ER Visits, Hospital Stays

Dear Friends and Family,                     August 11, 2012
Last weekend, we had to take John to the ER three times for pain management...on Monday morning they admitted him to Transylvania Hospital in Brevard, to get his pain under control and to monitor his bilirubin.   After scans the radiologist confirmed that the tumors in the abdomen had grown 10% since July 20. We had hoped that they would begin to shrink with the chemo treatment he received on July 24-25 and that his bilirubin would go down but that is not the case.  Yesterday John and I made a tough decision to move his care to Hospice, Johns stipulation was...(quote)"with the understanding that Hospice can be revoked if the LORD should chose to raise me up from this cancer"!!! And Hospice response was..."so be it!!"  He will stay in the hospital under Hospice until Tuesday Aug.14, when we will return home under their care.  We as a family are saddened, our hearts are hurting, we are tired, but we are experiencing GODS peace, comfort, protection, providing and unbelievable love from the BODY as we  go one day at a time on this "adventure" as John calls it. The kids and grands are all here...Peggy and Gene are here and lots of visits from nephews, nieces, cousins etc. The room is full of guitars, violins, some tears, lots of laughter and most important love.  We are grateful.
In His Arms,
Mary (for us all)

Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out.  Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it.  Who gives breath to the people on it. And spirit to those who walk on it. I the LORD, have called you in righteousness and will hold your hand...Isaiah 42:5-6a

Tough Week

Dear Friends and Family,
Last week was a very tough week, Johns hardest to this point. He had Chemo last Monday and Tuesday. The Dr. also did the bone marrow biopsy and the bone marrow is good for a transplant if the tumors will respond to the chemo. His white blood count went down to 1.4 and his bilirubin to 10.1. We could not get him to eat or drink much.  His breathing was jeopardized because of the tumors in the neck and throat area, also the tumor in his chest is wrapped around the Vena-cava vessel going from the heart to the brain and constricting blood flow. Dr. Chand suggested Radiation for comfort measures and John began those treatments Friday of last week. Today he completed his 5th treatment. It seems to be helping. He is on oxygen 24/7. Extremely tired. But he is eating!!

 He has 5 more radiation treatments, ending on Wednesday of next week.(August 8th) On Monday the 13th the oncologist will determine if he is able to take another round of chemo, which would be given the 13 and 14th. The week of 27th he would have scans done to see if the tumors (in the abdomen and around the liver and kidneys) are responding if they are he is eligible for a bone marrow transplant at Wake Forest Hospital. If the tumors are not shrinking they will call the cancer non-responsive and our earthly options will be done.
 
We have started home health care and palliative care. A great blessing!!! Our kids have really stepped up to the plate and are coming often to see their dad and help with care. Also Johns sister, Peggy and brother Gene are here a lot to help with Dr. visits and cheer us up!!
 
We are overwhelmed with the love and support you all are extending. It is so helpful not to worry about meals after long days at different Dr.s offices. Our daughters, Heather and Beth are keeping up with meals for us.(828-371-8240) Your calls and messages are encouraging and uplifting. I am attempting to keep up with phone calls but many days I am just to tired. Our daughters, Jennifer and Jonlyn are returning some calls for us.
Know that you are loving us well and we are grateful...

In His Arms,
  Mary Linville (for us all)

A Note From Mary

I arrived home Friday evening...had a wonderful time with our daughter, Beth and son in love Todd and five grands. We traveled over 5000 miles. What cherished memories and quality time with this family. They love the Lord and to see these sights through their eyes was pure joy for me. And the prayers of the children for their Pawpaw and other things were simple and refreshing. To be able to share with them in daily life gave me many opportunities to speak to them about the faithfulness of GOD and how HE has our best in mind at all times. Our oldest grandson, Jacob is 13, Andrew 12, Garrett 9, Ellie Rose, 5 and Micah is 3.
John had scans done on Friday morning and we meet with the oncologist on Monday at 10:15 am. He is still questioning what he should do as far as treatment. He has become weaker...not getting out of bed much today and the tumors we can see have grown. His white blood count is good but his platelets are very low. He is extremely nauseated and not keeping much down.

Pray for wisdom, surrender, peace, rest, good and meaningful conversation, ability to be open and honest with those around us and that above all else that the GOSPEL will be seen in our lives and that GOD will be glorified in our hearts and lives.

We love you and are so grateful for the body of Christ which is loving us well.

IN HIS ARMS,
Mary for us all

The Rest of the Story

The Rest of the Story

The second round of chemo has been very difficult for John. From Thursday, June 28th, when I first arrived in Brevard, NC, until July 5th, when I went to visit my grands in Atlanta, Ga, John's condition was less than favorable.

