Jesus got into the boat followed by his disciples. Suddenly a storm broke over the lake, so violent that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But he was asleep. So they went to him and woke him saying, ‘Save us, Lord, we are lost!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you so frightened, you who have so little faith?’ And then he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. They were astounded and said, ‘Whatever kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ (Matthew 8:23-27)
Jesus is telling us not to lose our peace when are faced with challenging situations in life .
How strong is our faith and trust in Jesus? Although He did not promise that we will not face pain, sorrows or troubles in life, He assured us that He will be there for us always .
Have you experienced that Jesus is always dependable in times of your needs? If yes, do continue to deepen your trust in Him. If not, perhaps, you are trying too hard to take charge of your life and not allow God’s Spirit to protect and provide for you .
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Happy Feast Day
Responsorial PsalmPs 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R.The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.Let my soul glory in the LORD;the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,let us together extol his name.I sought the LORD, and he answered meand delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,and your faces may not blush with shame.When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encampsaround those who fear him, and delivers them.Taste and see how good the LORD is;blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
And Let us model ourselves with St Paul;
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,and the time of my departure is at hand.I have competed well; I have finished the race;I have kept the faith.
R.The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.Let my soul glory in the LORD;the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,let us together extol his name.I sought the LORD, and he answered meand delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,and your faces may not blush with shame.When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encampsaround those who fear him, and delivers them.Taste and see how good the LORD is;blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
And Let us model ourselves with St Paul;
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,and the time of my departure is at hand.I have competed well; I have finished the race;I have kept the faith.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Prayers request for a friend
I ask that you include Denise Lim in your prayers. She is a dear friend and has been praying for my recover. I ask that you keep her in your prayers as she suspects that may also have cancer pending results this week of her CT and colonscopy. Pray also for her husband and 2 children.
Thank You
Job, an oriental chieftain, pious and upright, richly endowed in his own person and in domestic prosperity, suffers a sudden and complete reversal of fortune. He loses his property and his children; a loathsome disease afflicts his body; and sorrow oppresses his soul. Nevertheless, Job does not complain against God. In response to Job's plea that he be allowed to see God and hear from him the cause of his suffering, God answers, not by justifying his action before men, but by referring to his own omniscience and almighty power. Job is content with this. He recovers his attitude of humility and trust in God, which is deepened now and strengthened by his experience of suffering.
Psalms Chapter 91
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the LORD, "My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust."
God will rescue you from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge; God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come.
You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see.
You have the LORD for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold.
No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver; whoever knows my name I will set on high. All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress; I will deliver them and give them honor.
With length of days I will satisfy them and show them my saving power.
Thank You
Job, an oriental chieftain, pious and upright, richly endowed in his own person and in domestic prosperity, suffers a sudden and complete reversal of fortune. He loses his property and his children; a loathsome disease afflicts his body; and sorrow oppresses his soul. Nevertheless, Job does not complain against God. In response to Job's plea that he be allowed to see God and hear from him the cause of his suffering, God answers, not by justifying his action before men, but by referring to his own omniscience and almighty power. Job is content with this. He recovers his attitude of humility and trust in God, which is deepened now and strengthened by his experience of suffering.
Psalms Chapter 91
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the LORD, "My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust."
God will rescue you from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague,
Will shelter you with pinions, spread wings that you may take refuge; God's faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come.
You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see.
You have the LORD for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold.
No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon.
Whoever clings to me I will deliver; whoever knows my name I will set on high. All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress; I will deliver them and give them honor.
With length of days I will satisfy them and show them my saving power.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Again More Good News - 24 June 2009
Those who have not seen me in the past 4 months, Still happy and chubby.
It is 4 months since I started Chemo. Today the result continue to show improvement (X-Ray and cancer markers). The Oncologist is very excited with the result and believe that we should be in the good cancer marker reading range (CEA about 1 or 2) after another 2 rounds of Alimta. I received the third Alimta dose today.
