The Last Lecture Interview

Tonight on The Jeff Whitaker Show my guest will be Jeffrey Zaslow, co-author of the national bestseller, "The Last Lecture". Jeffrey, who is a columnist for The Wall Street Journal spent time with Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch who just passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Pausch is best known for his speech, The Last Lecture which has been viewed by millions on You Tube, a chronicle of his battle and his advice for his children with the knowledge he was dying and would not be around for them. Great book. Looking forward to a great interview. You can listen live on WOND 1400 AM out of Atlantic City from 6- 7 pm eastern or streaming live on the web at jeffwhitaker.com

A Friend Has Gone Home

     You know how sometimes in life, you get to know someone (although it may be brief) but they make a lasting impact.  Bill Becker is one of those people.  Our paths crossed at our church (Shore Fellowship) less than a year ago.  He had come off a bout of cancer and I was in the middle of mine.  We connected.  He shared with me that I was an encouragement to him as he read my blog during my journey through Leukemia.  Interestingly enough as the next several months unfolded, Bill became an encouragement to me.  His cancer returned.  Ups and downs. Uncertainty. Good news.  Not so good news.  Through it all, Bill praised his Creator.  If you haven't seen an interview I did with him over 3 months ago, you need to. 

     Bill passed peacefully to glory last evening.  My families thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kathy and his family. 

      Bill was and still is an inspiration to so many.  The apostle Paul reminds us in a letter to Timothy that it should be our goal as believers to be able to say with him, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Therefore there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."  Bill has done just that.

   You can say nothing greater of a person than that they were a "friend of God".  Bill was not only a friend to so many of us,  he was and is today "a friend of God".  Thanks for touching our lives Bill.  Thanks for crossing our paths.  We are all so much richer for having known you.

The Bucket List

     My wife and I saw "The Bucket List" this past weekend and we both came away counting our blessings.  Our brush with cancer this past Summer in a way that is hard to explain has been a gift as opposed to a curse.  When you are faced with your own mortality,  you are given a new appreciation for each day.     

     In "The Bucket List", two men (played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) from two vastly different worlds are confronted with the ravages of cancer and brevity of life.  They both determine to pursue a list of  places they want to see, emotions they want to internalize and things they want to do before they "kick the bucket".  While it's unlikely the  scenario would ever take place, the overriding message is one we can all learn from.  

    The New Testament Apostle James said that our life is but a vapor.  Here one moment and gone the next.  We would all do well to remember that and determine to make the very most of each breath we are given.  Being diagnosed with Leukemia (seemingly out of the blue) actually has increased my faith, drew our family closer and gave us all a much keener appreciation for the healthy days we are given.  We now have much more compassion and care for those who are going through their own struggles whether health related or otherwise.  It's hard to explain what an experience like this will do for you and through you.

     I encourage you to see "The Bucket List".  Introspection is good for the soul.  

     Carpe Diem!!

Take The Test

     I don't know anyone who really likes to take tests.  So why on this first day of the new year am I asking you to do something you probably don't want to do?  Because this test is very easy and the payoff can be enormous.  

     Every January 1st a majority of us sit down and decide how this year is going to be different.  We think through what we are going to stop and what we will start; habits we are determined to destroy and others we are convinced we can instill in our daily routines.  All two often it seems like we don't know where to start.  In our desire to make this year so much better than the last, we tend to bite off more than we can chew and that usually results in dropping much of what we resolve by the end of the first week.  

     So here is a simple place to start because we all need to start somewhere.  It comes in a statement by the American author Richard Bach who once said:  "Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete.  If you're alive, it isn't."  So figure out what your mission is and then go for it with all the gusto you can muster.   You are alive today so make the most of it.  This past year with my diagnosis of Cancer I was awaken to the reality that nothing in this life is certain and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  I still chew on that every day realizing over and over how I need to make every moment count, take in every breath with an understanding that it is a gift not to be squandered or taken lightly.  

     Another author  Alexander Woollcott said that there is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day.  How true is that.  Tell the expectant mother who's doctor says her baby needs two more weeks in the womb in order to survive that days are "unimportant".  Tell the service man or woman preparing to head off to war that each day left with his or her family is unimportant.  Tell a person who's been told they only have months or weeks to live that one day is unimportant. The sum of our lives is made up of "days".