Our brother, Gene, came on Friday evening and stayed with us until John had the first day of chemo at the Brevard Infusion Center on Monday. On Tuesday morning John and I went to St. Joes's Hospital in Asheville, NC. July the 4th was an exciting day with visits from dear friends from Spartanburg, SC, and until early Thrusday AM, John's treatment had gone well. However, as the day progressed and by the time John and Mary's beautiful daughters and sister-in-love (Miki) arrived, he had developed a psychosis from one of the chemo drugs. Heather, Jennifer, Jonlyn, and Lynn (Mary's sister) were incredible in their efforts to support and encourage John during this time. Mary was never more than a call away, and made decisions continuously. The girls were either with their father or arranged dear friends to assist until he was dismissed from the hospital on Saturday and beyond.

Due to much confusion, John contacted his pastor who recommended that John visit his Christian surgeon before meeting with the oncologist on Wednesday, July 11th. Dr. Bridges was most helpful in calming and preparing John for his upcoming meeting with the oncologist. I met Jonlyn and John at the Infusion Center with the understanding that we would meet with John's oncologist. Despite Jonlyn's best efforts and a 30 minute wait, we were all disappointed not to see Dr. Chan.

As you know, John as been here with me in Greenville, SC since Wednesday, and will return home tonight.

Mary will be home on July 21st. John has an appointment with the oncologist on July 18th, but will not make any decisions on future treatments until he and Mary can have prayerful time together after her return.

Prayerfully,
Peggy

P.S. Words from John

I feel your prayers constantly and know you are holding me up to the Father. I see your prayers being answered continuously. I am very grateful because this continues to be a fiery trial, but I do not find it strange.

When I am weak, He is strong, and enables me to glory in my infirmities. It is a grand adventure.

Love and prayers,
John

A note from Peggy

Just a brief note to let you know John is doing well in Greenville, S.C. He is out by the Reedy River, just a few steps from my office. He has had a nice long nap on one of our mother's throws while I work. He has spoken with our dear Mary several times today, and says she is a "happy little camper." It is wonderful to hear her laugh again and see pics of her smiling face with her grands, or Beth and Todd at the Tetons.

The guys here at the plant want to give John his own office, and have told him his name will be up tomorrow (Mr. John) - with a star by his name! :)

Jonlyn and I were with him yesterday at the doctor and his white blood count was very low. He is on an antibiotic, but has a fairly good appetite considering. He is weak, but resting in God's grace.

Thank you for your prayers for John, Mary, the children and all the Linville family. He often becomes tearful when speaking of his "prayer warriors" and how good God is (all the time.) Tomorrow, hopefully, you'll have words from him.

Prayerfully,
Peggy Haden (John's sister)

HOME

Dear Friends,

I was shocked to have called today and hear that Dad is coming home. This was a drastic change from yesterdays report. Several of his levels (white blood count, potassium, oxygen, hemoglobin)  were low, and his body was worn out and needed help moving. BUT thanks to the Lord and with your prayers he slept all night last night and woke up feeling 100% better than before. Thank you for your continued prayers and for all those who came to help us while we were in the hospital, those who were Jesus' arms to embrace us girls when we were hard pressed, to those who simply came to hug Dad and show him your love and support. The toxicity in his brain was causing him to not act himself, and he doesn't remember too much but I know he was and is very grateful for each one of you!

As always we will be posting any news that comes our way <3

Heather for us all

Still in the Hospital

I am updating to let you know we are still in the hospital with Dad, He is done with the chemo treatment but his oxygen levels have been low and he has some toxicity in the brain from the chemo and are treating him for that at this time. We are needing prayers for rest and peace of mind. Dad is very restless due to the toxicity. Please pray that the Lord will give wisdom on what the next step is.... I will write more info in the morning! It has been a long week and we are clinging to the Father for grace. Dad wants you to pray that he seeks first the kingdom of God! He says Thank you and He is doing okay!

Thank you, Heather

CHEMO

My "help" was needed Friday night so I went to see Dad, it is always hard to see him in pain. The house had gotten too hot and was raising his temperature. It had already been 48 hours since he had eaten and keeping fluids down was a task in and of itself, so with the weather being so hot it only added to his discomfort and pain.
 With the amazing help of Aunt Peggy (Dad's sister) and Uncle Gene (his Brother) Jonlyn and JT we were able to keep him from going to the ER. He went in yesterday to check his levels and they were able to give the chemo which was HUGE! He has been having to wait until his levels were up enough. He was dehydrated so they gave him fluids as well, he is now back at Saint Joe's Hospital for further treatment, and will be released sometime tomorrow. Please pray with us that He stays strong and can continue to fight this crazy battle. We are grateful for all the love, encouragement, calls and cards. It brings us all joy! I spoke with Momma today and they are having a GREAT time out west. They had just left the badlands. She says she sends her love and is grateful for all who have stepped in to allow her to go enjoy this time with Todd, Beth and the family. 
Will keep the updates coming as more news comes in...

Heather

Prayer

Dear family and friends,
Our visit to the Dr. today showed Johns White blood count was in the safe range, but his platelets are
too low to begin the intended treatments this week. He will go back on Monday July 2nd for another blood test and if all is good at that time will begin round two of the stronger chemo.
  How to pray:
   For weight gain
   For white blood cells to continue to rise and that the platelets will also.
   For peace of mind, rest, for pain in low back to subside.
   For things to go well while I am away with my Todd, Beth and grands.
   
