Status Quo

This past week was somewhat anti-climactic. Our consultation was largely with the naturepath, which was very needed. We asked her all the questions that we'd built up over the weeks. But the oncologist basically said the plan was to maintain the status quo. The four-month hormone shot from July was still time-releasing into my system. I was given a drip to strengthen my bones. They drew my blood. The PSA count was high at 83, only slightly lower than the 89 from two weeks ago. He would have liked to have had that number drop much more. But he didn't seem alarmed and just wants me to continue the pill I take daily.

By the end of the week I look back on returning aches and wonder if this is the right track. Annie reminded me that I have had aches from the drip in the past, plus they had given me an H1N1 shot to make sure I didn't contract that flu. And I have not been taking mid-day rests since I go in late to work. And, in review, I had dropped off the juicing of kale, which seemed to ameliorate the aches through most of the summer. But still, I have aches this week, in slightly greater measure than the week before, and this can cloud my outlook.

• I would appreciate prayers for a good night's rest, which has been more occasional than not.
• The nutritional part of the regimen has many steps. One evening I opened my pill box (it's the largest size) and found with horror that I had not taken any morning pills. Staying hydrated during the day has been a challenge because I often forget to keep taking liquids. After starting this blog I realized that I hadn't taken the kale that we had juiced up yesterday. I would appreciate prayer for discipline to follow all of the steps daily that have been recommended in this treatment.
• On Nov. 9 I am scheduled to fly to Baltimore for a conference. If I continue to feel poorly, Annie would like me to cancel. I would appreciate prayer over this decision.
• In the ministry of World Relief I see God doing amazing things - heavy refugee arrivals, 73 year-olds coming to Christ, a believer from Bhutan relating God's miracles in the refugee camps, healings, dozens of detainees choosing Christ weekly. I am tremendously encouraged. But I know I cannot be involved in all of these many areas. Please pray that I would be guided to the areas where I can most effectively be used.

Thank you so much for your concern and prayers.

-Cal-