Prayers for Daniel

My feet are swollen and they hurt.

Věrka sometimes can't fall asleep in the morning because she's restless.

I am officially under the care of the Mobile Hospice

First week

swelling is getting worse

I am losing weight

I am weaker and more tired

my ability to eat is improving slightly

stronger pain is being balanced by stronger opiates

jaundice is at a similar level

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8

I truly lie down in peace, I fall asleep quickly and sleep well. Even though I often wake up at night to go to the bathroom, I have no problem falling back asleep, nor do I deal with any restless thoughts and the like. I don't need sleeping pills and I wake up rested - more than many days a year ago and more.

Anežka usually falls asleep around 10 pm and sleeps without a break until 6 am (and she is only breastfed).

Thanks to this, Věra sleeps all night. She also falls asleep quickly and when she wakes up, she can usually fall asleep. She wakes up rested. Only some nights does a disturbing thought come that makes her heart race, but after a short time, calmness and sleep come.

Věrčina modlitba

Beloved

Liver failure is occurring

Swelling of the legs

Swelling of the abdomen

Itchy skin

Twitching of the limbs

Testosterone loss

Easily bruising

Loss of appetite to vomiting

Easy bleeding (risk of internal bleeding)

Exhaustion

Jaundice caused by blockage of the bile ducts

Aversion to food

Risk of esophageal bleeding

Pauses in breathing

Hepatic encephalopathy (brain poisoning causing confusion, impaired thinking, disorientation, coma)

When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. He named him Noah (which means Rest) and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.”
Genesis 5:28-29

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:19-20

I feel you praying

Don't Waste Your Cancer

1. We can waste cancer if we do not hear in our own groaning the voice of a fallen world crying out in birth pangs, full of hopeful expectation.

2. We can waste cancer if we do not accept by faith that it is God’s plan for us.

3. We can squander cancer by thinking it is a curse, not a gift.

4. We can waste cancer by seeking comfort in our prognosis, not in God.

5. We can waste cancer by avoiding thinking about death.

6. We can squander cancer by thinking that “beating” it means staying alive, not maintaining our love for Christ.

7. We can waste cancer by spending too much time reading about cancer and not reading the Bible.

8. We can waste cancer by allowing ourselves to be driven into solitude instead of deepening our relationships and showing affection to others.

9. We can waste cancer by grieving like those who have no hope.

10. We can waste cancer if our sins do not bother us more than before.

11. Cancer can be wasted if we do not use it to witness to the truth and glory of Christ.

The oncologist praised the Liberec colleague (she was surprised that he did not work with such an approach in a larger hospital). So that I am in good hands professionally.

She helped us to better understand the diagnosis and thus the current situation.

Better understanding of the diagnosis

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. (...) So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:7-13

Upturned chair - God defeated Satan's throne.

Christmas lights behind the couch - God is the light in the darkness.

Teapot - God pours out good things on us (blessings meaned).

Pillow and nothing above it - Holy Spirit.

Some summary

Lenvatinib treatment was stopped because it did not bring any improvement.

This exhausts the possibilities of medicine. We can consider doing some experiments that could slow down the growth of the tumors, but from a medical point of view the prognosis is that there will be a gradual deterioration until death.

Expectations of doctors

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Is the pain a normal condition that Lenvima suppresses (so helps)?

Or is the pain causing Lenvima withdrawal and will we need to find a better way to do it?

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Deteriorated skin, especially on the feet, head and soft parts of the body, can be maintained by lubrication.

Sore throats can be maintained to a good extent with chamomile and sage tea.

I have medication for recurring abdominal pain, which does not work right away, but does within a few days.

Věra had a health problem related to the pregnancy, but with the help of medication, it is good.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Isaiah 35:1

Resurrection

Crucifixion

The Road to Golgotha

The trial of Jesus

Parable of the Trunk and the Branches

Jesus in the Temple

Palm Sunday

Worksheet Samples

Storm at Sea

Collection Completed

Collection

The insurance company refused to psy the treatment

Today Věra trained assistants from the last area of ​​service at work. Her work is very appreciated and Věrka also enjoys doing it. Now she will finish the evaluation and during or at the end of April she will start maternity leave.

