A brief (I hope) up date on where we are with the lung cancer nonsense. Having had a miserable weekend with pain and vomiting (only made bearable by being able to watch all the Church General Conference sessions on the web, see LDS.org) I contacted St Christophers Hospice and they responded immediately by sending out an angel in the form of Dr Debbie Swann. Dr Debbie (as she likes to be called) was brilliant, she gave me a thorough examination and reviewed what had been happening and what medication I was on. She adjusted my medication and answered all my questions. Finally she said she would like to admit me to the Hospice for a few days so they could assess my condition more accurately and adjust the medication to suit. So here I am sitting in bed having had my first night in the hospice. Every one has been brilliant and I did get some sleep. Hopefully they will be able to help me keep some food down.
I think it was an old friend, Alex Barclay who shared the following quote with me that I found uplifting.
No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God.
Elder Orson F Whitney
Watch this space and I will try to keep you posted.
Love you Dad x
ReplyDeleteAlan I am still in shock at your illness which I have seen creep up on some of my close friends of late. To me you are simply Alan, the ever smiling guy that was always there during my YA days. I think I have kind of immortalised you as that guy !! I want you to know that your example and commitment to continue to teach correct principles during a time of great adversity will reach out to many. Your courage and conviction will be a legacy. While it is easy to say when we are not on your journey, there are blessings that come during adversity. I have learned this of late in my own life. I have a new word for it and it is called "Blesson". A blesson is when we have a challenge and find the Blessing in the lesson". It is always there. Even Christ called upon Heavens help while in Gethsemene and He suffered more than any ever will. I take heart from this comment from Elder Holland who said " If the harder we try the harder it gets, take heart, so it was with the very best of them". Thanks for your example. Always in my prayers. Dave Smith
ReplyDeleteAlan you are a great great example of courage faith and strength. You are in my thoughts and prayers along with your family. May you be sustained through your pain and trails right now at this time by those you love.
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