Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Biopsy Results

Over the past several months I have shared updates with you regarding my health, and most recently, I communicated the need for a biopsy on some suspicious activity in about four lymph nodes. My biopsy was performed last Friday morning at Williamson Medical by Dr. Henry Russell. I am grateful for all your prayers. Tuesday the results came back, and Dr. Russell communicated that I have Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Certainly, this is not the kind of news I had hoped for. However, I have been assured by several in the medical community that there is actually a high cure rate for this type of cancer. Treatment will most likely require chemotherapy and radiation. There is no timeline for treatment as of yet, but I am certain it will begin soon. Patti and I will be meeting with doctors over the next few days.

In the meantime, I will remain active and preaching, while also taking time when needed for self-care. As you pray, please ask the Lord to show me anything and everything I need to know and experience from Him. I am so very thankful for the leadership of our staff and support teams during these days. Our mission and new initiatives are moving forward as planned, and I do not want TPC to miss out on what is before us. I know I can count on you to pull together as we walk this journey.


Please know it is a joy to be your pastor.

Rick

13 comments:

  1. Thank's Tori for setting this up. Thanks for reminding us we know the Great Physcian, we are calling on that attribute of God with you. Reba

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  2. This is great news! Up until now you have had a hidden problem that you could not confront. Now you know what is inside your body, and you know that your doctors know the treatment, and you know that you can begin the process of defeating Hodgkin's lymphoma. Your prognosis is great! You are now taking the first steps of walking the path of the survivor. Like the challenges you have confronted before, this will make you stronger, and I predict you will reach more people with your message of expanding the church community of Christ-followers to those who are searching or lost or in need. God Bless You. Jeff

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  3. Pastor Rick, I live in Spring Hill and have attended Peoples Church there for some time. I too have this exact type of Lymphoma. I was diagnosed a year ago exactly. I have been cancer-free since last July. I remember all too well the initial shock, but almost immediately I became determined to beat it. First, don't go near the Internet. I nearly passed out when I first read the prognosis. That info was prior to retuxin, wonderful drug. Get the Emend, it is costly but worth every penny. Exercise on the days you feel you can, and if you can stay awake, during chemo, eat whatever you want! Your taste preferences will change, but go with it. Sleep when the prednisone will let you but expect several long sleepless nights. Welcome to the Survivors club. If there is anything I can do to be a supportfor you or your family, i will be happy to do so. This too shall pass. I will be praying the same prayers for you that I did during my treatment. Things are going well for me and life is pretty much normal. You will get there too!

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  4. Pastor Rick, I have ejoyed your teaching from afar... California to be exact. I lead worship at a small local church on Sunday mornings and come Sunday evenings, I sit to do my bills on the computer and "go" to the Peoples Church while I do it. You are an inspiration and it is a blessing to share in your ministry. I pray for you and your family. Just a word of encouragement as you take this journey... remember James 4:14. Also, I love the line from CS Lewis' book The Problem of Pain.... "Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home". I pray you have many more days at the pleasant inns of this life. God Bless. pb

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  5. Pastor Rick,

    Two and one-half years ago, I was diagnosed with Large B cell Lymphoma. I had 6 rounds of chemo and 2 extra rounds of retuxin, then 20 days of radiation. I have been completely clear for over 2 years. Mine was Stage 4 at the time. It is not easy but most certainly treatable and curable. PTL.

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  6. Good Morning Rick!
    First I just want you to know that you are in our prayers. Second, I understand that you got some good news and bad news at the doctor. Good news is...Ashley told me that you probably will not lose your hair. The bad news is....I was really looking forward to seeing you with poofy blonde hair!!! Seriously Rick, I hope your days are filled with a rich promise of the future, strength and healing without fear, frustration and pain. I pray that you will be among others who have traveled this road and continued to work and have fun throughout the treatment. Stay strong as I know those around you will. In fact, if I know those four women in your life, I doubt you will even get an opportunity to enjoy a minute of self-pitty!!!
    I hope today that you are free of fear and feel the warmth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Janice Gentry

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  7. Pastor Rick,
    You have been an inspiration to me and my family. Your courage and love of the Lord is amazing.
    I am bald so just remember when you lose your hair.
    "God only made a few perfect heads and the rest he put hair on"!!!

    Bald is Beautiful!!!

    Blessing
    Tim Thompson

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  8. Rick, As we trek the northwest I have taken many moments to pray for you healing and for the comfort of God's love and and grace over you and your family. You are loved. Thank you to the White girls for keeping us up to date.

    Ken

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  9. Brother Rick,

    In October of 2008 you preached from Psalm 46 which tells us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we WILL NOT FEAR....
    Our family has had a stressful few years. I cannot begin to tell you how much this passage has meant to me. I travel daily with work and am in and out of my car weekdays for hours at a time. I have this enitre book written on a card that travels in my car or my bag with me everyday.
    The passage begins to close with v. 10 which says "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD; I WILL BE EXALTED..." I have written at the bottom of this card two statements you closed the message with on that Sunday in 2008....1. When life is out of control (an arrow pointing up to Psalm 46) and 2. Fear is the most mentioned command in the Bible.
    I have been forced with recent health concerns myself to absolutely slow down and be still. I am thankful we are loved by our amazing Father who is always there to comfort us and stop our fears.
    You are in my prayers through this journey. I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for the church family you lead with his guidance. You are loved by your brothers and sisters in Christ.
    Andrea

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  10. Pastor Rick,

    You are such an inspiration to me and my husband. Your conviction to Christ is uplifting and your joyful attitude is contagious. I pray for you and your family each day and will continue to do so for as long is needed. I know your life gives God glory and I can't wait to see how he uses you once again to glorify Him. Stay strong and know you are loved.

    Brooke and Russell Hickman

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  11. 3/7/10 Award winning preaching and great encouragement to all people; thank God for you, Rick White. In the meantime, you break our hearts all the while causing intense supplications to the Father. Want to know something really good that has so far come out of your illness? I am beginning to understand twitter and blog and all of that stuff. Thank God for your intervention in my/our lives. We have known you for a very long time. You were there when cancer invaded our sanity. We are now there for you. We believe/pray you will be well.

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  12. Hi Pastor Rick and Family,

    My husband and I lived in Franklin for 8 months about a year ago, and were lucky enough to find TPC. I was very sad to leave and miss TPC to this day. We now live in Bethesda, and finally found a church to join! You are an amazing Pastor, and helped my husband and I more than you will know. It wasn't easy finding Pastor I enjoyed hearing Preach as much as you! Since our first visit to TPC, you set the benchmark for us in our search for a new church. However, you are still my favorite preacher, and I continiue to watch your sermons online! We are praying for you ans your family daily. We will be with you on this journey. We are so thankful for you.
    Ashley and Abe Doctor
    Bethesda, MD

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  13. I recommend that you get a shingles shot. Most doctors recommend that a person gets one at age 60 but you are fairly close and your immune system will be compromised. I got shingles after I finished chemo which lasted 6 months of severe pain with another 6 months of residue pain. I think that anyone undergoing chemo should get one.

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