BinghamBooks

January 03, 2014 4:06 AM EST

We're watching and waiting with you AND praying.

- Roger Kirchner

January 03, 2014 7:35 AM EST

A prayer for long term stability and improved health day by day... Happy New Year John.

- Mark Peterson

January 03, 2014 7:51 AM EST

My birthday wish is for you to turn the corner to wellness.

- Rosemary C Barnes

January 03, 2014 12:07 PM EST

I totally relate to the 'watch and wait' process. I think these times give us new definition to taking it "a day at a time"! You know you are in my prayers, for mostly good days, with only rare "pooped out & can't keep goin'" days. I pray that God will pour blessings down on your head in abundance.

- Trisha

January 03, 2014 4:54 PM EST

Your family is praying for you too, Uncle John. We love you want you to get stronger and feel more energetic so you can really enjoy your kids and grandkids. They are lucky to have you in their lives and nearby. xo

- Jennifer Pedersen

January 03, 2014 7:25 PM EST

Following, praying and hoping for the best for you.
I pray that significant progress is coming although it may not be as visible as desired at this time. You are very tough....hang in there.

- Joe Flemming

January 03, 2014 7:30 PM EST

I agree with Jen (my sister). Take it one day at a time. We are all here for you.

- Kathy

January 04, 2014 6:11 AM EST

praying for a healthy 2014 for you and your family...

- Linda A Walters

January 04, 2014 6:32 AM EST

John...I am praying for you and with you on a regular pattern. You walk this walk well as a spiritual leader and beloved child of God.

- scott starbuck

January 04, 2014 4:50 PM EST

Sounds like Advent...renewal, new life...

- Vicki Kramer

December 15, 2013 5:30 AM EST

John...your current test results fill me with the hope that you have "turned the corner" and are on your way back to good health. I am grateful that you have such competent and caring medical professionals on your team. I pray that you continue on this most positive path to recovery.

- Gretchen

December 15, 2013 5:36 AM EST

Great news! Sounds like it's headed in the right direction. I will keep the prayers coming for health and energy. Love to you and the family.

- Jen Pedersen

December 15, 2013 6:25 PM EST

Great news! It sounds very positive! Glad you can take a break for the chemo- I know how tiring having a low red blood cell count is. Good that you can catch your breath and enjoy the holidays with your family! Keeping good thoughts and prayers! Hugs! <3

- Kathy

December 18, 2013 8:09 PM EST

Enjoy the Christmas season . See what the new year brings. Be of good cheer.

- Rosemary

December 19, 2013 7:36 PM EST

So glad to read your good news! Will continue prayers for you and for those who are caring for you as well. Happy holidays! Vicki

- vicki

November 26, 2013 4:33 PM EST

Boy oh boy the infusion center sounds like the place where people really "show up" as who they are in real life. Your blog is a most enlightening read. Thank you, John.

- Gretchen

November 27, 2013 5:01 PM EST

Hey, ours has coffee and donuts! Agreed on the key point, though -- it's the nurses. (We get a doctor or pharmacologist coming by from time to time as well.) Also agreed, it's a terribly democratic place to be.

- Richard McCandless

November 08, 2013 7:54 PM EST

The delicate balancing act of medicine. It is great news about the lower white cell count! Glad to know there are still options on ways to lower the count in the marrow. Keep your spirits up and keep fighting!

- Kathy

November 08, 2013 8:22 PM EST

Stay the course, whichever drug you choose. You are in my thoughts.

- Rosemary

November 08, 2013 8:40 PM EST

More prayers, thanks for the update

- Mark Peterson

November 09, 2013 1:33 AM EST

wisihing only the best for you... enjoy those grand children!

- Linda A Walters

November 11, 2013 11:03 AM EST

Thanks for the update. You are in my thoughts and prayers

- Dave

November 12, 2013 1:37 PM EST

Thanks for the update - you've been in my thoughts and prayers. As I learn to live with Lupus, I too find that I need to focus more on today & living fully (as body will allow!), rather than waiting to get well. Those red blood cells are tricky little devils!

- Trisha

November 24, 2013 10:03 AM EST

Thank you, John, for sharing this very personal journey. Your faith and optimism are inspiring. You are in my thoughts and prayers each day, and Richard Pearson also sends his best wishes from Westminster Pres Church.

