Walk by Faith

Went back to see the doctor on last Monday May 14. Reviewed the blood test results. Everything including kidney, liver functions were fine. These indicators showed how well the body system was taking the chemo, as they are the main organs to remove all the toxins.

After 2nd round of chemo, >95% of the side effects encountered during the first round were gone. Thank God indeed for His amazing grace.  Doctor said since the side effects were gone, he would recommend to go for full 3 cycles of chemo as originally planned. He explained that the side effects which was so severe after the 1st cycle, prompted him to request from scan after completing 2 cycles. This was not longer the case, so to be safe it was still better to go for 3 cycles.

What had changed along the way? I believe prayers played utmost important parts. I sensed somehow something had changed. In the spiritual sense, by learning to draw closer to God and trusting Him more, the peace and assurance would overflow me. Though I admitted a lot of time I was still very impatient, God in His infinite mercies had slowly taught me in this area. There were times when faith was tested, I had to constantly remind myself:

2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight......

So the Word come in handy in the struggle. It nourishes my soul and the spirit. I have to train myself to rely more on truth spoken rather than all the facts.....as truth supersedes whatever facts. John 8:32
"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”


During this time, I have a chance to read the book by Kenneth Hagin below (The Basics of Faith)

As a teenager, Kenneth E. Hagin lay paralyzed for many months, seemingly destined to die. His heart cried out for someone to encourage him to believe that he could be healed. But the few people he asked for help only told him to prepare for death.

By the grace of God and young Kenneth's determined study of God's Word, faith finally was quickened in his heart for him to believe for his healing. On August 8, 1934, he was raised off the bed of sickness by the power of God, completely healed and made whole. He lived a long and fruitful life as a preacher.(1917-2003)


He mentioned in his book the step of faith:

1. Have God's Word for what you desire to receive from God. 
2. Believe God's Word. 
3. Consider not the contradictory circumstances. 
4. Give praise to God for the answer. 

Medical facts denied him of a cure, but Kenneth Hagin chose to believe in God's Word. His faith allowed God's power to be manifested in him. He received divine healing. "My faith tapped into the power of God and I was made whole! My paralysis disappeared and my heart condition was healed. Since then I've been going at a hop, skip, and a jump, and I have been preaching the truth of the gospel, including healing, ever since. " Truth superseded facts. Truth set him free!

(A copy of the book in English, pdf file is available at: 

http://www.livingfaithchurch.org.uk/pdf/Faith%20Bible%20Study%20Guide-Hagin.pdf) 

Thankful for the lessons learnt.
Thankful for those who continue to pray and support.
Thankful for those who encourage me.
Thankful to Mum and siblings who always help me to look at the brighter sides, for their love and cares.
Thankful to families who help me in my struggle, your comfort is immeasurable.
Thankful to God who initiates love, forgiveness, and healing.

因信而活，（罗一17）；凭信而立，（林后一24）；因信而行。（林后五7）
Live by Faith (Rom1:17) ; Stand firm by Faith (2Cor1:24) ; walk by Faith (2 Cor5:7)

Win another battle

Went for review with the colorectal surgeon on Apr 4. He checked the blood test results and found tumor marker to be high. He recommended a CT scan to be performed. The queue at the hospital was long, though I managed to brought the scan forward, I could only see the surgeon again early May.

It was somewhat disturbing. The way home from hospital was bright and sunny. I admired the scenery along the road and tried t make light of the situation.

At the nudging of my sis-in-law, we decided to see another oncologist at a private hospital. He quickly arranged to a consultation on the eve of Good Friday. His immediately arranged for PET scan, a more accurate form of scan on Monday Apr 9.

I have been praying hard and earnestly these few days. There was anxiety in the beginning, through the pray sessions, the peace came into my heart. I was given word from the Lord:

On Good Friday - Psa 107:20  He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 20  他发命医治他们，救他们脱离死亡 (Most amazingly the same verse were sent by a dear sis and colleagues to me 2 days later)


Sat - Ps 75:3Psa 75:3  The earth and all its people are melting away; I hold up its pillars 3  地和其上的居民都消化了；我曾立了地的柱子
Psa 75:7  But God is the judge.....7  惟有神断定.....(God has the final say....)


Easter Day Psa 71:3  Be a rock of refuge for me, to which I may always go; You have commanded to save me; for You are my Rock and my Fortress. 3  求你作我常住的磐石；你已经命定要救我，因为你是我的岩石，我的山寨。 


Also the Lord showed me Luke 7 - the centurion's servant was healed at His command, and how by compassion He  raised the dead son of the widow.

On Monday the PET scan was performed in the morning. By 5pm, we were back to see the oncologist. Somehow, there was this peace reigning in my heart, as I kept my mind on the verse from Psalm 23: Surely goodness and mercies shall follow me all the days my life......The pastor had taught a day earlier to steady our spirit in God's word.

The doctor located some anomalies at the colorectal area from the scan. Good news is no spread to other area. And the doctor has managed to see some symptom to which a particular drug has proven effective. We agreed to proceed with treatment course and started chemotherapy on the Tues, Apr 10. There would be 2 sessions per month over the next 3 months. Another scan would follow then.

