me update you on how I'm doing. Since returning for Melbourne, I've had one agenda: Rest and recovery. Good ole' R & R. For the most part, it's been pretty successful, not doing too much, but slowly incorporating a little exercise and a few more activities into my routine. Also, I had a dietician who told Tracey, "Let him eat whatever he wants. Don't worry about it. If he wants, let him have it."
• I asked you to pray for my appetite. Well, it's improving daily and I've added several kilos to my weight since I last wrote.
• I've asked for wisdom and I believe that Lord has been guiding me in this recovery process.
• I asked for strength that I might be well enough to travel to the US. On Dec. 31, the Johnston family will be boarding a plane bound for Dallas, TX, home of my parents. We're top of the list to be able to upgrade our points to Business class seating for the long flight over the ocean. The Doctors have given me the all clear and letters for Qantas have been prepared. It's looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing tons of friends and family in Dallas as I'll be staying on to the end of the month of January.
• I still need prayer as the radiation continues to burn inside me. Dr. Feigen and others have suggested that three months is a reasonable time frame before entering into the testing phase to see what has been accomplished. Tracey and I are praying that when the results do come back early in 2011, we're going to be told that I'm cancer free in the left lung and that the right lung remains clear as well.
I was speaking with a good friend as we reflected upon the profundity of Ephesians 3. In verse 10, Paul writes concerning us, His people, the Church, "His intent was that now through the Church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." This is saying that the things I'm going through are witnessed, not only by those on earth, but also by those in the heavenly. How I conduct myself should reveal how great and wise Our God is! Reflecting on this motivates me to follow Christ all the more.
Have a blessed holiday!
Thank you for your on-going prayers and concern. God is at work; I'm just along for the ride.
Blessings,
Graham
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Health Update - 22 December 2010
Update by Rod Cousins:
It is now over 3 weeks since Graham completed the Radiation treatment in Melbourne. The supervising doctor is confident that results will be positive but it is still 6 or 7 weeks away before a meaningful scan can be taken to ascertain the full effects of the treatment. Graham has been struggling with loss of appetite which started during the treatment phase but has continued since then. However just this last weekend he really enjoyed some meals and was looking for extra portions, so that is some good news. He seems to be improving daily.
Late next week, Graham, Tracey and the family leave for a 4 week trip to the US to see family and friends. They will be staying at his parents place in Dallas with relatives and others coming to visit him. It is a long trip to undertake, especially when he finds sitting in one position for long very uncomfortable. Your prayers for Graham and the family are encouraged.
Regards,
Rod
It is now over 3 weeks since Graham completed the Radiation treatment in Melbourne. The supervising doctor is confident that results will be positive but it is still 6 or 7 weeks away before a meaningful scan can be taken to ascertain the full effects of the treatment. Graham has been struggling with loss of appetite which started during the treatment phase but has continued since then. However just this last weekend he really enjoyed some meals and was looking for extra portions, so that is some good news. He seems to be improving daily.
Late next week, Graham, Tracey and the family leave for a 4 week trip to the US to see family and friends. They will be staying at his parents place in Dallas with relatives and others coming to visit him. It is a long trip to undertake, especially when he finds sitting in one position for long very uncomfortable. Your prayers for Graham and the family are encouraged.
Regards,
Rod
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Health Update - 2 December 2010
Greetings my friends,
Firstly, let me apologise that our time in Melbourne left us a bit communication challenged. The good news is that Tracey and I arrived home safely on Friday following my 30th and final treatment earlier that day. After six weeks, I can't tell you how thrilled we are to be back home. I was concerned that my health might prevent me from travelling on the Friday but I was prepared to crawl across glass to get home. Each day now, I can feel myself getting stronger. So, I'm through the radiation treatment, praise God!
Now, everyone wants to know what was accomplished through this intense radiation treatment. Unfortunately, we wont know for awhile due to the extensive scar tissue and inflammation. What we do know is that the cancer sitting on my ribs in the upper left looks to be completely eradicated and my right lung has remained cancer free. So, the next couple of weeks will consist of rest and recovery; As well as managing the all the side effects, I'll be pulling back on my anti-naseau meds as well as the pain killers but this will be a gradual process. My first scans are scheduled for early Febuary, then we'll have a better idea of what happened.
While in Melbourne, we got close to this couple in the same program, Brendon and Sandy. We bonded almost immediately. Before we parted company, Brendon invited me to his bedside where I was able to share the gospel with him for over a half hour, pouring over Scriptures and asking, "What does it mean to be saved?". Both of them have proved to be very open to the Lord and we continue to be in regular contact with them. We'd appreciate if you might include them in your prayers.
Tracey and I have been reading through Proverbs together and one of the verses that struck me states, "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." (14:11) My body is just a tent, but I pray that the Lord will allow it to flourish for a years to come.
I'm home now just relaxing. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I recover and gain my strength.
Prayer:
1) Increased appetite and that I could start adding some weight.
2) That I might be able to listen to body and not push too hard or too fast during this time.
3) We're planning a trip to the US in January to see family and friends so pray that I'll be fit for this flight.
4) Pray that the radiation treatment accomplished what it supposed to and that my left lung will be found cancer free.
Thank you for your faithful prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
Firstly, let me apologise that our time in Melbourne left us a bit communication challenged. The good news is that Tracey and I arrived home safely on Friday following my 30th and final treatment earlier that day. After six weeks, I can't tell you how thrilled we are to be back home. I was concerned that my health might prevent me from travelling on the Friday but I was prepared to crawl across glass to get home. Each day now, I can feel myself getting stronger. So, I'm through the radiation treatment, praise God!
Now, everyone wants to know what was accomplished through this intense radiation treatment. Unfortunately, we wont know for awhile due to the extensive scar tissue and inflammation. What we do know is that the cancer sitting on my ribs in the upper left looks to be completely eradicated and my right lung has remained cancer free. So, the next couple of weeks will consist of rest and recovery; As well as managing the all the side effects, I'll be pulling back on my anti-naseau meds as well as the pain killers but this will be a gradual process. My first scans are scheduled for early Febuary, then we'll have a better idea of what happened.
While in Melbourne, we got close to this couple in the same program, Brendon and Sandy. We bonded almost immediately. Before we parted company, Brendon invited me to his bedside where I was able to share the gospel with him for over a half hour, pouring over Scriptures and asking, "What does it mean to be saved?". Both of them have proved to be very open to the Lord and we continue to be in regular contact with them. We'd appreciate if you might include them in your prayers.
Tracey and I have been reading through Proverbs together and one of the verses that struck me states, "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish." (14:11) My body is just a tent, but I pray that the Lord will allow it to flourish for a years to come.
I'm home now just relaxing. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I recover and gain my strength.
Prayer:
1) Increased appetite and that I could start adding some weight.
2) That I might be able to listen to body and not push too hard or too fast during this time.
3) We're planning a trip to the US in January to see family and friends so pray that I'll be fit for this flight.
4) Pray that the radiation treatment accomplished what it supposed to and that my left lung will be found cancer free.
Thank you for your faithful prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
Monday, November 15, 2010
Health Update - 7 November 2010
To my friends and colleagues around the world praying for me, thank you.
This weekend, I reached the halfway point the my treatment, 15 gone and 15 to go, and Iʼm feeling strong and confident that Iʼll be able to complete the course (although, it has been touch and go at times).
During my readings this week with Carson, the Lord lead me to Proverbs 13:9 “The light of the righteous shines brightly but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.” Again, just another encouragement that the Hand of the Lord is upon those who love him. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His own name sake.” I want to be on that path and bring glory to His name. Carson and I prayed that my light would shine long and strong for the Lord. Tracey and I and all of our visiting friends have come to embrace Brendan and Sandy, a Queensland couple who are two weeks further ahead of us into the identical radiation treatment. When we first met them, he was wheelchair bound and they were discussing his removal from the treatment due to malnutrition-he wasnʼt eating. We immediately began praying for them and frankly, he quickly began getting better. Pray that we would be able to advance the spiritual conversation to matters of the gospel and a secure eternity in Christ and pray for Brendanʼs health.
As for me, Iʼm doing fine. Iʼm managing compliance with about 12 pills daily, not to mention patches, drinks, and the consumption of certain daily foods. The nausea seems well under control but Iʼve already experienced that itʼs a tenuous journey, one in which you can suddenly find yourself derailed.
As for the oesophagus, so far so good. Itʼs been a great week with treatment. Once again, the main issues remains the constant drowsiness; a heaviness of body; coupled by a lack of energy at the best of times; BUT, if thatʼs the worst of what it takes to get through this, no problem.
This week, nine members of family and friends, went to the stage production of Mary Poppins in downtown Melbourne. I was able to stay awake for most of it...Iʼd say most of it. But it was a tremendously uplifting night-just a lot of fun of everyone.
