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

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

Health Update - 18 June 2010

Graham and Tracey Johnston's Testimony Part 3 of 3 (13 June 2010)

Graham and Tracey Johnston's Testimony Part 2 of 3 (13 June 2010)

Graham and Tracey Johnston's Testimony Part 1 of 3 (13 June 2010)