It has been two weeks since I last wrote with an update. I apologize for the delay. My purse was stolen; I lost my cell phone, all of my phone numbers and addresses (please supply me with yours!) as well as ID, credit/debit/gift cards, camera, hearing aid, and day timer were taken. I really do want all of you to reply with your contact information, because I have nothing!
Ed is in the hospital receiving round # 3 of chemotherapy. These sessions last for four days. Several different kinds of chemo are delivered through a port in his chest. Between chemo sessions, he goes to the hospital every day for blood work, tests, and whatever treatment is deemed best for him on that day. During the last two weeks, he had a few extra nights in the hospital for blood transfusions and antibiotics. He is very vulnerable to infection right now, and needed a bit of a boost - physically.
Ed is now bald, has lost quite a bit of weight, and cat naps off and on throughout the day and night. He is in no pain. Spiritually and mentally, he is still in great shape. He is also beginning to win the cancer war. He had been getting twice weekly injections of chemo in his spinal column, but no cancer cells were detected in his spinal fluid at the last check up. He now goes down to weekly injections in his spine. Praise God!
Ed and Cora also visited the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (known as Fred Hutch) since I last wrote. He will need a bone marrow transplant as soon as his body is ready to receive one. We don't know when that will be. His blood needs to be cancer-free before a transplant can occur. After the bone marrow transplant, he will be at University Hospital for 3 months. He will need a sterile environment as his body learns to accept the marrow, and begins to make new marrow on its own.
At Fred Hutch, Ed & Cora were told to see if they could locate a 501(c)3 organization that would be willing to receive donations on their behalf. The estimated dollar amount needed to see them through the next 5 months for medicines, co-pays, doctor bills, house payments, food for the family, utilities, etc is $5000/month, or $25,000.
The church Ed and Cora co-pastor, Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship (RHCF) is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible. Because Ed's sick leave will run out in October, and we know he will need at least 3 months off work while at University Hospital, a fundraiser is being planned for Saturday, November 14th. Ed and Cora want also to have the bone marrow registry people there on November 14th, so individuals can get registered as diners right on the spot.
I am in the early stages of planning this event, and need every volunteer I can find to help. In addition to registering bone marrow diners, Cora & Ed would like a dinner concert the same evening. Jeremiah Beckwith Jr has agreed to cater the event (for those who don't know, boy can he cook!!) An idea for a silent auction came up, and if we do it, I need someone to organize it. We need large venue secured, advertising, contacts made with the bone marrow registry, people to set up and clean up, and financial donations. I have asked for some help in getting a link on RHCF's web site for donations, and will also work on getting a special bank account established soon.
I also realize that every one has a full and busy life, and that money is tight for everyone right now. If you are unable to help or to donate, no worries! Your prayers are your most valuable gift. Loosely translated, God said the prayers of the righteous accomplish much - and your prayers are working very well right now. Thank you - keep them coming! Barb
Saturday, October 10, 2009
8/24/09
Ed came home from the hospital on Saturday, having completed his second round of chemo. He is not experiencing any pain. His attitude remains very positive. Ed is not worrying about the cancer. He says that is the job of his doctors. He says his job is to do what the doctors tell him to do! He believes he will be healed. We are standing in agreement with him and with Cora.
Ed is starting to loose his hair, but other than being pretty tired, is not experiencing too many negative effects from the chemo. This week, Ed will visit Fred Hutch to be prepped for a bone marrow transplant, to be scheduled some time in the future.
Ed was able to preach on Sunday at RHCF, the church he co-pastors with Cora :-)
Prayer requests: Finances continue to be a need, as medications and treatments are expensive.
A donor match for bone marrow, Ed was adopted, so no relatives are available.
Doctors, nurses and staff at Virginia Mason & Fred Hutch
The entire Jackson family
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
Ed is starting to loose his hair, but other than being pretty tired, is not experiencing too many negative effects from the chemo. This week, Ed will visit Fred Hutch to be prepped for a bone marrow transplant, to be scheduled some time in the future.
Ed was able to preach on Sunday at RHCF, the church he co-pastors with Cora :-)
Prayer requests: Finances continue to be a need, as medications and treatments are expensive.
A donor match for bone marrow, Ed was adopted, so no relatives are available.
Doctors, nurses and staff at Virginia Mason & Fred Hutch
The entire Jackson family
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
8/12/09
This will be the last update for a week, as I am going to Hawaii with my 83 year old mother today :-)
Ed will check into the hospital for another 4 day round of chemo, probably today. His spirits are still good. He has lost 35 pounds, and has experienced some side effects from the chemo, but his appetite is good.
He will be visiting Fred Hutch next week. The doctors are preparing for a bone marrow transplant within the next 6 months. If you haven't registered as a donor, and were thinking you should, now would be a good time to do so. Ed was adopted as an infant, so blood relatives as potential donors are not available at this time. If a transplant is need, he will be matched to someone in the donor pool.
Thank you for all who have blessed the family with financial gifts. It makes a difference. Cancer is not for wimps, and it is not cheap.
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
Ed will check into the hospital for another 4 day round of chemo, probably today. His spirits are still good. He has lost 35 pounds, and has experienced some side effects from the chemo, but his appetite is good.
He will be visiting Fred Hutch next week. The doctors are preparing for a bone marrow transplant within the next 6 months. If you haven't registered as a donor, and were thinking you should, now would be a good time to do so. Ed was adopted as an infant, so blood relatives as potential donors are not available at this time. If a transplant is need, he will be matched to someone in the donor pool.