I praise the Lord that we seem to be on top of everything related to the treatment.
Prayer Points:
1. Pray that Iʼll continue going stronger throughout the next 15 treatments.
2. Pray that Brendanʼs cancer, like mine, would be eradicated through this treatment.
3. I praise God for Tracey and the amazing support system I have around me (and believe
you me, all of this support has not gone unnoticed).
May God enrich you as you uphold me.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
This weekend, I reached the halfway point the my treatment, 15 gone and 15 to go, and Iʼm feeling strong and confident that Iʼll be able to complete the course (although, it has been touch and go at times).
During my readings this week with Carson, the Lord lead me to Proverbs 13:9 “The light of the righteous shines brightly but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.” Again, just another encouragement that the Hand of the Lord is upon those who love him. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His own name sake.” I want to be on that path and bring glory to His name. Carson and I prayed that my light would shine long and strong for the Lord. Tracey and I and all of our visiting friends have come to embrace Brendan and Sandy, a Queensland couple who are two weeks further ahead of us into the identical radiation treatment. When we first met them, he was wheelchair bound and they were discussing his removal from the treatment due to malnutrition-he wasnʼt eating. We immediately began praying for them and frankly, he quickly began getting better. Pray that we would be able to advance the spiritual conversation to matters of the gospel and a secure eternity in Christ and pray for Brendanʼs health.
As for me, Iʼm doing fine. Iʼm managing compliance with about 12 pills daily, not to mention patches, drinks, and the consumption of certain daily foods. The nausea seems well under control but Iʼve already experienced that itʼs a tenuous journey, one in which you can suddenly find yourself derailed.
As for the oesophagus, so far so good. Itʼs been a great week with treatment. Once again, the main issues remains the constant drowsiness; a heaviness of body; coupled by a lack of energy at the best of times; BUT, if thatʼs the worst of what it takes to get through this, no problem.
This week, nine members of family and friends, went to the stage production of Mary Poppins in downtown Melbourne. I was able to stay awake for most of it...Iʼd say most of it. But it was a tremendously uplifting night-just a lot of fun of everyone.
I praise the Lord that we seem to be on top of everything related to the treatment.
Prayer Points:
1. Pray that Iʼll continue going stronger throughout the next 15 treatments.
2. Pray that Brendanʼs cancer, like mine, would be eradicated through this treatment.
3. I praise God for Tracey and the amazing support system I have around me (and believe
you me, all of this support has not gone unnoticed).
May God enrich you as you uphold me.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Health Update - 30 October 2010
Greetings friends,
I thought I might update you as to how I’m going in Melbourne. Interestingly, had I not been unwell, these past days I would have been in South Africa at the Lausanne gathering focused on world evangelisation, but like many other things I hold dearly, I’ve had to lay them aside for time being.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to report on regarding this radiation therapy. I won’t know how it’s impacting the cancer for weeks and months to come. Just so you understand, there’s a limit as to how much radiation a human body can absorb in a lifetime and at the conclusion of this treatment, I’ll have reached that capacity. Secondly, this radiation will continue to burn within me a month after the treatments have finished. So you can see, reaching a clear indication from the treatment can be tricky even after we’re done.
Two prayers points:
1. The radio therapy is accumulative, meaning that the fatigue and the heaviness will only grow worse as the weeks progress. Pray that I’ll have the strength to complete the full treatment.
2. In the third and fourth weeks, the possibility of a scorched oesophagus would make it difficult to drink as well as eat solids.
Like Abraham climbing the mountain and Isaac asks, “The fire and the wood are here but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham replies, “God Himself will provide, my son.” That’s how we feel. What’s going to happen? God will provide is all we can say.
Thank you for your prayers and on-going concern.
May God bless you.
Graham
I thought I might update you as to how I’m going in Melbourne. Interestingly, had I not been unwell, these past days I would have been in South Africa at the Lausanne gathering focused on world evangelisation, but like many other things I hold dearly, I’ve had to lay them aside for time being.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to report on regarding this radiation therapy. I won’t know how it’s impacting the cancer for weeks and months to come. Just so you understand, there’s a limit as to how much radiation a human body can absorb in a lifetime and at the conclusion of this treatment, I’ll have reached that capacity. Secondly, this radiation will continue to burn within me a month after the treatments have finished. So you can see, reaching a clear indication from the treatment can be tricky even after we’re done.
Two prayers points:
1. The radio therapy is accumulative, meaning that the fatigue and the heaviness will only grow worse as the weeks progress. Pray that I’ll have the strength to complete the full treatment.
2. In the third and fourth weeks, the possibility of a scorched oesophagus would make it difficult to drink as well as eat solids.
Like Abraham climbing the mountain and Isaac asks, “The fire and the wood are here but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham replies, “God Himself will provide, my son.” That’s how we feel. What’s going to happen? God will provide is all we can say.
Thank you for your prayers and on-going concern.
May God bless you.
Graham
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Graham's Treatment Times
Graham's Treatment Times in Melbourne (Aust EST, 3 hours ahead of Perth):
Thurs 21st Oct 8.45am
Fri 22nd 8.10am
Mon 25th 1.15pm
Tues 26th 1.40pm
Weds 27th 1.55pm
Thurs 28th 11.35am
Fri 29th 11.35am
Mon 1st Nov 11.40am
Tues 2nd 11.45am
Wed 3rd 11.40am
Thurs 4th 11.40am Graham's Birthday too!
Frid 5th 11.35am
Mon 8th to Thurs 11th 11.40am
Fri 12th 12.00noon
Mon 15th & Tues 16th 11.40am
Wed 17th til final treatment on Fri 26th 11.45am
We would greatly appreciate it if you could pray along with us during these times.
Thurs 21st Oct 8.45am
Fri 22nd 8.10am
Mon 25th 1.15pm
Tues 26th 1.40pm
Weds 27th 1.55pm
Thurs 28th 11.35am
Fri 29th 11.35am
Mon 1st Nov 11.40am
Tues 2nd 11.45am
Wed 3rd 11.40am
Thurs 4th 11.40am Graham's Birthday too!
Frid 5th 11.35am
Mon 8th to Thurs 11th 11.40am
Fri 12th 12.00noon
Mon 15th & Tues 16th 11.40am
Wed 17th til final treatment on Fri 26th 11.45am
We would greatly appreciate it if you could pray along with us during these times.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Health Update - 6 October 2010
Greetings friends,
Many of you have been wondering, "Are they in Melbourne yet and have the started the treatment?" Tracey and I were left hanging ourselves with a starting date but the answer is: We commence on October 18th. There are two of us in the current treatment program with Dr. Feigen and the other fellow commenced last Monday, October 4th. Unfortunately, Dr. Feigen told me that my procedure was a little more complicated to set up and that I would have to begin two weeks after the first patient.
Anyways, Tracey and I are grateful to be in the program and we're using this time to prepare for the six weeks of intensive treatment. My brother, Kirk, has flown in from Florida and it's been a blessing having him here with us over the past week.
Also, I've been seeing the pain management specialist and they working wonders in alleviating the nerve pain in my shoulder. The current course of meds has me feeling little pain most days but incredibly sleepy all the time and I say, "I'll take it!"
God is good and we're in a great place. Yes, I'm in the latter stages of cancer but I'm feeling strong; I'm maintaining my weight; I'm confident and hopeful of positive result from my up-coming treatment and I want to give the LORD all the glory.
Keep us in your prayers as we head off to Melbourne. We're keep you posted as to how the treatment goes. We plan to return to Perth in early December and if all goes well, I'd like to resume my ministry at Subi Church after the Christmas holidays in the new year, which seems like a pipe dream when I think back to those early days of diagnosis.
All I can say is "Praise God for what He is doing in me!" and thank you for your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Many of you have been wondering, "Are they in Melbourne yet and have the started the treatment?" Tracey and I were left hanging ourselves with a starting date but the answer is: We commence on October 18th. There are two of us in the current treatment program with Dr. Feigen and the other fellow commenced last Monday, October 4th. Unfortunately, Dr. Feigen told me that my procedure was a little more complicated to set up and that I would have to begin two weeks after the first patient.
Anyways, Tracey and I are grateful to be in the program and we're using this time to prepare for the six weeks of intensive treatment. My brother, Kirk, has flown in from Florida and it's been a blessing having him here with us over the past week.
Also, I've been seeing the pain management specialist and they working wonders in alleviating the nerve pain in my shoulder. The current course of meds has me feeling little pain most days but incredibly sleepy all the time and I say, "I'll take it!"
God is good and we're in a great place. Yes, I'm in the latter stages of cancer but I'm feeling strong; I'm maintaining my weight; I'm confident and hopeful of positive result from my up-coming treatment and I want to give the LORD all the glory.
