ON MISSIONARIES: A PERSONAL VIEW (20)

I turn now to the journal that Joice kept during her treatment at MD Anderson to remind me of what she was thinking and feeling. My first thought was to include many entries from Joice’s journal, but I have changed my mind. I do include some, but most were personal and I know she would not want them repeated, so I have been very selective. Here is one from her birthday:

Sunday, May 19:

My 82^nd birthday and I didn’t sleep well. I went to church [1^st Baptist in Houston] and the music and words were great and not repeated ad infinitum. The pastor spoke on “miracles”—what are they and their purpose. At the end of the sermon everyone took a card from the pew and filled out what they would like personally as a miracle. So, I put my concerns about cancer of course. The altar was covered with prayer cards. I didn’t think I could walk down the steps to leave mine but the man in front of me took my card down for me. Kirk called to wish me happy birthday and Karol also called.

Monday, May 20:

Good news! Cancer has not spread. Found our way to the shuttle pick-up through the maze of hallways and elevators. We’ve seen A-F so far. A long day. Mostly waiting.

Wednesday, May 22:

Today was a dental day. A young intern measured how far I could open my mouth, move my tongue L and R and I had x-rays of my teeth with a machine with film in a cylinder that went L and R around my head. Impressive! The intern took impressions of my teeth so a stint could be made.

Thursday, May 23:

Dr Frank’s office called. I now need to see a head and neck surgeon. (Yippee!)

Proton radiation is supposed to start on June 3^rd. What a day! As we were driving into the proton center at 8.45, Felica called. United Health had not approved the mask procedure. [After a series of calls, events and approval] I am taken into the inner sanctum. I put on a gown, lay on a bed, and go into the simulator. A warm substance is added to my head and neck area, and it dries around my head. It is about 4 inches thick. Dr. Frank is called in because the mask is not fitting perfectly. Then I lie in a simulator while it takes pictures. I am there for about 10 minutes, then released address and go home.

Friday, May 24:

We found the right elevator to take to the second floor to meet with Dr. Frank and his crew and we settle until six doctors came in. They felt my neck looked in my mouth. Dr. Frank liked my progress and asked if there were any questions, Bless Mike who asked for the results of the test. Dr. Frank said that the MRI and PET scan were all negative --a huge relief. The spot on my lungs is insignificant.

Saturday, May 25:

and I’m reflecting, in the miracles the Lord, gave us this past week. The Black’s hospitality, Dr. Frank, who has been very kind and connected us with the right people, Megan, with whom we have had much to do because she is Dr. Frank’s assistant, Felicia the proton center financial assistant who worked tirelessly for me so that we finally had permission and approval for each of my tests.

Sunday, May 26—57^th our wedding anniversary.

The message was from Titus 2, and it reminded us of the conflict that Karol had had with a pastor because she was not allowed to teach anyone over the ninth grade. We skyped with Kirk, and he is expecting to come to Houston to visit us. Karol made Pavlova and it was outstanding as usual. I went to bed, but my mind wanders about the upcoming mask, etc. so I consciously think about Jesus until I fall asleep.

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day.

This was a final day with the family for a long time because we are going to Houston. We had not anticipated the special times together. Skyped with Wes and it was early morning in Oz and cold. They leave on the weekend for Darwin.

Thursday, May 30:

Mike and Karol had researched a number of places for us to stay in Houston. We are totally blessed by them and feel greatly loved. Thank you, Lord.

Friday, June 7:

We are starting to gather food and supplies for Houston. I’m writing thank you emails and cards answering mail. I would like to be all caught up before we leave. Went to the GIAL graduation and there was a good attendance. 

Saturday, June 8:

it is D-day minus one now. We’re packing food and kitchen items to take.

Sunday, June 9:

Finished cleaning and packing and left at 9:30. We could see that we would probably be getting rain. We stopped at the same rest stop for a snack, but no bluebird this time. It became increasingly bad weather and the rain became heavy and the visibility very poor. We got behind a white van and followed his taillights as a beacon. It was another God thing. Our apartment is very spacious with two bedrooms, a kitchen island and two bedrooms. Thank you, Lord, Karol and Mike. Mike had met us at our apartment. 

Monday, June 10:

Left at 8 o’clock for the hospital, but didn’t wait long for the oncology dentist. She tested my mouthpiece to be sure it fits well and it does feel better than the prototype. It is a clear plastic substance. We hurried back to the proton center for another fitting of a mask and the tongue stent, and then another CT scan to compare with the former one. The actual proton treatment will be short with 4 zaps. My oncology specialist has been in the news because of a love triangle in which one doctor lover poisoned him. He has been very sick. The technician had me practice, mouth and neck exercises, such as swallowing, which may become a problem. The goal is to keep me off a feeding tube as it is difficult to swallow with one. She was very positive. There may be side effects and I'm wondering what may happen. 

Karl Franklin