WELCOME TO MY BLOG!
November 23: Ever since the middle of October I’m experiencing some cramp-like discomfort around my upper abdominal area. My physician recommended that I have a CAT scan, which was done at Adventist Medical Center (AMC), Portland, on November 23. Imagine my surprise when the radiologist informed me after the procedure that I had a tumor on the upper region of my pancreas. My doctor then referred me to a gastroenterologist, whom I saw on Thursday, the 29th. He immediately scheduled for a gastroendoscopy procedure on Tuesday, December 4. My understanding is that this procedure makes use of ultra sound to examine the tumor tissue, and determine whether the pathology has spread to other organs, particularly the liver. At the time of the procedure a biopsy will also be taken of the tumor tissue. Once this procedure is completed and documented, it will be reviewed by a Tumor Panel at AMC to determine and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for my condition.
I so much appreciate the excellent care and skill of the medical practitioners with whom I’ve counseled to date. Believe me, I am in good hands! Meanwhile, I am fully resigned to whatever the future holds for me. My faith and trust in my Heavenly Father remains as strong as ever. My family’s support is also amazing. Estelle is researching how she may complement my medical treatments with the most optimal diet that my body needs at this time. She may be contacted at estellebirch@comcast.net.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for this open communication, Chief. Be sure of our joining with you and Estelle in frequent prayer. Be even more sure of His presence with you.
DeleteDearest Alf and Estelle, We are so devastated to hear this sad news! Be assured that we are praying earnestly for you and your lovely family and we know that God is everpresent and near to all of you. We are coming to visit you in the US next year and we need you to be well and healthy for that special occasion. (Something to look forward to as we have not seen you for quite some time and have so much to tell you! - so please we have an appointment!) God be with you Alf - In our prayers and thoughts continuously!
ReplyDeleteYour "cous" Maryna and good friend Dennis Kimble - South Africa
We'll be praying for you Alf. I know that you are in good hands. You and your family are very special to us. - Doug, Kim and family.
ReplyDeleteU omsluit my van alle kante, U neem my in besit. Dié wete oorweldig my, dit is te hoog vir my begrip. (PSALMS 139:5, 6 AFR83)
ReplyDeleteU sluit my in van voor en van agter. U hand van seën is op my. Dié kennis laat my in verwondering, dit is vir my te hoog om te begryp! (PSALMS 139:5, 6 NLV)
U beskerm my hele lewe. Ek kan dit glad nie verstaan nie, al probeer ek. Dit is te oorweldigend. (Psalms 139:5, 6 DB)
Dear Elder Birch, you have often been on my on my mind as I wonder what you are up to these days. Both our interim pastor this summer and now our new pastor are from South Africa, which makes me think of you even more often!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful to have received an email letting me know of this blog and what you are facing so we can add you to our prayer list. My dad is also facing cancer at this time, so lots to pray about!
With respect,
Michelle McMillen
Dear Alf & Estelle and family,
ReplyDeleteWhen you started this journey with God by responding to His call - you had no idea where it would take you. You have traversed the earth and served in many parts of the world in all kinds of positions and in all of these you have given unselfishly of your expertise, love and care and you have blessed so many through your ministry! Through the years our paths have crossed many times and in many places and this has just increased our love and respect for you as a friend and colleague and brother. We know that He who started this journey will not abandon you now, but He will see you through with a love that is so strong that it impels us with new courage and strength - For His Grace is sufficient for all that comes our way - nothing is beyond the Pale of His Grace. We daily pray for your and the family and may you all be enriched by our love and prayers, David & Veronica.
Hi Uncle Alf,
ReplyDeleteGod provides, and there's health on His list too!
Please keep a clear mind so that much-needed health have an easy passage :)
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Trudi