Thank you for all who have blessed the family with financial gifts. It makes a difference. Cancer is not for wimps, and it is not cheap.
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
8/4/09
Miracles are happening :-) !
When I had chemo 14 years ago, I went to the hospital every 3 weeks for 2 - 3 hours of chemotherapy. I came home nauseated and very sick for much of the time in between each chemo infusion.
Ed has now finished his 3rd day of continuous chemo infusions; after today, the first course of treatment is done. He is not sick! No nausea, no pain, no nothing! He's just the same Ed as always. In fact, if he continues to do well, he won't need to stay in the hospital for an entire month. He can come home tomorrow!
Ed will still need to go back into the hospital for daily blood draws and short chemo treatments every day for the next week. Then he'll be admitted to the hospital again for another 4 days of continuous treatments. This in and out pattern will continue for the next 6 months or so, until the battle with cancer is won.
I believe that because Ed and Cora have chosen to focus on the promises God makes to His children (and the Bible is full of them - that healing is the children's bread - that He shall supply all their needs according to His riches in glory - that by His stripes Ed was healed - that when the enemy came to eat of Ed's flesh, he stumbled and fell - that Jesus says, "Fear not!") Ed is winning this fight.
There is a peace in his hospital room that can only be explained by God. Ed is determined that no matter what report the doctors have, he will believe the report of the Lord, and claims the healing as his. I am learning a lot just watching Ed and Cora go through this battle.
Please continue to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
When I had chemo 14 years ago, I went to the hospital every 3 weeks for 2 - 3 hours of chemotherapy. I came home nauseated and very sick for much of the time in between each chemo infusion.
Ed has now finished his 3rd day of continuous chemo infusions; after today, the first course of treatment is done. He is not sick! No nausea, no pain, no nothing! He's just the same Ed as always. In fact, if he continues to do well, he won't need to stay in the hospital for an entire month. He can come home tomorrow!
Ed will still need to go back into the hospital for daily blood draws and short chemo treatments every day for the next week. Then he'll be admitted to the hospital again for another 4 days of continuous treatments. This in and out pattern will continue for the next 6 months or so, until the battle with cancer is won.
I believe that because Ed and Cora have chosen to focus on the promises God makes to His children (and the Bible is full of them - that healing is the children's bread - that He shall supply all their needs according to His riches in glory - that by His stripes Ed was healed - that when the enemy came to eat of Ed's flesh, he stumbled and fell - that Jesus says, "Fear not!") Ed is winning this fight.
There is a peace in his hospital room that can only be explained by God. Ed is determined that no matter what report the doctors have, he will believe the report of the Lord, and claims the healing as his. I am learning a lot just watching Ed and Cora go through this battle.
Please continue to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
7/31/09
Thank you for your continuing prayers for Ed. The Bible says that the prayers of the righteous avail much, and this is certainly true.
Yesterday, Ed was diagnosed with Pre B Cell ALL Lymphoma/Leukemia. This form of cancer is a very curable if caught early, but is also very aggressive. He will be in the hospital about a month undergoing chemotherapy. The doctors' plan is to put this into remission, and this is Ed's plan as well.
Ed and Cora are both fine, claiming John 11:4 "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
If you would like to visit or write to Ed, he is at Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) in room 1758. He will be moving to the 15th floor (cancer ward) as soon as a bed opens up. His cell phone is working (206-779-0292) and his laptop is at his side (email: month012@msn.com).
Please feel free to spread the word, and thank you for you continual prayers. I will send more information as his healing progresses.
Barb
Yesterday, Ed was diagnosed with Pre B Cell ALL Lymphoma/Leukemia. This form of cancer is a very curable if caught early, but is also very aggressive. He will be in the hospital about a month undergoing chemotherapy. The doctors' plan is to put this into remission, and this is Ed's plan as well.
Ed and Cora are both fine, claiming John 11:4 "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
If you would like to visit or write to Ed, he is at Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) in room 1758. He will be moving to the 15th floor (cancer ward) as soon as a bed opens up. His cell phone is working (206-779-0292) and his laptop is at his side (email: month012@msn.com).
Please feel free to spread the word, and thank you for you continual prayers. I will send more information as his healing progresses.
Barb
7/29/09
Cora has asked me to get a prayer chain started this morning. For the past month or so, her husband Ed has been experiencing pain from what was thought to be a pinched nerve in his neck. However, physical therapy was not working, and the pain medication, though increasing, was doing little to ease the pain. He lost some strength in one arm, and the other sweated profusely. Last night he was admitted to Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) for additional tests. He is in room 1758.
This morning we know there is a mass pressing on his spine in the middle of his back. Today will be a rest day, and surgery is expected soon to determine if the mass is cancerous or benign, and what to do to remove it.
We also know that God is the ultimate healer, and that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord. We know that where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is in the midst. We know that God changes things, and that it is His desire to heal. We ask that you pray in agreement with these things, and I will keep you posted when there is new information to report.
Please feel free to spread the word, and many thanks for your prayers,
Barb
This morning we know there is a mass pressing on his spine in the middle of his back. Today will be a rest day, and surgery is expected soon to determine if the mass is cancerous or benign, and what to do to remove it.
We also know that God is the ultimate healer, and that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord. We know that where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is in the midst. We know that God changes things, and that it is His desire to heal. We ask that you pray in agreement with these things, and I will keep you posted when there is new information to report.
Please feel free to spread the word, and many thanks for your prayers,
Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)