Time to Count our Blessings
One of the joys of the last year has been reading Edward's posts to his prayer chain, and all the supportive comments and prayers from his team.
His last post was a link to this song, Counting my Blessings by Seph Schlueter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZjWYgq9QfM
Here's the first line, 'It's like it was yesterday, I was praying for miracle'. This was us from September to April.
It is a year since we got the awful news that Ed had bowel cancer, and then that it had spread to his lung. Then we had the long wait before treatment started. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy from November to April. Ed and Kate battled through, and we were praying for healing.
Now, according to his oncologist, Ed is in full remission. There is no sign of any cancer in his body. The bowel tumour shrank to nothing, and the lung tumour was cut out, along with the whole lower right lobe of his lung. He is recovering well and hopes to get back to 85% lung function over the year. It will be easier for him to exercise now the extreme heat is over, and as his wounds heal.
Joanna has been having thyroid investigations, and has just had a partial thyroidectomy.
As for me, my GVHD symptoms - systemic stiffness in the fascia between skin and muscles- are diminished. The combined treatment seems to be working - a new drug + ECP extracorporeal photopheresis at Guy's + gentle stretching exercises.
As I write this I am on the train to London to see my Bart's consultant, a new one as Prof John Gribben has retired. The Guy's consultant has reduced my 4 days of ECP treatment a month to 2 days, which is much more manageable.
So we can breathe again, and it feels strange. What a 3 years since my retirement!
We are trying to take in all that God has done for us, and this song helps.
We are counting our blessings:
Restored health for Edward
Ed is back at work since April (I was praying for a September restart, but there was no need for bowel surgery)
Ed loves his job, teaching and encouraging young people, with a big heart for those who don't find school or learning easy. He tries new teaching methods. He encourages the whole school to think about the deeper questions, and consider the teaching of Jesus Christ. The School Chaplaincy he runs is very popular, it is a safe space.
Edward's example of faith and fortitude over the last year. He suffered physically, but mentally he was strong. He was relaxed, and always grateful for his treatment and the medical staff. He trusted in the Lord.
Kate's faith and strength as she worked full time through it all.
The support of both their Schools and their Heads, their understanding and compassion.
Ed and Kate can now look ahead and plan family life, and holidays!
Kate, Isobel and Freddie, are relieved of worry; and so are we, and Joanna and Alice.
We were able to travel to America to see Jo and Vince as they taught at the Camp-of-the-Woods in Upper New York, and to look after Raphael and Jonathan.
We can live a more normal retired life - enjoying the balance of Golf club and Church, and making new friends.
I am enjoying preaching, and glad to be asked.
I am writing a new course for new Christians in Clacton - Living the Life - 10 habits to help you live the life of Jesus today. I love writing, thinking about the people I am trying to help and encourage, and then teaching in a group setting.
I am able to swim in the sea again! Mary keeps a close eye, ready to call a Life Guard, but I am loving it. It gives a sense of freedom, and it is good for my muscles. 3 months ago it was 'old man's crawl' in the swimming pool, but now I can do proper strokes. This is the objective sign that my GVHD is getting better.
The faithfulness of friends, and the realisation that we have friends!! This is one of the great side benefits of a life-threatening illness. You have all been amazing in your prayers and encouragement. Thank you. We never felt alone. 'When you walk through the storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark...'
WhatsApp
The faithful friendship of God, the God who is, the Rock on which everything stands. Though we have been shaken, we stand because he is able to make us stand.
Someone might think, Yes, but we don't know what is round the corner. That's true, we don't, but whatever happens, we will be standing in the same place, with Christ.
And sometimes it's right just to live in the present and enjoy it.
Thanks be to God
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