This is a verse I am praying lately...
   I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber nor sleep, The LORD is your KEEPER; your SHADE, your LIGHT; your PROTECTOR; 
He will guard your going out and coming in from now to forever!!!!!
  
God is sovereign, He is faithful and we can trust Him!!!
  Grateful for your love, prayers and encouragement,
  Mary

Low White Blood Count...

Dear Friends and Family,
A quick update on Johns health.  He had a blood panel done today.  His white blood count is extremely low, 0.6.  This is about where it was when he was put in isolation in Mexico in January.   When the count goes this low one is at risk for infection and your body has nothing to fight off the infection.  So he can have  limited visitors,  no one who has a cold,cough,fever, etc.  we are wearing mask, washing our hands often and trying to get John to rest!!!!  (not an easy task) Please call if you can, that way we can limit the time he is up.
He is scheduled to have another blood count done on Wednesday the 27th.  If the counts are up he will begin the 2nd round of chemo that day at the Brevard Clinic.  And then be admitted to  Mission St. Joseph on the 28th-30th for the 24/7 chemo.  Pray with us that he can stay on schedule and that his counts will go up.

I am scheduled to go out west with our daughter, Beth and her husband Todd Goins and 5 of our beautiful grandchildren on the 29th of June.  We have been planning this trip for a while and John is encouraging me to go ahead and go.  Soooooo, I am going.  Johns sister, Peggy Haden, our kids and a few friends are going to fill in the gaps so I can go and I am grateful.

Some verses that I am camping on today!!!

I will not depend on human strength, but on YOU, O LORD my GOD, for help and deliverance. 2 Chronicles 16:7-8,12

YOU, the LORD alone have declared what is to come from the distant past.
There is no god apart from YOU, a righteous GOD and a SAVIOR.  There is none beside YOU. YOU are GOD and there is no other.  Isaiah 45:21-22

I will sing of YOUR strength, yes, I will sing of YOUR mercy in the morning, for YOU have been my Stronghold, my Refuge in times of trouble.
To YOU, O my Strength, I will sing praises for YOU are my Fortress, my Loving GOD.  Psalm 59:16-17


We love you, we are grateful for you and your prayers, cards, encouragement and support as we walk this path, wanting only to be a reflection of our Father!!

In His Arms,
Mary

A letter from John

Dear ones blessed of the LORD,
I hope this finds you completely convinced our Father is still in full control of all our lives! I am so thankful for this gift of faith in my life more now than ever. Hope all you Dads had a wonderful Fathers Day and that all of you who have said farewell to your earthly Father were comforted by our heavenly Father as I was.
 In talking with our oldest daughter ,Beth Goins, who is still very young by the way, She shared with me that one of the many who had contributed to my health care while we were in Tijuana had asked if we thought it was worth it. The answer is an huge yes.I don't know how clear we were about my condition when we arrived in Mexico but I assure you it was desperate. I had been on a urinary catheter for at least 3 wks. and heavy narcotics for over 2 weeks which barely made my level of pain tolerable. We arrived at night so we only saw the Dr. briefly. I would like to say getting into this dire situation  took place by Divine Providence but really believe it was more due to UN divine stubbornness . You see there is only one thing I have feared more than the cancer and that is chemotherapy. When the Dr. came to visit us the next evening, he sat across from Mary and me and told me they had a lot of great treatments for cancer but the only one he could offer me was chemo therapy and  if he couldn't help me with that he couldn't help me at all. Then he asked me if I would trust him with that. I looked at Mary, only she knew how many times I had said no to chemo, and then back at him and I said yes. When we arrived my weight was 160  about 15 to 20 lbs. off my normal weight. My first x-ray showed my left lung 1/2 full of liquid my second showed it full and my right lung beginning to fill. After two chemo treatments both lungs and literally my whole body was full of fluid and my weight reached 191 lbs. two weeks. later when we left to come home my weight was 140lbs. I truly believe if it hadn't taken that trip, those Drs. and what they did, I would not have lived to receive the care I am now receiving . So thank you all for your sacrificial giving, and for one old man still alive in N.C., who believes it was worth every penny. By the way Uncle Sam has agreed to pick up the tab until August so praise God for all you tax payers too. Thank you all and I hope this hasn't been to long.

               Love and prayers, Johnny Linville

Fighting Hard

Just a quick update for John.  The port was placed successfully  on Monday morning. Dr. Bridges was able to place it just under the collar bone on the left side, without disturbing the tumors in that area. Today, (Tuesday)he had a 6 hour treatment here in Brevard @ the Cancer Center.  He is exhausted and nauseated.  He will be admitted to St. Josephs Hospital tomorrow for the heavier chemo.
I am tired and will attempt to post tomorrow evening after he gets settled.  Thank you for your prayers!!!! We love you and are grateful for you.