Keep us in your prayers as we head off to Melbourne. We're keep you posted as to how the treatment goes. We plan to return to Perth in early December and if all goes well, I'd like to resume my ministry at Subi Church after the Christmas holidays in the new year, which seems like a pipe dream when I think back to those early days of diagnosis.
All I can say is "Praise God for what He is doing in me!" and thank you for your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sermon from 25th & 26th Sept
Graham's recent sermon can be downloaded here.
To download, right click on link above and click 'save target as', then follow the prompts.
Sermon Series: Stepping Out
Sermon Title: Stepping Out - In Trials
Sermon Text: Job 1:18-22
To download, right click on link above and click 'save target as', then follow the prompts.
Sermon Series: Stepping Out
Sermon Title: Stepping Out - In Trials
Sermon Text: Job 1:18-22
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Health Update - 23 September 2010
Greetings my friends,
Firstly, thank you for your prayers. Let me quickly update you as to what's been happening.
Last week, Tracey, Rhys, and I flew to Melbourne to meet with Dr. Feigen investigating the possibility of entering his cutting edge radio oncology treatment program. The cancer needed to be localized, having not spread either to the diaphram or to the right lung.
There were only two opening for the treatment, in the end, Dr. Feigen's office let us know I received one of those spots.
So, I'm off to Melbourne as soon as they can organize the treatment, which is a high dose radio therapy consisting of 30 lots over the span of 6 weeks. So, it will require me and Tracey to remain in Melbourne for that time. We praise God for this provision and we're confident that this treatment will of incredible value to me as Dr. Feigen seeks to destroy the exisiting tumor in my left lung completely.
Secondly, I asked for prayer regarding the daily pain. I truly wish I could bring a good report on this note, but sadly I can't. The truth is I'm experiencing enormous episodic pain followed by a constant dull ache. I'm currently under the care of the pain management specialists at Charles Gairdner Hospital but there's little that can be done except to ride it out.
Hopefully, when the radiation therapy commences, the pain causes by the cancer attacking the nerve will dissapate.
Once again, thank you for you on-going prayers. I'll inform you all as to when Tracey and I head off to Melbourne.
On a lighter note, I'm hoping to be back in the pulpit at Subi this weekend looking at Job 1.
Blessings on you,
Graham
Firstly, thank you for your prayers. Let me quickly update you as to what's been happening.
Last week, Tracey, Rhys, and I flew to Melbourne to meet with Dr. Feigen investigating the possibility of entering his cutting edge radio oncology treatment program. The cancer needed to be localized, having not spread either to the diaphram or to the right lung.
There were only two opening for the treatment, in the end, Dr. Feigen's office let us know I received one of those spots.
So, I'm off to Melbourne as soon as they can organize the treatment, which is a high dose radio therapy consisting of 30 lots over the span of 6 weeks. So, it will require me and Tracey to remain in Melbourne for that time. We praise God for this provision and we're confident that this treatment will of incredible value to me as Dr. Feigen seeks to destroy the exisiting tumor in my left lung completely.
Secondly, I asked for prayer regarding the daily pain. I truly wish I could bring a good report on this note, but sadly I can't. The truth is I'm experiencing enormous episodic pain followed by a constant dull ache. I'm currently under the care of the pain management specialists at Charles Gairdner Hospital but there's little that can be done except to ride it out.
Hopefully, when the radiation therapy commences, the pain causes by the cancer attacking the nerve will dissapate.
Once again, thank you for you on-going prayers. I'll inform you all as to when Tracey and I head off to Melbourne.
On a lighter note, I'm hoping to be back in the pulpit at Subi this weekend looking at Job 1.
Blessings on you,
Graham
Monday, September 13, 2010
Health Update: Off to Melbourne
Greetings friends,
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, Tracey and I are flying to Melbourne to meet with Dr. Malcolm Feigen to investigate the possibility of receiving his specialized radio therapy. When Tracey asked Anna, my oncologist, if I could get the same treatment in Perth, her response was that there are four others in the world offering this type of radio therapy and that Dr. Feigen is one of the best.
Dr. Feigen has had past success in treating mesotheliomo, and in particular, sarcomitiod conditions.
1) Pray that all would go well and that I'd be welcomed into the program.
2) Pray that I'll be able to manage the pain in my shoulder which has increased over the past week.
There's an up and a down side to the tumor I have. Because it's primary growth exists in my chest wall, I'm experiencing extreme referred pain in my shoulder. The upside is that this location in my body is far removed from any major organs or my spine; therefore, it's not impossible to imagine that Dr. Feigen could reach and neutralize ALL of the existing tumor.
Our plans are still to visit Dr. Vogl after Melbourne for a "mopping up" exercise for whatever may still remain.
We meet with Dr. Feigen and will have a new PET scan on Wednesday.
God bless you for your on-going concern.
Love, Graham
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, Tracey and I are flying to Melbourne to meet with Dr. Malcolm Feigen to investigate the possibility of receiving his specialized radio therapy. When Tracey asked Anna, my oncologist, if I could get the same treatment in Perth, her response was that there are four others in the world offering this type of radio therapy and that Dr. Feigen is one of the best.
Dr. Feigen has had past success in treating mesotheliomo, and in particular, sarcomitiod conditions.
1) Pray that all would go well and that I'd be welcomed into the program.
2) Pray that I'll be able to manage the pain in my shoulder which has increased over the past week.
There's an up and a down side to the tumor I have. Because it's primary growth exists in my chest wall, I'm experiencing extreme referred pain in my shoulder. The upside is that this location in my body is far removed from any major organs or my spine; therefore, it's not impossible to imagine that Dr. Feigen could reach and neutralize ALL of the existing tumor.
Our plans are still to visit Dr. Vogl after Melbourne for a "mopping up" exercise for whatever may still remain.
We meet with Dr. Feigen and will have a new PET scan on Wednesday.
God bless you for your on-going concern.
Love, Graham
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Health Update - 7 September 2010
Greetings,
There's nothing more comforting than knowing one can't lose. Over the months, the Lord has been teaching me about hope. For many, hope an abstraction; a vague concept; a weak word. However, once you have faced death and stared it down and you'll able to walk away knowing exactly who you are in Christ and exactly what your future holds, that when you grasp biblical hope. Hope is tangible, it's a rock upon which one can rest. Having gone through this illness, I can say with all my heart, "I don't fear death." I'm now free to to release my reserves into treatment and recovery because I have no doubt where my destiny lies. It great to be in a position in which you know you can't lose. Praise God that over the weeks, I've had opportunities to explain the hope that lies within me to a number of other patients. In moments like that, it makes perfect sense as to why I am there in their midst.
Over the last couple of weeks, we've been scurrying around seeking to confirm a clear treatment plan forward. It's now apparent that the current CD-40 trial can only do so much. I've spoken with the oncologist, Anna, about two other possibilites.
1) Frankfurt, Germany with Dr. Thomas Vogl. This is a chemoembolization treatment in which large quantities of the chemo are injected directly in the tumor and then the vein, the food supply, gets cut off. I spoke directly with Dr. Vogl this week and he is saying that they have had equal success with regular mesothelioma as well as sarcomitoid mesothlioma. This, of course, is highly encouraging news.
2) But before we race off to Germany, I'm still talking with Dr. Feigen, in Melbourne. He uses high dose radio therapy to remove the cancer. This will be a form of de-bulking and he too has had great success with sarcomitoid tumors.
Right now, I have a meeting with Anna on Wednesday and I desire would be to line up a treatment with Dr. Feigen in Melbourne to remove as much of the cancer as possible, perhaps even all of it. Secondly, whatever is left, I'll fly to Frankfurt where Dr. Vogl has aggreed to do the "mopping" up exercise. If 5% is left, Dr. Vogl can bombard that 5% with all he's got.
Recently, I've read testimonies of others receiving a similar treatment who are now enjoying completely free scans.
This is almost beyond what we dared ask of God, but it's now within our grasp, should all go well.
Prayer points:
1. Planning and arrangements must be made, which will include carefully timing. We ask God that we would find favour with all the doctors and treatment plans that this design could be expedited as quickly as possible.
2. Pray that I'll enjoy the physical strength to undergo the treatments and travel and that I'll be kept from infection.
3. Even now, I don't want to presume anything. Pray that any planning that is not of God will be frustrated. We've consistly asked that the Lord would make our path straight.
4. Lastly, I have been dealing with an unusually high degree of pain in my left shoulder. I don't know what exactly brings it on but when it hits, in a word, it's debilitating. Pray that I'll be able to get a handle on my pain management.
Thanks for you prayers and support. Recenly, my sister in Christ, Susan Perlman, was in Perth for a couple of days and her visited lifted our spirits immeasurably. We're all strong here and awaiting what God will do to glorify Himself.