It is 4 months since I started Chemo. Today the result continue to show improvement (X-Ray and cancer markers). The Oncologist is very excited with the result and believe that we should be in the good cancer marker reading range (CEA about 1 or 2) after another 2 rounds of Alimta. I received the third Alimta dose today.
Praise the Lord, He has confirmed the healing He promised with the improving result. Healing for some happens instantaneously, others get healed after some time delay while others healing is progressive over time. I believe that He will heal progressively and even the words of the oncologist confirms this. During the CER inner healing session I saw many tiny glows of red light twinkling in 2 sides (like the left and right lung). It continued to twinkle and slowly they faded, there was no red glow anymore. This was for me a sign that my lungs will eventually be cleared of all the cancer cells. The X-ray results and cancer marker reading is testimony of this improvement.
The Cancer Marker reading;
CEA dropped from 39.4 to 25.2 and today 15.8 after Alimta cycle 1 and 2, the acceptable range is between 0-5. target to a reading of 1.
The CA125 dropped from 137.4 to 66.5 and today 33.2 after the 2 cycles. It is now already within the acceptable range of 0-35.
The X-ray show the patchy concentration in the lower right lung has improved, showing that the lymph flow is better. The cancer cells are reducing, thus allowing the lymph flow to improve.
In all, things are looking very bright and positive. He listened to the lungs and said they were clear. I feel great and told Jo last weekend during our Venus Drive walk that I can take deeper breaths without coughing. Look forward to the next readings on the 16 July!
Rather long winded today, bear with me. Was at a talk by Fr. Frans last night, something he said hit home.
Luke 11: 24-26 ; "When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, 'I shall return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first."
As we strive to give up our sins and change our ways, we can be like the person where the unclean spirit goes out of, he tries to continue on the path of holiness on his own, depending on himself instead of filling the void left by the unclean spirit with the Father's love. This opens the way for the unclean spirit to return and bring others spirits. But if the void is filled with the Father's love, He will provide the grace to continue in the path of holiness and working with the graces from God. The unclean spirit will not be able to come back.
Till the next update God Bless you and your family. Please continue to pray for me and my family. Also include a prayer for those sick and suffering that do not have anyone to pray for them. Please make time for the sacrament of reconciliation this weekend.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wed 25 June - review with doctor
I will be going for X-Ray and Blood test this wednesday, I ask you for your prayers that God will continue to heal.
We have the following petitions:-
- that the new drug, Alimta will be very effective is getting rid of the non-aggressive cancer cells.
- that the CA is contained in the lungs, does not spread, and God-willing, that the tumour will disappear.
- that lung function will improve.
Thank You
We have the following petitions:-
- that the new drug, Alimta will be very effective is getting rid of the non-aggressive cancer cells.
- that the CA is contained in the lungs, does not spread, and God-willing, that the tumour will disappear.
- that lung function will improve.
Thank You
Relationship
looking back over the past 18 weeks, when I read today's refection, it reminded of me and that the cancer has made me realise that what God has always asked me to Trust in Him and build relationship with Him and those around me, specially my family. Can't say that I am glad for the cancer but it has been about reassessing my life and made me realise what is important in life. I hope that others will realise this and work on their relationships. It is not the money or high grades in exams but how you build God's kingdom here around you.
Extract from the Jesuit and Shalom;
In today’s Gospel, Jesus felt compelled to stay behind to listen and teach the Teachers of the Temple. His parents could not comprehend that Jesus had to fulfil His Father’s Will.
We are each challenged to be receptive to the Father’s Will and Providence.
After several years in the pursuit of money, perhaps we are gradually coming to realise that happiness does not lie in material possessions or in all the things that money can buy. As Jesus says, life is more than lots of food and the body is more than wearing the latest fashions. It might not seem very practical for us to look at the birds of the air or the flowers of the field. But there is one lesson we can learn from them. They live in full harmony with their environment. They live with and in it and not off it.
Our problem is that we are too focused on our own individual needs. And we think that more is better.