I thank God so far I have been feeling perfectly well after the chemo session. Truly, there is power in the Living Word. And Blessed assurance that I am healed by His stripes (Isa 53:5)!! I am reciting Psa 91:16  With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. 

Counting Down

(1)
It was a very hot beginning for summer here. Sweeting all over. Haze from the annual burning to commence farming season from the neighboring countries covered the city-state for a couple of days. Fortunately the temperature has dropped and the weather is a lot kinder now. And the haze has gone.

Few weeks ago, a friend brought me to renew my passport in JB. The Immigration officer took no less than 10 trials to get my fingerprint scanned properly. The fingerprint is becoming lighter, a side-effect of chemotherapy. The nurse told me some people's have totally vanished. The fingers has gone through some changes, first oily, with fingerprint fading, then the skin becomes very dry........JB is very near to my house, nowadays I do not frequent it though. Used to travel there for business, liked the sea-side road leading to the factory we visited regularly few years ago. Enjoyed too the food there.


(2)
Yesterday my wife accompanied me to the hospital to begin the last chemotherapy session. It was a great relief to arrive at this stage......Thank God that the side-effects were not so severe compared to many other patients. Blood test, 2hours of infusion, followed by 2 weeks of oral prescription.
Seeing the surgeon in 2 weeks to fix the date for one last operation.

Many thanks to those who keep praying for us. May God Bless you abundantly. Looking forwards to returning to office soon after the op.

^{Ps 30}

² LORD my God, I called to you for help,
   and you healed me.
³ You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
   you spared me from going down to the pit.

詩 篇 30

 ² 耶 和 华 ─ 我 的 　 神 啊 ， 我 曾 呼 求 你 ， 你 医 治 了 我 。
 ³ 耶 和 华 啊 ， 你 曾 把 我 的 灵 魂 从 阴 间 救 上 来 ， 使 我 存 活 ， 不 至 於 下 坑 。

Faith, Hope, Love 信望爱

(1) Visit
The church sent another visitation team to my house. Bro E and 2 others visited. He encouraged us with his personal experience with the Lord. It was always good to be lifted in faith.
At the end of the visit, Bro W told us the Lord had impressed on him 2 passages to share with us, Psalm 103 and Psalm 23. What a pleasant surprise. These were the 2 psalms that the Lord had prompted me to read few days earlier. He read for us the 103th Psalm:


^1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
   O my soul, bless God,
      don't forget a single blessing!

 ^3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.
      He heals your diseases—every one.
      He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
      He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
      He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
      He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence. 


Later my university roommate also send me Ps 23 as assurance - ⁴ Even though I walk 
   through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, ^{they comfort me.}

 How wonderful it was to see confirmation of His words. God is ever caring for us.

(2) Bonding
I have the opportunity to spend more time with my younger son, age 11, simply because he spends more time at home than his 2 siblings. They are busily engaged in school for studies and extra-curriculum activities.
Of late, he grows very protective of me. He would help me to carry stuff, serve me drink, and always challenge me like:
"Papa, are you sure you can drink/eat this?" (due to the fact that I am on food restriction)
While accompanying him to basket ball court, he would said: "You can only shoot the ball, not running allowed(due to my wounds)."


Last weekend, we went to buy something from the neighourhood shops. After that, he helped me to carry stuffs back. Alomng the way, he asked: " Papa, do you enjoy spending money? " Since shopping itself is a therapy, I gladly said, "Yes, I do."
He replied: "So do I, I also enjoy spending money." I did not ask him whether it is because he is spending my money.


(3) Chemotherapy Session # 8 (1 more to go!)
Yesterday, my wife and I made our way to the hospital. As usual, did the blood test. Then proceed to see the oncologist, Dr K. He examined me, and asked about the side-effect from previous rounds. My feet has been experiencing large scale peeling of skin. On looking at them, he asked: "Do you want to postpone the treatment for few days?" Since we were already there, I decided to proceed with it. Then he said: "Next round, we can postpone by 1 more week." So the next and the last chemo will be on May 18. 


After reviewing everything, Dr K said: "You are doing very well." I could proceed to fix appointment with the colorectal surgeon to finish off the last medical procedure. "My job is done!!", Dr K declared. We thanked him for all the cares he has rendered. He was all smiling. So when would be next appointment, we asked. Dr K said, "2 months from next chemo. If you really have nothing to do, drop by for a chat." Normally serious, he did have some humor.


The nurse at the chemo screening station mentioned that the skin peeling off is side effect from the oral prescription. She also said the blood test results were excellent. So I proceed to the chemo. The nurse attending to me was superb. She took care of the injection with such skill that  I hardly felt the pain. She arranged for the warm pad which helped easing the numbness and tingling effect, and re-heat it 2 more times to ensure that the pad remain warm and effective.


Truly, thank God for keeping to His promise on healing. It is great to come to this part of the journey. We are looking towards going back to our normal routine soon, as the kids have always pray.

2Cor 5:7
 For we live by faith, not by sight.
^{歌 林 多 後 書 5 
7} 因 我 们 行 事 为 人 是 凭 着 信 心 ， 不 是 凭 着 眼 见 。