Blessings in Christ,
Graham
There's nothing more comforting than knowing one can't lose. Over the months, the Lord has been teaching me about hope. For many, hope an abstraction; a vague concept; a weak word. However, once you have faced death and stared it down and you'll able to walk away knowing exactly who you are in Christ and exactly what your future holds, that when you grasp biblical hope. Hope is tangible, it's a rock upon which one can rest. Having gone through this illness, I can say with all my heart, "I don't fear death." I'm now free to to release my reserves into treatment and recovery because I have no doubt where my destiny lies. It great to be in a position in which you know you can't lose. Praise God that over the weeks, I've had opportunities to explain the hope that lies within me to a number of other patients. In moments like that, it makes perfect sense as to why I am there in their midst.
Over the last couple of weeks, we've been scurrying around seeking to confirm a clear treatment plan forward. It's now apparent that the current CD-40 trial can only do so much. I've spoken with the oncologist, Anna, about two other possibilites.
1) Frankfurt, Germany with Dr. Thomas Vogl. This is a chemoembolization treatment in which large quantities of the chemo are injected directly in the tumor and then the vein, the food supply, gets cut off. I spoke directly with Dr. Vogl this week and he is saying that they have had equal success with regular mesothelioma as well as sarcomitoid mesothlioma. This, of course, is highly encouraging news.
2) But before we race off to Germany, I'm still talking with Dr. Feigen, in Melbourne. He uses high dose radio therapy to remove the cancer. This will be a form of de-bulking and he too has had great success with sarcomitoid tumors.
Right now, I have a meeting with Anna on Wednesday and I desire would be to line up a treatment with Dr. Feigen in Melbourne to remove as much of the cancer as possible, perhaps even all of it. Secondly, whatever is left, I'll fly to Frankfurt where Dr. Vogl has aggreed to do the "mopping" up exercise. If 5% is left, Dr. Vogl can bombard that 5% with all he's got.
Recently, I've read testimonies of others receiving a similar treatment who are now enjoying completely free scans.
This is almost beyond what we dared ask of God, but it's now within our grasp, should all go well.
Prayer points:
1. Planning and arrangements must be made, which will include carefully timing. We ask God that we would find favour with all the doctors and treatment plans that this design could be expedited as quickly as possible.
2. Pray that I'll enjoy the physical strength to undergo the treatments and travel and that I'll be kept from infection.
3. Even now, I don't want to presume anything. Pray that any planning that is not of God will be frustrated. We've consistly asked that the Lord would make our path straight.
4. Lastly, I have been dealing with an unusually high degree of pain in my left shoulder. I don't know what exactly brings it on but when it hits, in a word, it's debilitating. Pray that I'll be able to get a handle on my pain management.
Thanks for you prayers and support. Recenly, my sister in Christ, Susan Perlman, was in Perth for a couple of days and her visited lifted our spirits immeasurably. We're all strong here and awaiting what God will do to glorify Himself.
Blessings in Christ,
Graham
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Health Update - 27 August 2010
Dear Friends,
I'll be honest with you; this week has been an up and down proposition. On Monday, I received advanced notice that my Friday CT scan did not look promising. In fact, several doctor friends of mine were suggesting that I abandon the program for according to the radiologist report, the cancer was growing again. However, on Wednesday morning, I met with my oncologist, Anna, and she had a different reading of the scan, explaining that much of what the radiologist interpreted as tissue, to her appeared to be fluid. Indeed, she confirmed that we have not experienced the shrinkage that we had hoped for; however, that by her read, the cancerous growth was insignificant. Therefore, Tracey and I decided to stay with the trial alittle longer.
However, as a result of this incident, it caused us to begin to fast track our deliberations and actions toward a "Plan B". One of which has been to investigate Dr. Thomas Vogl's treatment in Frankfurt, Germany. As a result of both phone conversations and emails, I received word that I meet his protocols and would be welcomed into his trial program. I later emailed him with the question as to whether any of those in the trial possessed the rarer mesothelioma sarcomitiod (which is what I have) to which he answered that four of his patients were and that they had experienced good results. This represents a revelation in that even the effective programs generally don't enjoy success with sarcommitiod like mine.
Kirk, my brother, summed it up this way, "It sounds like it now more a matter of "when" than "if" I will visit Frankfurt. I believe that's a fair statement.
Prayers points:
1) By remaining in the exisiting trial, I'm buying time because the cancer is being held in check and I'm keeping Anna, my oncologist, on side with me and it allows us time to manage the necessary planning for a 6 week stay in Germany.
2) I've initiated another gathering of my advisory group composed of special friends and medical advisors to assist me and Tracey in our deliberations for the future as well as batheing these important decisions in prayers. I refuse to rush into any decision; I want to spend ample time seeking God's face in all matters.
3) With the poor news at the start of week, it's knocked us around a bit but we thank God that just when we needed an infusion of hope, Dr. Vogl's reply came to us Tuesday night. This is a praise point: Thank Lord that you didn't forget me.
4) On Wednesday, I had my third chemo infusion and it always takes its toll; but I'm happy to say that so far so good. Pray that I can make to the weekend in good nick.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. The way God is working is no accident and I credit God's grace and the prayers of His people in sustaining me day by day.
If you want, go to the Subi Church website and listen to Tracey's presentation as she addressed the services at Subi on the weekend and was brilliant. We agreed that God is using this time in a special way; it's a hard time, but a good time as well.
Praise the Lord for that.
All my love to you,
Yours in Christ,
Graham
I'll be honest with you; this week has been an up and down proposition. On Monday, I received advanced notice that my Friday CT scan did not look promising. In fact, several doctor friends of mine were suggesting that I abandon the program for according to the radiologist report, the cancer was growing again. However, on Wednesday morning, I met with my oncologist, Anna, and she had a different reading of the scan, explaining that much of what the radiologist interpreted as tissue, to her appeared to be fluid. Indeed, she confirmed that we have not experienced the shrinkage that we had hoped for; however, that by her read, the cancerous growth was insignificant. Therefore, Tracey and I decided to stay with the trial alittle longer.
However, as a result of this incident, it caused us to begin to fast track our deliberations and actions toward a "Plan B". One of which has been to investigate Dr. Thomas Vogl's treatment in Frankfurt, Germany. As a result of both phone conversations and emails, I received word that I meet his protocols and would be welcomed into his trial program. I later emailed him with the question as to whether any of those in the trial possessed the rarer mesothelioma sarcomitiod (which is what I have) to which he answered that four of his patients were and that they had experienced good results. This represents a revelation in that even the effective programs generally don't enjoy success with sarcommitiod like mine.
Kirk, my brother, summed it up this way, "It sounds like it now more a matter of "when" than "if" I will visit Frankfurt. I believe that's a fair statement.
Prayers points:
1) By remaining in the exisiting trial, I'm buying time because the cancer is being held in check and I'm keeping Anna, my oncologist, on side with me and it allows us time to manage the necessary planning for a 6 week stay in Germany.
2) I've initiated another gathering of my advisory group composed of special friends and medical advisors to assist me and Tracey in our deliberations for the future as well as batheing these important decisions in prayers. I refuse to rush into any decision; I want to spend ample time seeking God's face in all matters.
3) With the poor news at the start of week, it's knocked us around a bit but we thank God that just when we needed an infusion of hope, Dr. Vogl's reply came to us Tuesday night. This is a praise point: Thank Lord that you didn't forget me.
4) On Wednesday, I had my third chemo infusion and it always takes its toll; but I'm happy to say that so far so good. Pray that I can make to the weekend in good nick.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. The way God is working is no accident and I credit God's grace and the prayers of His people in sustaining me day by day.
If you want, go to the Subi Church website and listen to Tracey's presentation as she addressed the services at Subi on the weekend and was brilliant. We agreed that God is using this time in a special way; it's a hard time, but a good time as well.
Praise the Lord for that.
All my love to you,
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wendell's Thoughts
Wendell & Martha Johnston (Graham's parents) visited the family in Perth from June 25 to July 27, 2010. The following are Wendell's thoughts.
Character Trumps Giftedness
Serious illness often comes unexpectedly. When it hits us or someone we love it can bring out the best in us or it can reveal some weakness in our character. Good health is a gift from God. We may take some credit for developing and maintaining our physical bodies, but serious disease often strikes healthy people. Sickness teaches us some valuable lessons and it allows God to work in ways we never imagined or planned.
Graham, you are a gifted man. You are a superb communicator. God has given you wisdom beyond your years. You have obvious leadership abilities. Your relational skills and your intelligence are at the top of the chart. You have accomplished so much for the Lord in your years of ministry. You have given yourself to the people of Subi church, and you have been available to many others around the world through your teaching endeavors. These gifts and abilities are from the Lord and I know that you give Him all the credit.