What Jesus is urging is that we live the life of the Kingdom — a life of love and sharing. A life where everyone is concerned with the needs of everyone else. And when everyone gives, everyone gets.And we are not to be full of worry. Worry is about a future which does not exist. If we focus on today, tomorrow will be taken care of when it comes. So, instead of just looking at our own wants, let us rather look out at the needs of each other. When we all do that, all are taken care of.
Lord, we need You. It is You who said, ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’
Extract from the Jesuit and Shalom;
In today’s Gospel, Jesus felt compelled to stay behind to listen and teach the Teachers of the Temple. His parents could not comprehend that Jesus had to fulfil His Father’s Will.
We are each challenged to be receptive to the Father’s Will and Providence.
After several years in the pursuit of money, perhaps we are gradually coming to realise that happiness does not lie in material possessions or in all the things that money can buy. As Jesus says, life is more than lots of food and the body is more than wearing the latest fashions. It might not seem very practical for us to look at the birds of the air or the flowers of the field. But there is one lesson we can learn from them. They live in full harmony with their environment. They live with and in it and not off it.
Our problem is that we are too focused on our own individual needs. And we think that more is better.
What Jesus is urging is that we live the life of the Kingdom — a life of love and sharing. A life where everyone is concerned with the needs of everyone else. And when everyone gives, everyone gets.And we are not to be full of worry. Worry is about a future which does not exist. If we focus on today, tomorrow will be taken care of when it comes. So, instead of just looking at our own wants, let us rather look out at the needs of each other. When we all do that, all are taken care of.
Lord, we need You. It is You who said, ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Healing and more good news
Last week, I updated that there was good news, the cancer markers had gone down for the first time in 15 weeks!!! After the conversion retreat, I am now even more convinced and now with expectant faith know that God wants and will heal me. I knew after the healing session on Saturday evening I am getting better, I cough less, can start taking deeper breaths and feel more energetic. I decided to take a blood test and confirm the cancer markers are coming even further down. Yes Praise the Lord that within ONE week it has continued to come down.
The CEA marker reading dropped 36% last week (from the previous cycle reading) and in the last 7 days continued to drop another 11%; ( 39.4 to 25.2 to 22.4, normal is between 0 & 5) .
The CA125 marker dropped 52% last week and in one week dropped another 18%; (137.4 to 66.5 to 54.5, normal is between 0 & 35).
Praise the Lord and God is good !!!
Don't let Pride and Fear keep you from our Father, it is the evil one that is putting these in our hearts to make us feel unworthy. Our Father and Jesus loves each of us dearly and waits only for us to come back to him.
Eph 4: 26-27 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.
The CEA marker reading dropped 36% last week (from the previous cycle reading) and in the last 7 days continued to drop another 11%; ( 39.4 to 25.2 to 22.4, normal is between 0 & 5) .
The CA125 marker dropped 52% last week and in one week dropped another 18%; (137.4 to 66.5 to 54.5, normal is between 0 & 35).
Praise the Lord and God is good !!!
Don't let Pride and Fear keep you from our Father, it is the evil one that is putting these in our hearts to make us feel unworthy. Our Father and Jesus loves each of us dearly and waits only for us to come back to him.
Eph 4: 26-27 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Blessed are the ....
How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognised as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.’
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognised as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.’
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Good News - 3 June 2009
Good News! the cancer Marker has dropped 50% , this is the first reduction in the cancer CEA and CA125 markers. over the past months, 5 sets of blood test showed it increasing after every chemo cycle. The Blood test taken yesterday (after the first cycle of the new drug Alimta) showed that it has dropped about 50% from the last reading (CEA: 39.4 to 25.2 and CA125 : 137.4 to 66.5). Everyone is excited about the result, even the doctor & nurses was happy to see it come down. Looks like the new chemo is working. Even though the Xray do not show any major changes from the last cycle. Still 25% reduction and stable is Good!
Pray that it continues to work. The doctor hopes to see it continue to come down at the next blood test in 4 weeks. I just got cycle 2 of Alimta this afternoon. I feel great and very happy.
I can only Thank God and everyone for their consistent prayers, their care & support. I realised this week that we need to remember and be appreciative of our Father for all he has given us.