In His Arms,
Mary

Dear Family and Friends,
 Please forgive us for not posting before now.  Things have been a bit crazy the last few months.  Brevard is definitely a rain forest this spring and summer.  Everything is lush and green...just beautiful ... a constant reminder of our Creator and King, Jesus, who not only created all things but holds them together. Colossians 1:16-17

John had scans done on Monday, June 4th and we met with the Oncologist on Wednesday morning the 6th.  The report is not good. The tumors in his abdomen and chest have increased significantly and there are new ones growing.  This means the proto call the Dr. is using is not working. She is suggesting John be admitted to St.Joseph Hospital in Asheville, NC for five days of a stronger chemo, which has to be monitored 24/7.  Then wait 3 weeks and do this same treatment in the hospital setting and repeat the scans to see if they are responding. If the tumors respond this would be repeated for two additional treatments. It is such a powerful treatment it will then require a Stem Cell(bone marrow), transplant which is an 8 week process in Wake Forest, NC. If John chose to do nothing...the prognosis would be 2-6 months.
John is scheduled to have a port placed on Monday morning at
6:15 AM at Transylvania Hospital.  Then as soon as St. Joseph Hospital calls he will be admitted there for five days of the stronger chemo. I will let you know when he is admitted there.
We are trusting the Father to guide us moment by moment, to keep our minds at peace, to continue to show us how to be a reflection of HIS GRACE and to help us be open and honest in our efforts to live for HIS GLORY.
Today is Johns 63rd birthday!!! We have two families staying at the River Bend Campground for the weekend!!! We were approved for medical insurance!!!! We saw four of our nine grandchildren today! Todd and Beth and five grands are doing well in Brasstown, NC, getting ready for a big trip out west! Shannon and Heather finally found a specialist in Charlotte that seems to be on the ball with our grandson, Wills body producing too much calcium, creating kidney stones, and high levels of calcium in his urine.  he will be 3 July 3rd, thank you for praying for him. Jason and Jenn are doing well and just celebrated their 5 wedding anniversary! JT and Jonlyn are playing classical music for a wedding tomorrow. The Lord has supplied our every need!!!!!!!

We are trusting the one who created and holds all things together..."so that HE Himself might come to have FIRST PLACE in everything." Colossians 1:18

In His Arms,
Mary Linville (for us all)

LOVE

Greeting in Jesus name,
I think it has been a little over a month since our last post, so I hope I can remember the highlights since then. It has been a pretty smooth time all things considered. I have had 2 rounds of chemo and go for my third on Wed. May 16 th. I have had no nausea and only one sore spot on my tongue which has cleared up since my last treatment.
I know you know the promise in Romans 8:28 that states Our Father causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Cancer is a thing, therefore it must work for good in the life of any born again believer. Of course that does not mean cancer is a good thing.
I am certain the main reason the Father has allowed this dis-ease in my life is because I have not been willing to be still and know He is God. Since my great turn around in Mexico I have once again gotten busy doing stuff rather than taking this time of sabbatical to be still and know Him and learn the areas in my life which I have not surrendered to His Lordship.
i.e. Besetting sins which have caused me to be less than loving to my wife,children and family members closest to me. It is fairly easy to be the holy man for a hour long concert or a week long seminar but to love your wife as Christ, or not provoke your children to anger, when they know what you can really be like on a daily basis, is another story.
I believe that is the purpose of God we are called to , Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart mind soul and  strength, and love your neighbor as yourself, and only God knows how far I have fallen short of that mark.
I thank all of you for you faithful prayers for the healing of my physical body. Please be in prayer for Mary, our Children and family as I seek to make amends for the ways I have failed to love them in a Christ like manner and as they heal from the wounds I have caused them.
I am so thankful for the way our Father has used cancer in my life to show me how much He has loved me and how little I have loved Him and His precious children He has placed closest to me. Little children love one another.

                            Humbled under His mighty hand,
                                                john

Walking in his plan

Dear ones who have expressed your love for my family and me in so many ways I want to send my heart felt gratitude.  We have been able to get out some personal thank yous written but they have been few and far between.  Until you get yours I hope you will except a spiritual hug of thanks for now!!  We thank God for the care and healing I received in Tijuana.  I truly believe God sent us there for a dramatic life saving event which could not have happened without your sacrificial giving.  After we returned home in late January,  things seemed to improve daily.  My strength was coming back my weight had gone from 140 to 160 then early in March Mary noticed a small lump under my left jaw.  Then I checked and discovered enlarged lymph nodes around both sides of my neck and a small lump under my right arm.  Knowing how fast this large B cell lymphoma had taken me down before I wasted no time in seeking the Lord for the next direction.  I really love the wisdom and respect the knowledge of my doctor in Mexico and told him I was debating whether to come see him first and then return home for chemo or do the chemo first and then come see him.  Once I told him how the cancer was presenting, Dr. Vasquaz said I should start chemo in the states as soon as possible and then come to him for rebuilding my immune system.  So today, one week later April 4th at8:30 in the morning I began my first full blown cancer treatment5 with Job i cry "the thing I feared the most has come upon me."  Praise be to God, He makes all things beautiful in His time.  Tuesday evening, I had a beautiful thought, for the last two weeks I had come to feel worse and worse...there was no reason to think it would leap to anything but more of the same...with the chemo no matter how bad the discomfort there is the possibility it could lead to restoration.
Praise the Lord with that thought I walked into that infusion room and had a wonderful day.
This will be posted on www.thelinvillesjourney.blogspot.com as will future updates.