In light of all your gifts and abilities why would the Lord allow this to happen to you? Watching Tracey, Paige, and Carson care for you during these days is special. They are expressing their love to you in new ways. Their commitment to share with you in your struggle with cancer enables you to see the deep love and respect they have for you. To see the outpouring of love from so many of the people in Subi church has to be rewarding to you. Since you have served them in a variety of ways, they now have a chance to serve you. I am awed by the love and generosity of your friends. Many pastors serve for years and never see the depth of love and gratitude people have for them. The response from people all over the world continues to amaze your mother and me. God has pulled back the curtain so you can see the body of Christ at work through prayer. Your illness has touched many people and has brought them to their knees. This is just one way God is glorified through your struggle.
Jesus called 12 men and gifted them. He called them for fellowship and ministry (Mark 3:14). He gave them the ability to serve Him. He also called 72 people and sent them out to serve Him (Luke 10:1-24). He gave them power over evil spirits and the ability to cast them out. When they returned from serving Him, they were ecstatic about their giftedness. Even the demons submitted to them because they ministered in the name of the Lord. Jesus replied to their reactions by saying, “do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Jesus was teaching them that who they were because of their faith in God was more significant than what they did. Character trumps giftedness. The apostle Paul states this truth in 1 Corinthians 12-13. He begins by explaining that gifts are given sovereignly by the triune God and that the church should desire the more significant gifts (The “you” is plural in 12:31, suggesting that leaders in the church should emphasize the gifts that have the greatest value for the congregation). Then Paul says, “now I will show you a more excellent way.” The apostle goes on to describe love as superior to all giftedness (1 Cor. 13). Faith, hope, and love are character issues and they trump all gifts.
Just today in the Dallas Morning News there was an article about Tom Landry, coach of the Dallas Cowboys. As you know, Tom was a Dallas Seminary Board member for many years and a devoted believer in Christ. The article quoted Alicia Landry, his wife. “He (Tom) believed character and integrity had as much to do with success as talent did, and that’s the kind of players he had around him. People saw that it worked.” Even in the sports world, character trumps giftedness.
Graham, you have been chosen by the Lord to serve Him. He has gifted you abundantly. This is obvious to anyone who knows about your ministry. Now, in the midst of serious illness we have an opportunity to see your character—who you really are. How you have responded to this cancer tells me more about you than anything you have accomplished through the gifts God has given you.
As devastating as your illness is you haven’t looked at yourself as a victim. Both you and Tracey have acknowledged that God is good and gracious even in the face of illness. Your desire for God to be honored and glorified through this speaks to the depth of your love for Christ. This is godliness at its best.
Sickness and suffering can bring out the best and the worst in us. Some of these good things I see in you are: (1) You have courage. You are determined to fight this disease and you are willing to do whatever it takes to overcome this aggressive cancer. (2) You are not trying to find someone or something to blame for this illness. God has allowed this for a purpose. This sickness is not because of some terrible sin you have committed or because you have displeased God. As David said in Psalm 103, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (3) Your reflection on the goodness and faithfulness of God is clearly revealed in your attitude and in the reports you have sent to the people of Subi Church. (4) Your love for the Lord has deepened and this is evidenced by your strong faith in your God. (5) Your appreciation of the many tributes and expressions of love reveals a humble spirit and makes it very appealing to your friends to minister to you during this time.
The battle is not over and the challenge remains. The days ahead may be even more difficult than the past few months. The “newness” wears off and the routine sets in. You must guard against impatience. It is easy to become irritated as time drags on and recovery seems so slow. There will be times when those around you, whom you love and cherish, will find the struggle equally challenging. They may not feel the pain and struggle as you do and may not know how to respond to you. You can help them through words and expressions of love and appreciation. There are some things that you alone must endure and your attitude and actions can make it easier for them to live with you through these trying times. I think we all fight the urge for self-pity, but this attitude never enhances our life and those around us. With the Lord’s help you can make this phase of your life a blessing.
One of the delights for Mom and me was to see the way you and Ben bonded during his time in Perth. His unselfish desire to serve you brought great pleasure to us. This is something parents dream about but rarely see it happen.
Our hearts, love and prayers are with you as we continue this journey together.
Wendell Johnston
25 August 2010
Character Trumps Giftedness
Serious illness often comes unexpectedly. When it hits us or someone we love it can bring out the best in us or it can reveal some weakness in our character. Good health is a gift from God. We may take some credit for developing and maintaining our physical bodies, but serious disease often strikes healthy people. Sickness teaches us some valuable lessons and it allows God to work in ways we never imagined or planned.
Graham, you are a gifted man. You are a superb communicator. God has given you wisdom beyond your years. You have obvious leadership abilities. Your relational skills and your intelligence are at the top of the chart. You have accomplished so much for the Lord in your years of ministry. You have given yourself to the people of Subi church, and you have been available to many others around the world through your teaching endeavors. These gifts and abilities are from the Lord and I know that you give Him all the credit.
In light of all your gifts and abilities why would the Lord allow this to happen to you? Watching Tracey, Paige, and Carson care for you during these days is special. They are expressing their love to you in new ways. Their commitment to share with you in your struggle with cancer enables you to see the deep love and respect they have for you. To see the outpouring of love from so many of the people in Subi church has to be rewarding to you. Since you have served them in a variety of ways, they now have a chance to serve you. I am awed by the love and generosity of your friends. Many pastors serve for years and never see the depth of love and gratitude people have for them. The response from people all over the world continues to amaze your mother and me. God has pulled back the curtain so you can see the body of Christ at work through prayer. Your illness has touched many people and has brought them to their knees. This is just one way God is glorified through your struggle.
Jesus called 12 men and gifted them. He called them for fellowship and ministry (Mark 3:14). He gave them the ability to serve Him. He also called 72 people and sent them out to serve Him (Luke 10:1-24). He gave them power over evil spirits and the ability to cast them out. When they returned from serving Him, they were ecstatic about their giftedness. Even the demons submitted to them because they ministered in the name of the Lord. Jesus replied to their reactions by saying, “do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Jesus was teaching them that who they were because of their faith in God was more significant than what they did. Character trumps giftedness. The apostle Paul states this truth in 1 Corinthians 12-13. He begins by explaining that gifts are given sovereignly by the triune God and that the church should desire the more significant gifts (The “you” is plural in 12:31, suggesting that leaders in the church should emphasize the gifts that have the greatest value for the congregation). Then Paul says, “now I will show you a more excellent way.” The apostle goes on to describe love as superior to all giftedness (1 Cor. 13). Faith, hope, and love are character issues and they trump all gifts.
Just today in the Dallas Morning News there was an article about Tom Landry, coach of the Dallas Cowboys. As you know, Tom was a Dallas Seminary Board member for many years and a devoted believer in Christ. The article quoted Alicia Landry, his wife. “He (Tom) believed character and integrity had as much to do with success as talent did, and that’s the kind of players he had around him. People saw that it worked.” Even in the sports world, character trumps giftedness.
Graham, you have been chosen by the Lord to serve Him. He has gifted you abundantly. This is obvious to anyone who knows about your ministry. Now, in the midst of serious illness we have an opportunity to see your character—who you really are. How you have responded to this cancer tells me more about you than anything you have accomplished through the gifts God has given you.
As devastating as your illness is you haven’t looked at yourself as a victim. Both you and Tracey have acknowledged that God is good and gracious even in the face of illness. Your desire for God to be honored and glorified through this speaks to the depth of your love for Christ. This is godliness at its best.
Sickness and suffering can bring out the best and the worst in us. Some of these good things I see in you are: (1) You have courage. You are determined to fight this disease and you are willing to do whatever it takes to overcome this aggressive cancer. (2) You are not trying to find someone or something to blame for this illness. God has allowed this for a purpose. This sickness is not because of some terrible sin you have committed or because you have displeased God. As David said in Psalm 103, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (3) Your reflection on the goodness and faithfulness of God is clearly revealed in your attitude and in the reports you have sent to the people of Subi Church. (4) Your love for the Lord has deepened and this is evidenced by your strong faith in your God. (5) Your appreciation of the many tributes and expressions of love reveals a humble spirit and makes it very appealing to your friends to minister to you during this time.
The battle is not over and the challenge remains. The days ahead may be even more difficult than the past few months. The “newness” wears off and the routine sets in. You must guard against impatience. It is easy to become irritated as time drags on and recovery seems so slow. There will be times when those around you, whom you love and cherish, will find the struggle equally challenging. They may not feel the pain and struggle as you do and may not know how to respond to you. You can help them through words and expressions of love and appreciation. There are some things that you alone must endure and your attitude and actions can make it easier for them to live with you through these trying times. I think we all fight the urge for self-pity, but this attitude never enhances our life and those around us. With the Lord’s help you can make this phase of your life a blessing.
