Wednesday, May 16

End of Chemo - Day I

Written on a notepad by Ben last night:

Today was an interesting day. Chemo isn't an experience I will soon forget. (staying four days in a hospital is something I won't forget.) Right now I'm hooked up to the chemo. They had me take 5 pills for anti nausea. And much to my surprise I was able to. Praise God! (Those that know me know I don't swallow pills... I think 5 pills actually brings my total of pills swallowed in my life up to 9.)
I'm doing well. I feel fine. Which is so strange considering what God has chosen to give me. We got moved to a new room from the one we spent the day in. (This is a single, that was a double.) Now I'm tired, (long day and meds) Lisa can give you more details if she has time.

Lisa: we actually had a somewhat relaxing, fun day at the hospital yesterday! Hopefully there are more to come. But Ben didn't sleep very well due to all the hospital noise last night, so I pray that he'll get used to it :)

~B.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:27 AM

    Dear Ben & Lisa,

    This is uncle Mick. I'm not sure how to get this to you - here goes. Know that all of the faculty and staff at Talbot School of Theology are aware of the journey you are on - and we are all praying with and for you :-)

    I'm encouraged to hear that you have your own room - and I can relate to your aversion to pills, Ben. I'll try anthing else first! God bless you both this day - I love you. By the way, how's Niko doing?

    _Mick_

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  2. Well, at least we know God is using this experience to teach you how to swallow pills!

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  3. Ben,
    Please know that Sean & I are praying for you. Karen Lund sent us the news and a link to your blog. My heart aches for you in this struggle. But I am strengthened by your faith as I read your journey in the last few weeks.
    --catherine gaffney

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  4. Anonymous3:17 PM

    Ben,

    I am glad to see you can finally swallow a pill. I remember all of the times while you were growing up telling you, "Just swallow". After all, how do you teach someone how to swallow a pill?

    Last night was kind of strange, having fun in the hospital. I don't know if the nurses liked it or not, but it was fun. The kind of fun that would be more fun outside of the hospital though.

    I just wonder how many people are praying for you? I think you have 3 biggies praying for you in your mom and grandmothers. Of course your dad's (V.1.0 & V.2.0) are lifting you up too.

    Hope you get lots of rest today. See you tomorrow.

    Dad (Pappa P)

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  5. Anonymous6:37 PM

    Ben and Lisa,
    We just want to let you know we are praying for you both daily. We are glad to hear you are feeling fine. Thank you for your daily testimony. We have learned a lot from your faith. We will come visit when we get back in town.
    -Steven and Jessie

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  6. Ben and Lisa,

    Nick and I just learned about your diagnosis last night. We were crushed to hear the news, but we were so encouraged to read the blog and see what a great attitude you have about all this. We will of course be praying for your daily (all the way from Miami). We will pray specifically that God uses this to show you just how strong you can be with His help.

    On a positive note, John Musgrave also was diagnosed with a cancer that had about a 20% survival rate about 10 years ago, and he made it through. Proof that a whole lot of prayer goes a long way. May God continue to be with you both!

    For His Glory,
    Nick and Melissa Montero

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  7. Anonymous9:14 PM

    Hi Ben,
    The Lord gave me a verse for you tonight.

    Isa 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed.

    Keeping you, Lisa and your family close in prayer...
    Jayne Bell

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  8. Anonymous7:45 AM

    I was forwarded the following prayer for Ben made by a doctor who has also had cancer. I thought it showed such great wisdom understanding and wanted to pass it on:

    "Father,

    I ask for targeted effectiveness of this chemotherapy. Please let each malignant cell wither in the face of treatment. Let there be no renegade cells metastasizing. Let the chemo have minimal side effects on this young man of faith. Give the doctors, nurses, pharmacists's wisdom and accuracy in delivering the medications. Protect all non neoplastic cells from harm. Give those great gifts of your courage and faith and hope to this young couple whom you love. Walk with them in their sufferings, since you know suffering as none of us do. In your great mercy and grace, give health restored to Ben. And we will try to remember to come back to you with our worship and thanks when you give this good gift of wholeness to Ben. If we should forget to thank you then, accept our thanks now for you are great and Holy and oh so amazingly, you listen to us your children.

    Amen"

    And Amen!

    Jenifer Morrell

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  9. Anonymous11:58 AM

    Ben & Lisa,

    You have such a great perspective and attitude in the midst of this trial. You are going to have some great insights to share with others after you are on the backside of this. Wanted you to know that I've made it a regular routine to pray for you all as I travel by car over Lava Butte from Bend to Sunriver. You've been on this stretch of road before when you came up and visited us. Remember??? What a great time that was! So now, I am referring to this prayer time as "Over the Butte for Ben." Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

    My Scripture for you both today is from Psalm 103:
    1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
    2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    And forget none of His benefits;
    3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
    Who heals all your diseases;
    4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
    Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
    5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
    So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

    Stay strong in the Lord and the POWER of his might!

    Glen

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  10. Anonymous4:21 PM

    Ben,

    It is great to see how many people are with you and Lisa during this time. Ruth and I are keeping you in our prayers daily. We are encouraged, like many others, to see how God is shining through this situation. We will spend some time in Bible Study tonight praying for you both.

    Nikko is doing well, and has adjusted to our home for these few days nicely. He is really playful, and a joy to have around. We will be sad to see him go, but it will be in the best, as I am sure my allergies won't hold out that much longer ;).

    -Justin and Ruth Soto

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