Walking in His plan,
I am John Linville

Update from Linvilles

Dear family and friends,
We are getting ready this morning to go to Lucy Linvilles going home celebration. Johns mother passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2012 around 9:00am.  Although Lucy was 93, we were not expecting her passing. We are grateful that Peggy(Johns sister),John and I were with her on Friday and had a good visit. But most grateful for the testimony of her close and real relationship with Jesus.
If you had the privilege of meeting Lucy, you heard her share something of the grace that the Father had shown her in her walk with HIM, whether in conversation or song it was and is a strong testimony.

John has had some new activity with his cancer. We met with the primary doctor on Monday. He had a chest x-ray and it shows a mass pressing on his bronchial tubes. There are also nodes and tumors growing on the right side under the arm and around his neck on both sides. SO.....we called Dr. Vazques, at the IBC Hospital and he recommended staying here in the states and getting Chemo, then come there to rebuild his body.

He is having PET scan tomorrow, a port put in on Monday, a echo cardiogram on Tuesday and begins chemo on Wednesday of next week...Yes our heads are spinning and our emotions are raw. Do we still believe the Father has our best interest in His mind...YES!!!!

We are weary,sad, burdened...but we are trusting the ONE who can give us rest...the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you for your prayer, much love to each of you...

Resting in His Arms,
Mary (for us all)

Gainning :)

Hey faithful prayer warriors on Johns behalf!!!
John has gained 21 of the 42 pounds lost, back!!!  He is bald but his hair is beginning to return.  His stamina is still extremely low. His blood work last week showed he had a low thyroid and a slight anemia. The Dr. has given him something for the thyroid and he is already feeling better.  We are trying to fight the anemia with diet.  He is adjusting to his restful life style the best he can...if he does to much it zaps his energy and he can do nothing else but rest. So he is learning his limits and trying to listen to his body.
We continue to be amazed by the Fathers loving care for us through the body of Christ.  Thank you for your prayers, notes phone calls, gifts, meals and encouragement.  We are grateful and forever humbled.
when praying for us, pray for health, for our family relationships, for a stillness in our lives, direction in ministry when the time comes and for our relationship to Christ as He continues to show us our desperate need for the Gospel.

We love you, thank God for you and look forward to seeing each of you in His time.

His,
Mary (for us all)

God's Hand

We continue to see Gods hand in everything that is taking place 
and look forward to sharing with you as the Lord allows. Thank you for your prayers,

cards, phone calls, gift cards, meals,financial gifts and your hugs. It has been truly amazing

how creative the body of Christ is in showing the Fathers love to us.  You have taught me 

what it means to love in real practical ways and I am grateful.

 
 
John is feeling better each day. The hardest thing for him to do at this time is 
to be still and not exert himself.  Please pray he will do this without contest 
and be able to relax in the Fathers plan for him at this time of his life.  He 
will gain his strength back and be able to do the things he wants in the Fathers 
time. He has lost a great deal of weight, Pray he will begin to gain the weight 
back. Pray for us as we focus on the Lord first, each other and our family.  The 
Lord has us hemmed in for a reason and we want to take full advantage of this 
life lesson.  

We are grateful for your friendship and pray for you, your families and your walk with the Father.

In His Arms,
Mary, for us both

A prayer from Mike (John's nephew)

Lord, help us to know today that this life is fleeting and that this place is not our home. Thank you for blessing us with more time with John. Help us to love like he loves, to serve like Mary serves. Help us to see the opportunities today to love those around us, even when we are far away from our family. Please bless and protect John, Mary, and Peggy on their long journey home. Thank you for what you have done in Mexico by the power of your blood - by the scars that you endured we can be healed. We know that John still has a long road, but thank you for our extended visit. Thank you for the living example of Hebrews 10:23 and help us all to hold unswervingly today and tomorrow and until you come to take us to our real home. We love you and pray these things in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

Love to all y'all. I'm thankful for you and the reminder that even though we can't all be together, we will all be together soon for eternity and what a day that will be.
Soon,
Mike


I spoke with Dad yesterday and he sounded tired... We are praising the Lord he is home with us but we can also see he has a LONG road to recovery. He asked me to let everyone know that he wants to see people and visit, but he also needs a lot of time during the day to rest and be with Mom, he wanted me to ask you to give a call if you want to come visit. This will give more one on one time with him and mom, and allow him to schedule in some "rest" time as well. They are both so grateful for your prayers, love support and encouragement... KEEP IT UP :) Love to everyone,
 Heather (for us all) 