One of the delights for Mom and me was to see the way you and Ben bonded during his time in Perth. His unselfish desire to serve you brought great pleasure to us. This is something parents dream about but rarely see it happen.
Our hearts, love and prayers are with you as we continue this journey together.
Wendell Johnston
25 August 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Health Update - 14 August 2010
Dear friends,
I've been reflecting on my health journey which began in earnest on June 1st. When first diagnosed, Tracey and I had to find ways to absorb words like "terminal"; "palliative care"; "inoperable". Initially, the dark weight threatened to tip us into despair. One of my responses was a simple prayer: "Lord, all I ask for is a fighting chance. Would you grant me a fighting chance to beat this illness?" When so many in this world are told the word, mesothelioma, it comes as a death sentence, followed by the words, "Go home and get your affairs in order."
I sit here now and marvel that God has provided me, not only with a fighting chance, but with treatment options, some of the world's best medical options. Through networks and existing relationships, God was going ahead of me long before I ever even dreamt of a rare cancer. I can't tell you how humble and grateful I am to the Lord. In Psalm 40, David writes, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." Out of what David describes as "the slimy pit", (The Lord) gave me a firm place to stand." God's grace and mercy continues to amaze me.
I'm currently nearing the end of my second cycle in what is a six cycle treatment totalling 18 weeks.
In the coming week, I'll receive a CT scan to mark the progress of the CD-40 trial. Obviously, we're praying for a positive outcome.
The second chemo treatment coupled with the CD-40 infusion really rocked me this past week, but praise God, I'm doing so much better now.
As I enter this treatment period which represents a calm in the storm, here's how you can pray for me.
I've been reflecting on my health journey which began in earnest on June 1st. When first diagnosed, Tracey and I had to find ways to absorb words like "terminal"; "palliative care"; "inoperable". Initially, the dark weight threatened to tip us into despair. One of my responses was a simple prayer: "Lord, all I ask for is a fighting chance. Would you grant me a fighting chance to beat this illness?" When so many in this world are told the word, mesothelioma, it comes as a death sentence, followed by the words, "Go home and get your affairs in order."
I sit here now and marvel that God has provided me, not only with a fighting chance, but with treatment options, some of the world's best medical options. Through networks and existing relationships, God was going ahead of me long before I ever even dreamt of a rare cancer. I can't tell you how humble and grateful I am to the Lord. In Psalm 40, David writes, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." Out of what David describes as "the slimy pit", (The Lord) gave me a firm place to stand." God's grace and mercy continues to amaze me.
I'm currently nearing the end of my second cycle in what is a six cycle treatment totalling 18 weeks.
In the coming week, I'll receive a CT scan to mark the progress of the CD-40 trial. Obviously, we're praying for a positive outcome.
The second chemo treatment coupled with the CD-40 infusion really rocked me this past week, but praise God, I'm doing so much better now.
As I enter this treatment period which represents a calm in the storm, here's how you can pray for me.
- I'd like to put some weight back on; pray that I'll be fully capable of eating healthily and exercising every day.
- I'd like to be productive and get some writing done, particularly with my good friend, Martin Sanders, in town.
- Pray that I'll create the space for meditation; biblical reflection; and soul rejuvenation daily.
The Lord has granted me the fighting chance I asked for; however, I must never forget, my hope lies not in my strength; discipline; or relative youth, but in the Lord. Please, keep me in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Health Update - 8 August 2010
My Dear Friends,
I want to say upfront that this has been a good week. At times, I can awake from a sleep and as I lie in bed, it can still seem like a dream. "I'm not really that ill, am I?" "Whose's life is this again?" Then, the Lord gently reminds me, "Yes, son, but I'm with you and I will never forsake you".
On Wednesday, I began my second cycle of chemo but before commencing the next cycle, I underwent a PET scan to check my progress. Well, it's pretty good news. The downside is that the cancer didn't shrink but there are four positives. One, the cancer's growth has been stopped, which is something because it was growing out of control prior to commencing the treatment. Two, it's not spread to any new areas. Three, my oncologist, Anna, was pleased that the "hot spots" showing the densest cancer activity seemed to have cooled down. This pleased her greatly. Four, the cancer has moved away from the damaged ribs and the ribs seem to be healing and I'm enjoying less pain.
So what does this mean? It's a positive step in a long journey. Despite what some may say, I'm in this for the long haul. This is reminder to me and hopefully to you, that prayer works. Don't give up on me. God willing, we together can beat this thing and when we do, the people of Subi Church and all those gathered in spirit will stand together in corporate worship; we will raise our hands, and sing at the top of our lungs "How Great is Our God" because all the glory will go to Him.
On Friday, I received another ozone therapy and I'm already enjoying the benefits of this treatment to enable me through the chemo. This Wednesday, I receive my next infusion of the CD-40 trial drug. Pray that all will go well and that this treatment will have even greater impact as we progress forward.
On a sad note, my brother Ben, will be departing Perth on Tuesday. Ben has simply hung out, sat with me; served me; and done all within his power to help me through this time. Proverbs speaks of a friend who is closer than a brother. I'm just fortunate enough that friend to me is my brother.
Blessings on you all.
To His glory,
Graham
I want to say upfront that this has been a good week. At times, I can awake from a sleep and as I lie in bed, it can still seem like a dream. "I'm not really that ill, am I?" "Whose's life is this again?" Then, the Lord gently reminds me, "Yes, son, but I'm with you and I will never forsake you".
On Wednesday, I began my second cycle of chemo but before commencing the next cycle, I underwent a PET scan to check my progress. Well, it's pretty good news. The downside is that the cancer didn't shrink but there are four positives. One, the cancer's growth has been stopped, which is something because it was growing out of control prior to commencing the treatment. Two, it's not spread to any new areas. Three, my oncologist, Anna, was pleased that the "hot spots" showing the densest cancer activity seemed to have cooled down. This pleased her greatly. Four, the cancer has moved away from the damaged ribs and the ribs seem to be healing and I'm enjoying less pain.
So what does this mean? It's a positive step in a long journey. Despite what some may say, I'm in this for the long haul. This is reminder to me and hopefully to you, that prayer works. Don't give up on me. God willing, we together can beat this thing and when we do, the people of Subi Church and all those gathered in spirit will stand together in corporate worship; we will raise our hands, and sing at the top of our lungs "How Great is Our God" because all the glory will go to Him.
On Friday, I received another ozone therapy and I'm already enjoying the benefits of this treatment to enable me through the chemo. This Wednesday, I receive my next infusion of the CD-40 trial drug. Pray that all will go well and that this treatment will have even greater impact as we progress forward.
On a sad note, my brother Ben, will be departing Perth on Tuesday. Ben has simply hung out, sat with me; served me; and done all within his power to help me through this time. Proverbs speaks of a friend who is closer than a brother. I'm just fortunate enough that friend to me is my brother.
Blessings on you all.
To His glory,
Graham
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Health Update - 27 July 2010
Dear Friends,
For all of you who are so faithfully upholding us in prayer, I want to let you know how we're doing.
Last Wednesday, I had my first infusion of the CD-40 drug that is designed to work in concert with the chemo treatment. Again, there are only 2 others receiving this trial. The infusion only takes 25 minutes but they're required to observe me after the infusion for the following 6 hours. One of the men in the trial had severe shakes, the other fellow only had a mild chill in reaction. My Dad reckons I'm the swing guy to see what will happen to me. We prayed that none of the side effects would come upon me and nothing did happened. No shakes, not even a chill. Lying there for hours, the Lord granted me a peace concerning the treatment that's difficult to put into words.
In the meantime, I'm spending a lot of time lying around yet finding it difficult to read. I taken to reciting Scripture verses in my mind working my way through various books of the Bible chapter by chapter, recalling the Scripture. It's actually been amazing to realize how much you can actually recall. Likewise, I'm drawn to praising to God in song continually (even though it's only in my mind). Some of my favourites are: "Holy, holy, holy"; "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul"; "He is Lord"; and "O Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth".
So, I'm operating on a three week cycle: The first weds. is the chemo; the following weds. is the CD-40; and the final weds. are tests. Right now, I'm feeling well and the effects of the chemo seem minimal. My mouth does present some problems like sores; irritation; and frankly, my teeth plain hurt like they just had a good clean. Over the next ten days, I plan to consume large quantities of food to get my weight and strength back up to the next round of chemo. I don't know if it's right to pray for gluttony but that's kind of how I'm feeling.
- Be praying that the chemo and CD-40 are doing their job.
- My parents are flying back to the USA after having been with us for a month. It will be hard saying goodbye but they've promised to return and I intend to hold them to it.
- Praise God; the word is that my special bed will arrive on Weds. so I can move out of the living room recliner and into a bedroom with my wife again.
May God bless you all.