Věra is doing well in her pregnancy and the baby seems to be growing well and healthy.

“Before this day is over, the wives of the officials of Persia and Media will find out what Queen has done, and they will refuse to obey their husbands. They won't respect their husbands, and their husbands will be angry with them.” Esther 1:18

that I can tolerate the treatment,

that it is recommended by three independent institutions,

that nothing else has worked.

Further treatment

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.

That the baby is fine

That Věrka is doing well during her pregnancy

That Vítek has settled in at kindergarten and is in a good mood at home

That I don't have to take Sorafenib and I didn't have to argue with the doctor about it

Car in the service with a broken clutch (an old diesel is not ideal for driving around Liberec)

Lung metastases

Mixed results

Proverbs 8:30-31

“... Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.”

My New Year's Verse

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:8

To us, to us a baby will be born

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:24

“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these. [...] If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Proverbs 3:19-21 and 24

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Gatatians 5:6

quite possibly it will be harmful

quite possibly won't help

maybe no longer needed

the reasons mentioned above are not certain

it would be stupid to stop the only drug that helps (but that's not a very strong argument; if I tried every option, I'd kill myself with it alone; I got almost 20 tips on alternative treatment and support supplements from you alone)

the doctor thinks I should (but mainly because he has no better idea and doing nothing is bad, because what if something helps)

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

“Abel believed, and therefore he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and he received a testimony that he was righteous when God accepted his gifts; because he believed, 'though he died he still speaks'.” Hebrews 11:4

“Enoch believed and therefore did not see death, but God took him to himself. 'He was not found, because God received him.'” Hebrews 11:5

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12

“That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:10

Good news

liver tumors continue to shrink

the radiation on the thoracic vertebra worked (surprisingly) and the reduction is already visible

other tumors do not grow in the bones below (due to this and their unavailability, it is not yet a priority to solve them)

the unclear result in the area of ​​the cecum disappeared (last time they correctly concluded that it was not a new metastasis)

“God made a lasting agreement with me, good in every way and strong. This agreement is my salvation. This agreement is all I want. Truly, the Lord will make it grow.”
2 Samuel 23:5 (ICB)

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless: he shields all who take refuge in him.”
2 Samuel 22:31

“What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign Lord.”
2 Samuel 7:20

Zdiška died today

“Zdiška left today, she didn't wake up in the morning.”

... I'm not even afraid anymore. That even if I were to go to God and to Adam, I know that my mother would not be alone, God would be with her. Just like he is with us now. That even so, we would both still be fine with the Lord God. He would not leave us sad. When we are not even sad about Adam now. But maybe God will help me, that I will be healthy, or not but maybe I will stay here with my mother. I do not know. But God will surely figure it out somehow so that it will be good for me.

I am very happy that people are also praying for us, because God is really with us. I seriously already feel at home like in heaven. It's nice how everyone is so nice to us. I really enjoy writing with Jana on the courses, even though I have already finished them all. It helps me a lot. She is very kind. She also helps mom. Everyone is very nice. Mom too. I like my mom the most. It's all beautiful. God did it all very well.

“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.”
1 Samuel 12:20

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”

Report from experts

They consider the treatment of the liver finished (they will monitor it and if some of the deposits start to revive, the operation will be repeated, but now it is not necessary). Thank God.

They see a total of four other bearings. They see the one in the thoracic spine there. Likewise in the sacrum and in the hip. They also see another small dot, which they do not consider new, only visible with a better instrument. This could have been better.

Preliminary PET/CT results

No new metastases appeared.

One of the metastases in the Liver is significantly smaller and dead.

The second one is the same size, but according to the oncologist, it is dead tissue (expert opinion is awaited).

The tumor in the spine is indistinct, it is possible that it was not a tumor.

Two tumors in the bones and one small dot is the same size (awaiting evaluation by experts).

