Overcoming Pancreatic Cancer

Today I asked for the freedom to step outside for some fresh air. It was graciously granted. It did my heart much good. Daffodils are blooming. Robins are singing. The air is alive with a warm spring breeze; the pavement and grass glisten from the recent rain. Normal civilians walk by. I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7‭-‬11 We can ask God for the things we need; we can bring our hopes and dreams to him.  He is a good Father. Blessings and love,  Tim

I am encouraged. Daily miracles of arranging schedules, meetings, of granting life, of gentle discipline and correction, of deep grace and encouragement make faith grow and strengthen.  I was discouraged by some of the recent consultations. Yet God encouraged me with words from one of the Dominicans serving at the hospital--to focus on the grace of God. When I look at medicine, the world looks dim. When I look to God, I see his love.  The words of Peter echo in my mind--see John 6:22 and following for the context:  "Simon Peter replied, 'Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.'" I claim and declare the promise of Psalm 103:1-5: "Bless the Lord , O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with stead...

Today is Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He came in humility and peace to die for those who opposed him. Wow.  Mark 11:7-10: 11:7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 11:8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 11:9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 11:10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Romans 5:8: But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Praise God for his mighty love for us. In the face of such gentle yet outrageous love, what can I do but love him in return? Blessings and love to each of you. -Timothy Hagen

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;     for his steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 118:1 God is good. I had a new stent placed yesterday, along with a NJ tube for nutritional support in case of further gastroperesis.  A colonoscopy today came out all clear. The source of the GI bleeding has not been identified. It happened first while I was praying for healing. I wonder if it somehow ties into healing.  I look forward to easing back into oral nutrition after being on a near complete fast since 10 March.  Praise God for his mercy and goodness.  Thank you for all your support in prayer. Blessings and love, Timothy Hagen

Today saw interesting developments.  As there was another episode of large GI bleeding yesterday, I had and endoscopy today to try to find the source of the GI bleeding. The endoscopy showed no evidence of bleeding in the upper GI, that the original stent placed in December was almost completely ingrown with duodenal lining tissue, and that the duodenum had further blockage beyond the current stent. The proposal from GI was to place an additional stent to open the further blockage. This may be attempted tomorrow. They could not get the endoscope past the blockage today to see if the origin of the bleeding was further downstream. Doctors suggested it could just have happened because of blood thinners and low platelet counts. No word yet from insurance on approving transport to Johns Hopkins.  If the digestive blockage can be addressed with a new stent, that seems like a good option for now.  Please join me in prayer that God will give the doctors and us wisdom for the path...

I  am still at Hershey after some GI complications sent me to the Intensive Care Unit. I had lots of bleeding somewhere in the GI system overnight so am under observation and received some blood transfusions--thank you to all you blood donors! However, the bleeding appears to have resolved. I may have an exploratory endoscopy if needed to identify the problem.  I pray it is resolved and for full healing.  God has saved me once again. I rejoice in the gift of life. He is good.  In meditating on the instruction, 'Pray without ceasing,' I believe it means to live life in prayer and trust. We can pray even in sleep insofar as sleep can be an act of faith that God has heard our prayer and will respond, and we can rest in his love. Sleep can in that way be an act of worship, trust, and prayer.  Thank you for praying and trusting God to answer prayer. He is good.  Blessings and love,  Timothy

Dear Praying Friends, Thanks for the prayer support.  I was under observation in March as the tumor did not appear to have grown from January to February. However, in March there was tissue ingrowth into the duodenal stent. It is assumed to be caused by the cancer. I am currently at low body mass, so not a good candidate for chemotherapy. I am also currently an inpatient at Hershey Medical Center awaiting transfer to Johns Hopkins to explore a GI treatment to improve nutrition. Doctors have advised an EUG-GJ stent attempt to make an alternative connection between the stomach and small intestine to bypass the duodenal constriction. If this does not work, another option is to go onto a feeding tube, likely placed through the abdominal wall. The first option would offer a better quality of life and nutrition, as I could still eat. The team at Hershey thought this was a risky procedure from their end due to high vascularization around the stomach, so I am waiting for a transfer, hopefu...

 Dear friends, I understand it has been some time since I updated you. The tumor was under observation through March 10 as it did not appear to have grown. A CT scan and blood work on the 10th likewise suggested no tumor growth, although there was an obstruction to the duodenal stent placed in December.  I was admitted for cleaning of the stent. The GI team did this, but found tissue ingrowth had narrowed the stent significantly. They also tried to insert a EUG-GJ stent that would create an alternative path from the stomach to the small intestine, bypassing the duodenum. This was deemed too risky to pursue further. I am now exploring options for the stent at other hospitals and/or a percutaneous G and or J tube (feeding tube through the skin). I appreciate prayer for good nutrition, wisdom for the next steps to support this, and victory over cancer.  Thank you for your ongoing prayers! I have been encouraged this week reading Psalm 107.  Blessings and love, Timothy H...