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
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
Monday, January 16, 2012
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
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
Sunday, January 15, 2012
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
For rest, he is having a hard time sleeping!
Friday, January 13, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
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
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
Sunday, January 8, 2012
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
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
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)
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)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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
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
Monday, January 2, 2012
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
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
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