    Go ahead.  Take the test.  I dare you.  Pinch yourself.  Are you still alive?  Then God who has breathed His life into you, isn't through with you yet.  He has put you where you are for this time in history for a purpose.  Don't miss your mission, your calling, your purpose.

More Good News!

From time to time I update my recovery from my Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). I had some more great news from the doctor this week. Every Wednesday I have my blood levels checked to see my progress since Chemo treatment back in August. For the first time, my levels are starting to turn in the positive direction. From White Blood Cell levels to Hemoglobin levels to Platelets, everything is on the upswing. White Cells and Hemoglobin are still below the normal level, but they are headed in the right direction. Thank God for His provision and thanks to many of you who have expressed your concern and offered prayers on my behalf and my families as well. You can see more information on my treatment at my wifes entries at a page she has set up on carepages.com . Just sign up for free and find the page jeffwhitaker2007 to go to my carepage.

Latest Blood Tests

Got my weekly blood check up and everything is pretty much running its course. Not much change with the exception of my hemoglobin levels which are the highest they've been since i went into the hospital. The latest readings are 10.3, still below where they should be and the numbers are higher in large part to the blood transfusion I got last Friday. My doctor remains encouraged about my progress and says real upward number changes could still take time. She said this was slow in coming; it could be slow in correcting itself. Thank you for your continued prayers and concern.

Moving Forward

Went to the doctors for my weekly visit. The platelets are up, white blood cells are up however the hemoglobin is down which means I need another blood transfusion. My doctor again reminded me that I am very vulnerable to infection and fever because of the low white count and that it could last for up to two years. I'm feeling alittle tired; I'm sure its the blood count. So, I should be better after the transfusion tomorrow. She is very happy with my progress. I was told it could be up to 6 or 7 weeks before I see any major progress and that I am moving right along as expected. Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement.

Progress Continues

Wednesday and that means my weekly visit to my doctor for a blood check up and the good news continues. My white blood cells are up slightly to 1.5 from 1.1 (they need to be above 4.0 to be normal). That means I'm still susceptible to fever and infection so your continued prayers are appreciated. My hemoglobin levels were down a bit from last week, however my doctor reminded me that last weeks numbers were only a few days after a blood transfusion. She is not concerned. The really good news is my blood platelets now fall within the normal numbers (the first time in months). So, I'll head back to the doctor next Wednesday for another check up. Prayfully and hopefully things will continue to move in the right direction. I feel great and remain extremely encouraged.

One Week Later

One week has passed since my last entry regarding my on-going health issues. Since my last post, I've visited my doctor and received some very encouraging news. My white blood count is the lowest it's been so far. While that may not sound good, it indicates that the chemo is working at killing off the bad cells. On the other hand my red blood cells have climbed the best level since the time I was told to head to the hospital back in June. The doctor told me that as the bad cells die off, it is making room for the good ones. I could still face the possibility of a fever or catching a virus in the days and weeks ahead because of my low resistance, so I appreciate your continued prayers.

My next visit to the doctor will be next week to again check my blood levels. I am feeling great and so far have had no reaction whatsoever to the treatment of last week. I give all the credit to my Lords protection throughout this ordeal.

Day Five

I am including a video in todays blog. In many ways it's hard to believe that the week is over after so much anticipation. God has been so merciful during this experience. If you've read Sharon's entries on our CarePage and my entries here, you know that my treatment went great. Today was a long day, as you will hear in my video blog. I was quite a bit tired earlier this evening, took a nap before dinner but other than that, I finished my 5 day treatment this afternoon and then stopped by to our Chiropractor (Richard Klingert) on our way home. I am confident his chiropractic and lazer treatment has made a difference in my physical preparation for this weeklong treatment. I've also taken advantage of Homeopathic treatment as well as extensive use of supplements and vitamins. I really believe the preparation going into this week has meant so much. By far, as I look back it's evident the prayers of so many is however the key.
So with that I ask you to continue your prayers in the days and weeks to come as I look by faith for healing from the HCL.

This experience has really opened my eyes to hurts and needs of others I have seen around me who are not as fortunate has I have been. It continues to be a time of growth in my life to say the least. I will continue to post progress and updates withe hopes of encouraging others in their faith and perhaps even be able to attract others who may be going through similar challenges.