Wonderful news

Dear Friends and Family,

Rejoice with us!!!!  We are heading home on Tuesday.  John had his third and final round of chemo yesterday...Friday the 20th of Jan.
His white blood count is holding and he is not having nausea.  We are so excited...as we told you before the tumors under Johns arm and chest area have melted away.  He has finished the Alivizatos IVs and nutritional IVs  and we will bring home a vaccine called, autologous dendritic vaccines.  We will return to the Bio Care Hospital in four months for two weeks for a booster treatment.  John gets stronger everyday.  His weight is down because he could not eat with the mouth sores...but in time the weight will come back.

We are looking forward to seeing each of you...we have much to share and can hardly wait to get back home.  We could never thank you enough for your prayers, e-mails, phone calls, cards and financial support during this time.  God is meeting our every need, day by day. I will meet with the financial office on Monday and then I will give an update on how the Lord has provided thus far on this journey.

We have been constantly reminded that God is Sovereign, God is faithful and we can trust Him.

Mary for us both

A note from Peggy

John and Mary are on the veranda as we speak. They are drinking in God's sun and both are happy this morning. John's mouth is still very sore, but he looks great after his haircut yesterday and wearing his new yellow shirt. He is very tired but ate breakfast in the dining room with everyone - huge accomplishment!!!

Mary and I went shopping yesterday for a few things for John and a few things for us. :) Mary looks like a doll and she has big smiles today. We all send our love, prayers and thanksgiving to God for His grace and to all of you for your prayers.

"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world." Thank you Lord for loving us.

A letter from Beth

Heard from Momma. She said Dad's WBC is up to 3800!! This is up from 100 not long ago (like a couple of days!) and his goal is 4,000. He is out of quarantine! They are hoping to start chemo back up as early as Monday. His spirits are a little higher. He is still weak but Momma is planning on getting him in the sun tomorrow. Mom is typing me right now telling me to say thank you for all the prayers that obviously went up on his behalf. My phone was struck by lightening and Momma doesn't have many minutes so we are communicating by "chat". He's eating potato soup right now which is neat to me because that's what I made for dinner. My words are not adequate but want to leave with this...Romans 8:37-39 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our LORD!" Awesome! Love from us all, Beth

Day 20

John is  very ill.  Although the low dose chemo has knocked the tumors down, it has also knocked him down.  His white blood cell count is very low and they are concerned about infection.  His fever has gone which is an answer to prayer and a good sign.  We are waiting on a blood culture to come back this afternoon which may give us some answers as to what is going on in his body.  He has sores in his mouth and is often in so much pain he cries.  He is losing weight  because it is so painful to eat.  He is in isolation because his white count is so low.  I can go in if I have a robe, mask and gloves.
Johns sister Peggy Haden, is here with me and is extending her stay for another week...I am so grateful for her company. My heart is heavy...I am getting weary...BUT...
Through all this the Lord continues to draw us closer to Him and His presence is unmistakable.  His word is becoming more and more alive as we read and console one another.

Surely as You, O Lord of hosts, have thought, so it will be, and as You have purposed, so it will stand.  For You, Lord of hosts, have purposed, and who can annul it??  Your hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?? Isaiah 43:24, 27

You, Lord God, give life to the dead and call into being things that do not exist. Romans 4:17

The whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name from You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:14-15

I will not lose heart: even though my outward self is perishing, yet  my inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light affliction, which is momentary, is working for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  So I do not look at things that are seen but at the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

My citizenship is in heaven: from there I also eagerly await You, my Savior, Lord Jesus Christ.  You will transform my lowly body and conform it to Your glorious body by the power that enables You to subject all things to Yourself.  Philippians 3:20-21

I will be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I will let my requests be known to You.  And Your peace O God, which transcends  all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

And finally:

I will let YOUR peace, O CHRIST, to which I was called as a member of one body, rule in my heart, and I WILL BE THANKFUL!!! Colossians 3:15

May the Father be as real to you as He is to us in this moment...