Another good news is the 2 tumor in my brains have not grown or do not show any signs of activity. They are stable and more mature. Got the MRI done and both the radiologist and oncologist agree with the results. Everything is stable.
Been having a cough over the past few weeks, Jo and I were worried that it might be due to the increased lymphatic fluid buildup in the lungs due to the cancer cells. Dr Kong did not think it so. It could be due to an infection as suggested in the Xray, recommended I review with an ENT specialist and have it checked. Thank God for a saint, Dr Euan, he was available and saw me immediately today. He put a scope into my nose and down to my throat (first time I saw the inside of my nasal passage, my voice box and he concurred with Jo that I likely snore when I sleep). He does not see any problems and the coughing is triggered by the nasal backflow (caused by allergy like dust mite) and reflux acid at the back of the throat. Some medication should give relief. Will go for a scan next week of the nose, Jo is fixing the apppointment. What a friend and a great doctor, even prays for me . He thinks I still look good, with my thinning crown ! Ha Ha...
Still contemplating cutting it all off (be Kojak; trendy now) or let it grow, sport a ponytail like my daughter (much shorter and thinner one)
Thank You for all your prayers. Praise the Lord Amen!!!
Pray that it continues to work. The doctor hopes to see it continue to come down at the next blood test in 4 weeks. I just got cycle 2 of Alimta this afternoon. I feel great and very happy.
I can only Thank God and everyone for their consistent prayers, their care & support. I realised this week that we need to remember and be appreciative of our Father for all he has given us.
Another good news is the 2 tumor in my brains have not grown or do not show any signs of activity. They are stable and more mature. Got the MRI done and both the radiologist and oncologist agree with the results. Everything is stable.
Been having a cough over the past few weeks, Jo and I were worried that it might be due to the increased lymphatic fluid buildup in the lungs due to the cancer cells. Dr Kong did not think it so. It could be due to an infection as suggested in the Xray, recommended I review with an ENT specialist and have it checked. Thank God for a saint, Dr Euan, he was available and saw me immediately today. He put a scope into my nose and down to my throat (first time I saw the inside of my nasal passage, my voice box and he concurred with Jo that I likely snore when I sleep). He does not see any problems and the coughing is triggered by the nasal backflow (caused by allergy like dust mite) and reflux acid at the back of the throat. Some medication should give relief. Will go for a scan next week of the nose, Jo is fixing the apppointment. What a friend and a great doctor, even prays for me . He thinks I still look good, with my thinning crown ! Ha Ha...
Still contemplating cutting it all off (be Kojak; trendy now) or let it grow, sport a ponytail like my daughter (much shorter and thinner one)
Thank You for all your prayers. Praise the Lord Amen!!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Next Doctor review and chemo cycle 2
Hi, will be doing the full blood test and X-ray tomorrow (Tuesday2 June) morning. On Wednesday Dr Kong will review with me the results at 3pm and Alimta chemo cycle #2 if the blood test result is positive. Had to shift the review to 3pm instead of 11.30am, due to a morning meeting in the office.
Thank You for your prayers.
Thank You for your prayers.
Next Chemo on June 3 at 11.30am
Dear Prayer Warriors
Thank you so much for persevering all this time.. it has been a 3 and a half months. Pete goes for his next chemo session on 3 June, wednesday at 11.30am
We have the following petitions:
- that the new drug, Alimta will be very effective is getting rid of the non-aggressive cancer cells.
- that the CA is contained in the lungs, does not spread, and God-willing, that the tumour will disappear.
- Pete has been getting more phglem than normal, that the Lord take away the cough and phglem,
- that Pete's lung function will improve.
Thank you so much for persevering all this time.. it has been a 3 and a half months. Pete goes for his next chemo session on 3 June, wednesday at 11.30am
We have the following petitions:
- that the new drug, Alimta will be very effective is getting rid of the non-aggressive cancer cells.
- that the CA is contained in the lungs, does not spread, and God-willing, that the tumour will disappear.
- Pete has been getting more phglem than normal, that the Lord take away the cough and phglem,
- that Pete's lung function will improve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
