Treatment, Week 2

Dear friends,

Thank you for your prayers as I started chemo and radiation last week. Side effects have been minimal. I had some GI upset and pain, but the pain subsided midway through last week. Radiation sessions were initially challenging, as it was painful to be strapped down tightly to a hard surface, but modifications were made to alleviate that, so sessions are going better now. Exercise does help in boosting spirits and in reducing fatigue!

I am taking my second chemo infusion now and continue to pray that it and the radiation will be effective in fighting the tumor while having minimal side effects. 

Yesterday was Pentecost. May God give us his Spirit anew to bring life, unity, and fruitfulness: 

"'I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken and will act," says the LORD."

-Ezekiel 37:14

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

-Ephesians 1:1-6

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." 

-Galatians 5:22-23

The closing of Peter's message on Pentecost explains how each person can receive the amazing gift of the Spirit of God:

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'" 

-Acts 2:38-39

I am grateful for this gift. 

May each of you be blessed today and in all the days to come! 

Love,

Tim


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