Dark Season

So many relatives and friends have been faithful in reading my blog posts over the past twenty years, and you have been so diligent in trying to get reports on my health challenges.

I apologize to you and all of my readers for the lack of blog posts over the last few months. I have just this week discovered that I had written four blog posts during my fighting days that I never posted in my personal blog or on LinkedIn.

There were many times during the last year when I just did not feel like writing. There were some dark days in dealing with pain from side effects of the infusions and just some weird stuff from the cancer and a plethora of prescriptions. But my Lord Jesus has brought me to this day and prepared me for this season of my life. Therefore, I pledge to walk with God and serve Him in the name of Jesus.

The following list will bring you up to date on events of the last few months:

  • Due to a 40-pound weight loss, I had a G-tube placement on November 3. I was still able to eat normally but received supplements and some medication through the tube.

  • I was released from the clinical trial on November 25 because of weight loss and cognitive issues.

  • A PET scan on December 9 resulted in a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. I began medication that has been very effective.

  • The G-tube was removed on February 13 because of pain and infection, but I had regained 20 pounds.

  • Scans and an MRI were done on February 25 as follow-up to the clinical trial.

  • Consultation with my oncologist at Emory on March 10 revealed that scans were stable, with no indication of metastasis.

  • More follow-up tests will be done on June 10.

I’m so grateful to have family and friends like you who pray regularly for me and my family. I’m certain that I am still here today because God has answered your prayers. Please continue to intercede for me. It’s been difficult to deal with this triple whammy (blepharospasm, cancer, and Alzheimer’s), but your prayers and loving support encourage and strengthen us every day.

Please feel free to share this website with anyone who might be interested or encouraged by my story.