Mary Linville

Day 19 A letter from Peggy

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have made this trip easy for me. As you know, I'm new to this facebook thing, and would not be on it now except for my "sister", Rhita. Thank you Genie for taking care of our mother while we are away. I arrived late Monday evening and found Mary and John waiting at the IBC Hospita...l gate. Mary looked so pretty and rested even though it was late. I was completely astounded at Johnny's appearance. His coloring was great, the tumors were almost completely gone, and the edema in his arm and hand were at least 2/3rds less than we witnessed on December 26th. We visited briefly and went to our respective places for the evening. Tuesday morning we met Dr. Vazquez, went to breakfast, and then to the veranda for a lovely sunshiny day. I moved to a refurbished apartment and we met again for lunch. While having lunch, a wonderful Amish family, (John, Mary and Ruth) made the comment they were going to Tijuana Beach. John immediately perked up and asked if we could join them. Yes, of course, they would be happy for us to go and share the fare for the van from IBC. We all laughed, and John got permission from the nurses to run away. We had a glorious time, picking up pebbles for our grandchildren, taking pictures, and enjoying the fresh air. Mary took off her shoes and waded in the surf - we loved watching her get lost in the salt sea air. John felt as if we had escaped and all was well, although he began to tire as we walked back to the van. Our driver had told us he would pick us up in one hour. As you know from Mary's blog, when we returned from the beach, John was quarantined due to a low white cell count. That evening Dr. Vazquez said, "he was a very sick man when he came here. He has improved immeasurably, but he is not out of the woods yet." He may not be out of the woods, but he is closer to the meadow than you can imagine. Since the quarantine, he has had a rough time. However, due to God's Love and Grace and your prayers, he has survived these last days and nights with very little complaint. Dr. Gunter said today, "he is one strong man, we simply cannot believe his strength." Today Dr. Alberto, Internist, told us that they will discontinue the chemo until his mouth heals from chemo, all cultures taken to determine any infection are back, and he regains his strength. They have changed his antibiotics, and we saw a marked change in his cough tonight. He still has very little appetite. Mary is precious and tries to encourage him to eat his meals. Children do not worry about your mother. Mary is holding up beautifully, but she and John miss you and family, their friends, and home immensely. When we have our meals in the dining room, she is asked to give a full "John" report to the other patients who just adore your mom and dad. They are waiting to hear their songs of joy again. I know this is long, but you won't hear from me often. Mary's computer is on the fritz and won't be up and running until next week. In the meantime, one of my jobs is to read to Johnny. I leave you with one of his favorite readings from "Mother Teresa" - a book a sweet friend gave me for Christmas. "Let us not be afraid to be humble, small, helpless to prove our love for God. The cup of water you give the sick, the way you lift a dying man, the way you feed a baby, the way you teach a dull child, the way you give medicine to a sufferer of leprosy, the joy with which you smile at your own at home - all this is God's love in the world today." Love and prayers, Peggy 

Prayer needs: For him to be able to eat (the sores in mouth are very painful) 

For rest, he is having a hard time sleeping! 

Day 16

Jan. 13th Friday...Johns white blood cell count is very low.  They will not be administering chemo today because of the low count.  Dr. Vazquez had an Internist come Thursday to consult with us about John.  He suggested they put John on Neupogen shots for five days. This is suppose to stimulate the bone marrow to produce white blood cells, raising his count.
They have placed John in isolation...to protect him from getting a fever or infection...we can go in an visit with a robe, mask and gloves.  Johns sister, Peggy is here and has rented an apartment on the hospital grounds and I am staying with her during this time of isolation.  Talk about Gods perfect timing...she got here on Monday and I needed a place to stay beginning Monday, because of the isolation.

Our plans were to return home on the 19th of January but it looks like we may need to stay two extra weeks. Dr. Vazquez feels John needs four rounds of chemo to get ahead of the cancer and it can only be given once a week. This saddens us because we miss being home so badly. This also increases the cost of the stay here by around 10,000.00. To date we have paid, 16,395.00. God has provided this and we are trusting Him to provide the extra funds needed for the treatment.

It is amazing the change in the tumor, swelling of arms and legs, and other lymph nodes that were enlarged when we arrived. Join us in praying the white blood cells begin to kick in so we can continue treatments and that the Lord continues to provide the finances needed.

It is just after 2 am here...11 pm at home.  Sorry if I am rambling but I wanted to get an update out so you can be praying.

In His Arms, Mary

Day 15

Just heard from Momma, Dad's blood work came back yesterday and his white blood count is really low, they have put him in isolation. Momma and Aunt Peggy are able to go in with mask and gowns on but she has asked that everyone start praying! Will keep you posted...

Monday Jan. 9th

Things continue to go well here at the IBC  Hospital.  John had another round of chemo on Friday and has done well with the side effects.  His tongue is sore, he is a little swollen, very little nausea, tiredness and dry mouth.  But the wonderful news is the tumor under his arm is literally breaking up and going away.  Along side the chemo they are doing the Alivizatos treatment and nutritional supplement by IV.  He has not had to have oxygen since Thursday of last week. Tuesday they will do blood work to check the Kidney, liver and spleen for tolerance of chemo.   Dr. Vazquez is pleased with his progress.  We will have to stay an extra week to get the fourth chemo treatment.  This means we will return home Jan. 25th or 26th instead of the 19th and our cost will go up about another 5000.00.  We are trusting the Lord to guide us in our treatment and also to provide as He has done so faithfully.  We do miss home.  Peggy Haden, Johns sister is coming tonight to spend a week.  We are looking forward to her visit.
If you would like to send a card to John, the address is:  John and Mary Linville
                                                                                      c/o international Health and Education
                                                                                      10050 Via de la Amistad, Suite # 2468
                                                                                       San Diego, Ca  92154-77248