PS. Drop me an email; I love to hear from you all.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Johnston
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Health Update - 20 July 2010
Dear Friends,
All I can say is that I have the energy to write to you. On Wednesday, I commenced the chemo and was feeling so good that evening that we as a family went out to celebrate. The following day, I began taking the anti-nausea meds and that's when the fatigue; the stomach aches; the insomnia; the general feeling of being sick all hit you at once.
Praise God; I'm feeling so much better on Monday. Today, I had some ozone therapy to strengthen my system and it seemed to work. Later this week, I'll be having acupuncture to help minimize the effects of the chemo.
My parents, my brother Ben, and my good friends, Martin and Dianna Sanders arrived this week and together, they have served to provide a moral support that's worth more than gold to me.
We had ordered a special bed weeks ago with the promise that it should be here and set-up this week only to hear that it's still in the Eastern States. So, for now, my bed remains the massage chair which reclines and sits in the middle of our living room.
The prayers and concern keep rolling in and at times, I'm overwhelmed. I hate going through this but I love having my children experience firsthand the love of God's people being displayed with compassion and generosity. Last week, someone walked into the Subi Church office and laid out the full expense for the special bed we ordered with a motorized mattress for reclining and elevation. The body of Christ does not wilt in a crisis but rises to the occasion with selflessness and strength.
Thank you for your continued prayers. On Saturday night, in which I was feeling particularly down hearted, Doug Swift rang my home. Eighteen months ago in Perth, Doug was diagnosed with the same cancer I have now and just as advanced. Eighteen months later, the tumour is gone completely and the medical specialists can't believe it. Doug encouraged me that night; told me of what to expect and how to overcome it; and then he said, "You're next!". Isn't it amazing the people God brings into our lives just when we need it most? How great is Our God! How great is Our God!!
Hold me in your prayers, primarily that this chemo is shrinking the tumour. Again, once we get some movement, options begin to appear.
On Sunday, for the first time I lacked the energy to attend corporate worship. I love singing God's praises with His people and I feel God's strength surge through me. However, this weekend, Dad, Ben, and I had to settle for reading and praying at home. Dad read from Isaiah 49 in which the Lord declares, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget you yet I will not forget you." How I need to be reminded of these words from Our Lord.
Blessings on you all,
Yours in Christ,
Graham
All I can say is that I have the energy to write to you. On Wednesday, I commenced the chemo and was feeling so good that evening that we as a family went out to celebrate. The following day, I began taking the anti-nausea meds and that's when the fatigue; the stomach aches; the insomnia; the general feeling of being sick all hit you at once.
Praise God; I'm feeling so much better on Monday. Today, I had some ozone therapy to strengthen my system and it seemed to work. Later this week, I'll be having acupuncture to help minimize the effects of the chemo.
My parents, my brother Ben, and my good friends, Martin and Dianna Sanders arrived this week and together, they have served to provide a moral support that's worth more than gold to me.
We had ordered a special bed weeks ago with the promise that it should be here and set-up this week only to hear that it's still in the Eastern States. So, for now, my bed remains the massage chair which reclines and sits in the middle of our living room.
The prayers and concern keep rolling in and at times, I'm overwhelmed. I hate going through this but I love having my children experience firsthand the love of God's people being displayed with compassion and generosity. Last week, someone walked into the Subi Church office and laid out the full expense for the special bed we ordered with a motorized mattress for reclining and elevation. The body of Christ does not wilt in a crisis but rises to the occasion with selflessness and strength.
Thank you for your continued prayers. On Saturday night, in which I was feeling particularly down hearted, Doug Swift rang my home. Eighteen months ago in Perth, Doug was diagnosed with the same cancer I have now and just as advanced. Eighteen months later, the tumour is gone completely and the medical specialists can't believe it. Doug encouraged me that night; told me of what to expect and how to overcome it; and then he said, "You're next!". Isn't it amazing the people God brings into our lives just when we need it most? How great is Our God! How great is Our God!!
Hold me in your prayers, primarily that this chemo is shrinking the tumour. Again, once we get some movement, options begin to appear.
On Sunday, for the first time I lacked the energy to attend corporate worship. I love singing God's praises with His people and I feel God's strength surge through me. However, this weekend, Dad, Ben, and I had to settle for reading and praying at home. Dad read from Isaiah 49 in which the Lord declares, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget you yet I will not forget you." How I need to be reminded of these words from Our Lord.
Blessings on you all,
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Health Update - 13 July 2010
Dear Friends,
As you know, today is my final preparation day before the chemo commences on the 14th. I still have a lot of small details to complete but pray that I'll be ready to go in every way come tomorrow morning.
As you know, there are two other with my cancer in this trial and both have witnessed progress. So, we're hoping that I can make it three-for-three. My oncologist, Anna Norwak, has been incredibly supportive and the lead up to treatment as gone without any hitches.
Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
The day my illness was diagnosised, I echoed Job's prayer holding the hands of Tracey and the specialist, Bruce Robinson: "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." That remains my prayer. Sure, I'm asking for healing but more than that, I would ask that the Lord be magnified in this.
This Friday, my brother Ben and Martin Sanders, arrive in Perth. Ben is coming for moral support and Martin will be commencing an interim role at Subiaco Church in my absence. Both of these guys mean the world to me and I praise God for their availability to be with me in this difficult time.
I love hearing from you all.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
As you know, today is my final preparation day before the chemo commences on the 14th. I still have a lot of small details to complete but pray that I'll be ready to go in every way come tomorrow morning.
As you know, there are two other with my cancer in this trial and both have witnessed progress. So, we're hoping that I can make it three-for-three. My oncologist, Anna Norwak, has been incredibly supportive and the lead up to treatment as gone without any hitches.
Thank you for your prayers and concerns.
The day my illness was diagnosised, I echoed Job's prayer holding the hands of Tracey and the specialist, Bruce Robinson: "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." That remains my prayer. Sure, I'm asking for healing but more than that, I would ask that the Lord be magnified in this.
This Friday, my brother Ben and Martin Sanders, arrive in Perth. Ben is coming for moral support and Martin will be commencing an interim role at Subiaco Church in my absence. Both of these guys mean the world to me and I praise God for their availability to be with me in this difficult time.
I love hearing from you all.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
Friday, July 9, 2010
Health Update - 9 July 2010
Greetings friends,
It's been over one month since I was first diagnosed and it continues to seem unreal in so many ways. I don't do unhealthy well. When I checked in to the hospital for my first surgery, the nurse commented that I had the shortest medical history she had ever seen. As result, we're all on a steep learning curve.
I'm officially in the clinical trial for the experimental chemo called CD-40 and I was hoping that I would be able to commence it this week but I've been notified that I'll have to wait until July 14th. The first course of chemo will pretty much take all day as they'll administer it and keep me in for observation for the remainder of the day. It's been wonderful having my parents here with me. My Dad comes along with me to all these annoying tests and meetings (initially they always presume that he is the patient, not me.) It's the simple pleasures of just being together and hanging out that can be the most satisfying.
So, I'm asking that you would pray that this brand new, super duper chemo will do the trick. Historically, chemo has not worked well on mesothelioma but the preliminary tests in mice were very encouraging. If the chemo can shrink the cancer that will open some doors to pursue other treatment options down the road.
In the meantime, it seems I spend most of each day eating. Sounds great, right? Not the stuff I have to eat. What I can't eat could fill the Encyclopaedia Britannica and what's left is pretty ordinary. I'm losing weight with the cancer and the one thing that all my doctors can agree on is that I must keep my weight up going into chemo. So that's another prayer point: Strong in body; mind; and spirit.
Another wonderful residual from my illness has been hearing from friends all over the world, many that I haven't heard from in decades. I'm getting a little nostalgic in my old age so hearing from longtime friends acts as a rich tonic.
Today I spent most of my day taking scans, both CT and a PET scan. I'm keen to see the results because the first one will show if my eating and immune therapy has slowed the cancerous tissue growth; the second scan will indicate how widely spread the disease is within my body. Pray for favourable results in both scans.
Lastly, I learned something about myself early in this process: I can't live without hope and the idea of sitting around waiting to die doesn't work for me either. So, every day, I'm looking to the Lord, asking Him for courage and strength to endure what I must. Today, during the scans and the waiting around on my back, I sang songs in my head like "O Lord, Our LORD, how majestic is your name"; "I make my life a prayer to you"; and "Father, I adore you". I spent hours reciting Scripture verses and asking that whatever the outcome that God would be glorified.
At times my eyes well up with tears, they're tears of joy, not sorrow. The loving people God has brought into my life; the prayers being offered up around the world; the incredible life God has allowed me to lead; at times I feel overwhelmed by His goodness.
If this is my cup, by God's grace and strength, I will drink it. I will take it praising God for such people as yourselves who share in my journey.