I leave you tonight with this passage from the end of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians in the New Testiment beginning in Chapter 1, verse 11:

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^"

Day Four

Feeling a little tired this evening, but I guess that is the least that can be expected. Just another all around good day of treatment. A little slow getting started this morning. My nurses told me the Chemo I am taking is flown up by courier from Florida. When I got to the treatment center they said the delivery had not yet come. After about 45 minutes to an hour it arrived and a two day supply at that, which will get me through the final day tomorrow. I asked the nurses what would have happened if it hadn't arrived, since I am on a five day consecutive treatment plan. They said they were wondering the same thing. But it all worked out. Thank the Lord.

By the time my treatment ended it was time to rush out to the blood center to get my blood drawn for testing in preparation for tomorrows transfusion, which I have to get in addition to the Chemo. It will no doubt be a long day, but I remain so grateful that this week has gone so well.

The prayers and encouragement of so many family and friends continues to mean so much. As we've said so often this week, we had prepared for the possibility of a much different week than it has been. Our God gets all the credit for the way it has turned out.

Day Three

Each day I am continually amazed at God's grace through this ordeal. Again, another day of treatment (now over half way through) and I feel none of the possible side effects I was forewarned of. As I sit each day and receive my treatment, watch and hear some of the stories of others at the Cancer treatment center, I am so grateful to God for His grace in my situation. God only knows for certain why I am called to go through this, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear to me as each day passes. For me, this whole season in my life and in the life of my family has meant spiritual growth, a time to count our blessings and renew ourselves to make the very most of each day. It has shown us the love of God's people, our family and friends and the overwhelming power of prayer. I can share with you that scores of people literally around the world have taken our requests before God. That alone is such a comfort and humbling at the same time.

My blood levels have gone down again some (as they were expected to do) and with the long holiday weekend ahead, the doctor wants me to get another transfusion this Friday. As for the Chemo treatment, hopefully Friday will be the last and anywhere from two to six or seven weeks, I should see my levels return to normal.

I am taking one day at a time and am still told I could feel the fatique and after effects a couple of weeks down the road. I'm ok with that and trust that as I said a couple of days ago, God has already gone ahead where I will be and I leave all of that in His hands.

Thank you to all who have stopped by here and at Sharon's carepage that she set up. Many of you are coming back regularly to view the entries and still others of you have shared such kind and comforting words in the comment section. If you havent' checked out the site yet, you can do so by simply logging into www.carepages.com and opening a free account. When you do, you will then sign in and go the the carepage named jeffwhitaker2007 . Day Four tomorrow!!

Day Two

Day One

With Sharon by my side, we stopped by our Chiropractor on the way to treatment. He adjusted me and used cutting edge laser technology that helps build up and repair cellular tissue. It is a holistic treatment I've taken advantage of for quite some time and the results are great. I've spent the time since first learning of my ailment to really build up my immune system with supplements along with homeopathic treatment. I want to take advantage of every thing that is available to fight this Cancer.

From there we went straight to the Cancer Treatment Center. They could not have been more accommodating. The treatment itself is a form of Chemotherapy called 2-CDA. It is a treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia that has been used successfully since the early 90's. Before the 2-CDA, they gave me some anti-nausia medicine and a type of steroid (all of this intravenously). I've opted for a five day in a row, 2 hour a day treatment that lasts for one week. After that they continually monitor my blood levels and see where it goes from there. Usually, one round of treatment is enough to put it in remission.

I'm grateful to have such support from family and friends. It was great to have my wife right by my side during the treatment and she has been a such a comfort and support during this time.

As for my reaction on Day One? I really don't feel any different. Wasn't sure what to expect and so far I feel normal. Tired tonight but no more so than usual. The nurses say it could be a couple of weeks before my blood count may dip before it rises again. That could bring with it fatigue to some extent. We just don't know yet. So, that was my first day. Four more to go. Thanks again for your prayers and support. I'll have another update tomorrow and you can also check out a CarePage Sharon set up at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania website where she is keeping a daily log as well from her perspective. The address is: http://www.carepages.com/uphs Once there, you can follow the instructions for setting up a free account and logging on to our page. You are looking to sign in an account you create and go to

jeffwhitaker2007 .

More tomorrow. God is good!!