We love each of you and are so very thankful for your friendship.
Mary for us both

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5
The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10

day 12

Ola,
From south of the border down Mexico way. What a incredible addition to the Journey with the big C, no the little c, and the big Christ! No words could express what your kind words and sweet thoughts have meant to me these past two weeks!
It is totally amazing how you express you have been touched and ministered to through my feeble efforts to sing , speak and share the Love of God in Christ. It is living proof, that it is not by power or by strength but by My Spirit says the Lord! That He could take a self-centered , egotistical, totally depraved, prodigal son and while bringing him home , in spite of all the unresolved sin, fear and doubt accomplish His will for his children through the power and presence of Christ Jesus our Lord for His praise honor and glory!
When we arrived here and had our first consult with Dr. Vazquez, he confirmed what we had been told in the states ie. I was in bad shape, and told me that he thought I should take a low dose regime of Chemo. Then he asked me something I don't remember any other Dr. asking me. "Do you trust me with this" and to my surprise I said yes, and I'm glad I did for  many reasons. Mainly it has done wonders with just two treatments with few side effects.
As far as we know we are still on schedule to return home on the 20th but we will wait on the Lord and take it one day at a time!
May the good Lord continue to fulfil every promise as you continue to trust in Him "Phil. 4:19

OH LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO ,
I REST MY WEARY SOUL IN THEE,
I GIVE THEE BACK THE LIFE I OWE,
THAT IN THINE OCEAN DEPTHS IT FLOW
MAY RICHER FULLER BE, MAY RICHER FULLER BE!

         With Love and gratitude to all for all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!! john

Day 10

Friday, Jan. 6

I rejoice in my tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance: and perseverance, character; and character,
HOPE.  And hope does not disappoint, because Your LOVE, O God, has been poured out into my heart through the Holy Spirit whom You have given to me.  (Romans 5:3-5)

I will hope in You, my God, for I will yet praise you---The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

The X-Ray of Johns lungs shows a decrease in fluid...although small.  They are not going to drain that off the lung.  They are using diuretics to reduce the fluid.  His breathing is much better.  They began the second round of chemo today.  It has been a good day.

The local people are celebrating today.  It is the day the Wise Men found the Christ Child.  There are lots of flower bouquets and a bread that is baked in an oval shape with a ceramic baby cooked inside.  If you get the slice of bread with the baby...you throw a party on Feb. 2 nd.  Our prayer is that the Christ Child is shining through us as we go through this experience and that the party starts now as we rejoice in what the LORD IS DOING AND WILL DO AS WE CONTINUE TO TRUST HIM FOR OUR EVERY NEED.

Much Love,
Mary for us both

Day 9 (Thursday)

Sorry I didn't get this to you sooner...our Thursday went fairly well.  We had breakfast in the dinning room. There is a couple here with their daughter who has cancer.  Their names are John and Mary.  Their adult daughter is Ruth. They are also from North Carolina.  They are Amish.  They have some visitors from their community here.  When we all received our food...they began singing a blessing, it was sung in German...I was over whelmed by the beauty of the voices...the melody and the presence of the LORD.   A gift to our spirits from the Lord.

John sat in the court yard to take his IV medications and drew.  I found a sketch pad and color pencils when I made my solo trip to Walmart last week. It is a beautiful place here.

This evening he had some trouble with shallow breath...so he is back on oxygen for the night.  I think we will have
another chest x-ray in the morning.  They may start another round of chemo tomorrow also.  Thank you for your prayers.  Much love and gratefulness...Mary

Verses for today:
I will be anxious  for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I will let my request be known to You and Your peace, O God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

I will let Your peace, O Christ, to which I was called as a member of one body, rule in my heart, and I will be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

Day8

We just spoke with the Dr and he is encouraged by Johns blood work, he seems to be responding to Chemo and will start the next treatment on Friday. The Dr said his kidneys and color are looking better! We are grateful for a good report <3 I am feeling better and still on meds for the flu, we are both tired and able to rest some today.

 Our son in love Shannon wrote an email today and gave us this verse:
Psalm 27:13-14 "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait I say on the Lord!"

This was what John asking everyone to pray for yesterday... That he would not loose heart. He also ask that you pray that he will keep singing.

Love, John and Mary

Day 6

Dr. is giving me something for the flu...John had an x ray today and his left lung has more fluid.  they are going to try and control this with a diuretic every 12 hours.  we are waiting to see if the chemo changes the tumor mass in any way before he does anything else.  He is doing the alivitos treatment and nutritional treatments along side the low does chemo.
Pray for rest...encouragement of the heart...
Another weepy day...


This was Momma's last email, we need to tell everyone we know to pray!
I know this is hard for them and at times feels even harder for us on this end to not be able to hug them, love on them, and help... so prayer is the best way to help and encourage them! Email them with scripture, or thoughts, they would love to hear from everyone, just know responses might be slow! jlministries@comporium.net

Thanks Heather