Let's see where the Lord takes us all. To Him be the glory in all things.
Blessings in Christ,
Graham
It's been over one month since I was first diagnosed and it continues to seem unreal in so many ways. I don't do unhealthy well. When I checked in to the hospital for my first surgery, the nurse commented that I had the shortest medical history she had ever seen. As result, we're all on a steep learning curve.
I'm officially in the clinical trial for the experimental chemo called CD-40 and I was hoping that I would be able to commence it this week but I've been notified that I'll have to wait until July 14th. The first course of chemo will pretty much take all day as they'll administer it and keep me in for observation for the remainder of the day. It's been wonderful having my parents here with me. My Dad comes along with me to all these annoying tests and meetings (initially they always presume that he is the patient, not me.) It's the simple pleasures of just being together and hanging out that can be the most satisfying.
So, I'm asking that you would pray that this brand new, super duper chemo will do the trick. Historically, chemo has not worked well on mesothelioma but the preliminary tests in mice were very encouraging. If the chemo can shrink the cancer that will open some doors to pursue other treatment options down the road.
In the meantime, it seems I spend most of each day eating. Sounds great, right? Not the stuff I have to eat. What I can't eat could fill the Encyclopaedia Britannica and what's left is pretty ordinary. I'm losing weight with the cancer and the one thing that all my doctors can agree on is that I must keep my weight up going into chemo. So that's another prayer point: Strong in body; mind; and spirit.
Another wonderful residual from my illness has been hearing from friends all over the world, many that I haven't heard from in decades. I'm getting a little nostalgic in my old age so hearing from longtime friends acts as a rich tonic.
Today I spent most of my day taking scans, both CT and a PET scan. I'm keen to see the results because the first one will show if my eating and immune therapy has slowed the cancerous tissue growth; the second scan will indicate how widely spread the disease is within my body. Pray for favourable results in both scans.
Lastly, I learned something about myself early in this process: I can't live without hope and the idea of sitting around waiting to die doesn't work for me either. So, every day, I'm looking to the Lord, asking Him for courage and strength to endure what I must. Today, during the scans and the waiting around on my back, I sang songs in my head like "O Lord, Our LORD, how majestic is your name"; "I make my life a prayer to you"; and "Father, I adore you". I spent hours reciting Scripture verses and asking that whatever the outcome that God would be glorified.
At times my eyes well up with tears, they're tears of joy, not sorrow. The loving people God has brought into my life; the prayers being offered up around the world; the incredible life God has allowed me to lead; at times I feel overwhelmed by His goodness.
If this is my cup, by God's grace and strength, I will drink it. I will take it praising God for such people as yourselves who share in my journey.
Let's see where the Lord takes us all. To Him be the glory in all things.
Blessings in Christ,
Graham
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Health Update - 30 June 2010
Greetings friends,
Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for your prayers, your notes of concern, and your encouragement to us. It's been a whirlwind in the last three weeks but unfortunately, time matters with my condition which is particularly aggressive; therefore, we've been hurriedly gathering as much data as possible because important decisions must be made.
This past Sunday, my consultation team, comprising MDs and personal friends, met for prayer and to explore the various options available to me. What's been particularly difficult is
1) there is no conventional path with this disease and
2) many of the leading experts disagree sharply with one another.
Ideally, we're looking at a multi-modality approach that would use several treatments, hoping to play off the strengths of each one. However, as a doctor friend of mine commented, "We're trying to hire an orchestra but we keep finding soloists."
Coming into this gathering, we were conscious of one thought: That God is greater than any treatment plan we choose. Our trust is not in the treatment but in the Lord.
After weighing the options, the surgerical option to have my left lung removed seemed closed. It was a high risk venture but it seems I'm not a viable candidate at present.
Therefore, the best option is a clinical trial that involves chemo and some experimental drugs to bolster my immune system. It's proved highly effective in mice and I'll be only the third person to enter this trial. I can get out of it whenever I want, no questions asked and both Tracey and I feel good about the people delivering the trial. So, I meet with my oncologist on Weds. (tomorrow) and hopefully, I'll be able to commence the chemo in one week's time. Here's my prayer request: That the chemo would hold and shrink the cancerous tumor.
Secondly, I'm commencing some radio therapy tomorrow as well. Technically, this is not to fight the cancer but as a preventative measure to keep the cancer from progressingly along the cuts line from my initial surgery in my back (the one to remove a large tissue sample). Pray that this would go well without any complications.
Thirdly, I'm doing EVERYTHING possible known to humanity to strengthen my immune system. I'm drinking the juices, popping the Bee pills, eating the "cancer killing foods"; as well as drinking a concoction using vitamin C to deliver it to the cancer cells at a nano level. (It's too difficult for me to explain and if I could, there'd be a PH.D in it for me.) Pray that my immune system remains strong and that it begins to take on the cancerous tissue.
I'm praying and reflecting, seeking to hear from God and if you're interested, you can go to the Subiaco Church website (http://www.subiacochurch.com/) to watch the video updates if you like.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your on-going prayers and concerns.
Feel free to contact me (via email or by commenting on this blog) as I love to hear from each of you all around the world.Blessings in Christ,
Graham
Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for your prayers, your notes of concern, and your encouragement to us. It's been a whirlwind in the last three weeks but unfortunately, time matters with my condition which is particularly aggressive; therefore, we've been hurriedly gathering as much data as possible because important decisions must be made.
This past Sunday, my consultation team, comprising MDs and personal friends, met for prayer and to explore the various options available to me. What's been particularly difficult is
1) there is no conventional path with this disease and
2) many of the leading experts disagree sharply with one another.
Ideally, we're looking at a multi-modality approach that would use several treatments, hoping to play off the strengths of each one. However, as a doctor friend of mine commented, "We're trying to hire an orchestra but we keep finding soloists."
Coming into this gathering, we were conscious of one thought: That God is greater than any treatment plan we choose. Our trust is not in the treatment but in the Lord.
After weighing the options, the surgerical option to have my left lung removed seemed closed. It was a high risk venture but it seems I'm not a viable candidate at present.
Therefore, the best option is a clinical trial that involves chemo and some experimental drugs to bolster my immune system. It's proved highly effective in mice and I'll be only the third person to enter this trial. I can get out of it whenever I want, no questions asked and both Tracey and I feel good about the people delivering the trial. So, I meet with my oncologist on Weds. (tomorrow) and hopefully, I'll be able to commence the chemo in one week's time. Here's my prayer request: That the chemo would hold and shrink the cancerous tumor.
Secondly, I'm commencing some radio therapy tomorrow as well. Technically, this is not to fight the cancer but as a preventative measure to keep the cancer from progressingly along the cuts line from my initial surgery in my back (the one to remove a large tissue sample). Pray that this would go well without any complications.
Thirdly, I'm doing EVERYTHING possible known to humanity to strengthen my immune system. I'm drinking the juices, popping the Bee pills, eating the "cancer killing foods"; as well as drinking a concoction using vitamin C to deliver it to the cancer cells at a nano level. (It's too difficult for me to explain and if I could, there'd be a PH.D in it for me.) Pray that my immune system remains strong and that it begins to take on the cancerous tissue.
I'm praying and reflecting, seeking to hear from God and if you're interested, you can go to the Subiaco Church website (http://www.subiacochurch.com/) to watch the video updates if you like.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your on-going prayers and concerns.
Feel free to contact me (via email or by commenting on this blog) as I love to hear from each of you all around the world.Blessings in Christ,
Graham
Friday, June 18, 2010
News On Graham Johnston's Health
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
You have been aware of my recent health issues. Tracey and I attended an appointment with the Doctor on Tuesday and I finally have a definitive diagnosis of the condition in my lung. Unfortunately the news is not good. There is an advanced cancer in the left lung and I will be looking to explore treatment options immediately. My desire is to continue to be present with you at Subi and to continue to preach and teach when able.
Thankyou for you prayers. I would value your continued prayers;
1. For my health,
2. For Tracey, Paige, Carson and our extended family,
3. For clear direction on a planned course of treatment,
4. For other brothers and sisters who are sick or dealing with similar illnesses.
In Him I put my trust.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
You have been aware of my recent health issues. Tracey and I attended an appointment with the Doctor on Tuesday and I finally have a definitive diagnosis of the condition in my lung. Unfortunately the news is not good. There is an advanced cancer in the left lung and I will be looking to explore treatment options immediately. My desire is to continue to be present with you at Subi and to continue to preach and teach when able.
Thankyou for you prayers. I would value your continued prayers;
1. For my health,
2. For Tracey, Paige, Carson and our extended family,
3. For clear direction on a planned course of treatment,
4. For other brothers and sisters who are sick or dealing with similar illnesses.
In Him I put my trust.
Yours in Christ,
Graham
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