- Lynne Stevenson

November 01, 2013 10:34 AM EDT

A beautiful recollection John, made my day (and reminded me not to ignore, in life's distractions, what the spiritual eyes are seeing). Thanks for the reminder. Hope you are well, Mark Peterson

- Mark Peterson

December 02, 2013 3:06 PM EST

John, I came across your site by sheer accident although most of the time these things are not really by accident. All Saints Day is up there with my major feast days. My time at Harvard with John Gill was a gift.

- Richard Eckman

October 08, 2013 6:38 AM EDT

Oh, John - it seems just when we think we've gone over enough of life's speed bumps, we're hit with another one - bigger and as challenging as those we've encountered before. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and continuing wisdom with us. As I sat with my 5 close friends from WU last fall, it stuck me how each of us has survived so many unexpected events in our lives - and now I watch my own kids, knowing that they, too, will survive the speed bumps they do/will face in their own lives. Rachel Naomi Remen is my favorite author for healing and understanding human nature. And you, John, are making equal contributions to that knowledge. Have as a good week! Sending prayers and positive energy your way.

- Vicki

September 19, 2013 11:09 AM EDT

John, thanks for sharing your experience-- you're in my prayers, and I hope the medication effects aren't as painful next dose as you continue your recovery. -- Mark Peterson

- Mark Peterson

September 19, 2013 1:01 PM EDT

Hey John - I'm sitting here in Minnesota looking out the window after a much needed heavy rain and thunder storm. How different it is now. The sun is out and the juvenile hummingbirds have returned to drink the sweet nectar which is strengthening their tiny bodies for their journey south. As I observe this, it makes me wonder what sort of positive imagery you could give that fiery feeling inside your body when you've taken those 31 little pills. Perhaps there is no imagery powerful enough to help reduce those heated hours. Or, maybe, just knowing what to expect will provide you with the strength to endure. This is surely a test of your strength and patience to navigate the unknown...not the first time in your life. Prayers are with you on the wings of each small effort made to reach a new level in this treatment. Sending you courage and hope as you move forward!

- Vicki

September 20, 2013 8:13 AM EDT

Hi John,

Just wanted you to know that we are keeping you in our prayers for recovery, health and energy. We love you and are proud of your strength and determination in this battle. Hope today and days forward get better and better and on difficult days, the love of God, family and friends lift your spirits. XO

- Jennifer Pedersen

September 21, 2013 6:57 AM EDT

Sorry to hear about your CLL, John. You are probably keeping up to speed on resources already, but if not you could take a look at the upcoming CancerCare telephone briefing on CLL developments: http://www.cancercare.org/connect_workshops/370-update_chronic_lymphocytic_leukemia_2013-10-04

Even when you are engaged in a course of treatment and a clinical trial, it's good to know current thinking.

There is no exhaustion like the deep fatigue of chemo. Hang in there.

As it happens I've had some relevant experience. Let me know if you want to trade emails or talk by phone.

- Richard McCandless

September 24, 2013 5:54 PM EDT

I am so sorry to hear that the bigger dosage had such an uncomfortable impact on you. Hopefully you will not have the same reaction @ next go-round. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Gretchen

September 06, 2013 5:11 PM EDT

You know you are in my prayers. Perhaps one of the blessings is Dr. Castro - who is looking out for you ALL the time, and hasn't just lumped you with the chemo crew. Sounds like medical "crap" is your new 'career' ~ What happened to sunny days lying on the beach?? This isn't what we signed up for, eh?

- Trisha

September 06, 2013 10:55 PM EDT

John, news of your struggle with CLL just reached me, and while I dont know whether the Almighty has an ear for my prayers in recent years-- whatever I have in that department is yours. I believe no one in my life has had more of an impact (for better) than you have had, helping me sort through so many years of heart ache. Who else could have helped me through divorces and still believed love could be found (and lived)? You are one in a million. God bless you, and to many years to come, John. Yours truly, Mark Peterson

- Mark Peterson

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- Anna

August 12, 2013 1:18 PM EDT

Blessings to you, John.

- Gretchen

August 12, 2013 7:09 PM EDT

Thanks for the details. It's very helpful. Have you read "Moonlight Sonata at the Mayo Clinic". Easy read - you might appreciate it. My prayers are with you. Hugs! Vicki

- Vicki K.

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