On sale

“They stirred up persecution ... and expelled them from their region. ... And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:50 and 52

Zdiška has metastases on her brain

“Jesus said: My kingdom is not of this world...” John 18:36

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go ...”
Matthew 28:17-19

“They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.” Matthew 27:30

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Matthew 24:6

“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” Matthew 20:15

“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20

We wish you a bright Christmas

“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 17:2

Matthew 15
32 “I have compassion for these people ...”
37 “They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Prayers for Zdiška

Songs for preschoolers

videos with Czech text on YouTube

download mp3

“And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (...) And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”” Mathew 8:25 and 27

“Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

“... pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6

Antidepressants

Matthew 4
3 The tempter came to him (...)
11 and angels came and attended him.

God did not take care of your physical needs.

You cannot be sure of who you are to God.

God does not give you what is rightfully yours.

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5

“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. […] May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.” Psalm 138:3 and 5

We have harmony in marriage; we are together, we can talk about everything and pray together.

Vítek believed in the Lord Jesus and apparently the Holy Spirit is working in his life. Sometimes we marvel at the way God speaks to him and how he likes to praise the Lord God spontaneously and anywhere.

We have family support and tension-free relationships. We receive the prayer support of the church. We are not alone and have a wide support network.

“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” Psalm 137:1

“I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother.” Psalm 131:1-2

“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” Psalm 126:1

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Psalm 126:5

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8

“I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.” Psalm 119:176

For more details on the previous message

No tumors only by miracle.

Shrunken tumors. Depending on the degree of reduction, either chemotherapy or local radiation would be continued.

Non-enlarged tumors. Chemotherapy would be continued.

Enlarged tumors.

“Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” Psalm 119:116

“Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.” Psalm 119:49

go shopping,

a two-hour trip at the Víteks pace,

drive a car for half an hour.

Vítek has already recovered from his cold and that means he is in a better mood and things are easier with him.

Věrka has already recovered and had a mild course.

I didn't catch a cold, which is actually a miracle. I've always caught colds easily, and now I don't have the saliva that normally prevents infections and my immunity is even lower.

“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, ... They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.” Psalm 112:1 and 7-8

“My heart is ready, O God, I will sing, I will sing psalms ... for your mercy reaches above the sky, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 108:2 and 5

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” Psalm 105:1-5

for strength for Věrka, when she will take care of Vítek and me for a few days.

for Vítek, after the dose he tries to be nice to me.

for my parents who have to endure their son's treatment from a distance and for my siblings.

for the wife's parents and the entire Stebel family.

“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” Psalm 92:1-2

“Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.” Psalm 86:4

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Luke 12:25

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” Psalm 59:16-17

It's better than it seemed

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:1-2

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

Two year anniversary of the surgery

To the current state

No cancer - that would be God's miracle.

Shrunken tumors - still a miracle as it would mean the treatment is working better than expected.

Non-enlarged tumors - still good news from a medical point of view, it would mean continuation of the set treatment.

Enlarged tumors - depending on the rate of growth, the treatment would have to be reassessed, while the one used is already very aggressive.

How I feel

“In every prayer and petition give thanks and present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4,6)

Summary of my health status

It's a great mercy that I didn't throw up at all.

After the last dose, I had a bloated stomach with pain and a fogged head. When we already know what awaits me, we try to prepare as a precaution (for example, eat light meals).

Red blood cells have already reached the lower limit of normal. So I'm not so tired anymore. I feel almost healthy in the fresh air, worse in a room. When I sit or lie down for some time, I feel worse. So I try to be active when strength allows.

White blood cells are significantly below the norm, so immunity is greatly weakened. I have to protect myself against infection because it would mean a big complication. (The risk which is hardest to protect against is infection from Vítek.)

Blood platelets are below the norm, but so far this does not have a negative effect.

Psalm 6

“Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.”

Bone metastases are not operable, the only treatment left is chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy is not a solution, because while three places would be irradiated, additional tumors would arise elsewhere.

A complete cure cannot be expected from chemotherapy. In the best case, it stops the growth of tumors for up to a few years (or just a few months). Then chemotherapy will be repeated. That is, until the time when I will not be able to bear more chemotherapy.

Because I'm young and healthy, they want to use aggressive treatment in hopes of damaging the tumor as much as possible (and making it take longer to grow back).

Prayers

Metastases (2023)

Permanent consequences (2022)

News from the hospital (2021)

Operation in 2021