Coming Down the Home Stretch

Well, this is my last week for radiation, and I met with my doctor yesterday. I always get my bloodwork before my chemo and my hemoglobin is down which makes me weak. They said I needed a shot but had to get approval from insurance and something else so may not get it till next week - hey what about now? Anyway, my doctor has set me up with three, not one, heavy doses of chemo for next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday preparing me for the pet-scan on the 17th and then the possible surgery to follow - I will meet with my onocologist surgeon for that. I know that the next couple of weeks I might be tired, but I have been so blessed during this process. Being able to preach on Sunday's has been my greatest medicine. Being with my church family, hearing from so many friends that read this blog - I have never felt so loved! Indeed this is a Merry Christmas! Please understand that if you respond on the blog I have no way of responding to you - but if you e-mail me at egolsen@sunsetchapel.com I can. Thank-you and keep praying - it works - I promise! Pastor

Finally an Update

Hey Everyone,
I'm sorry I haven't posted an update recently. The truth is I was too focused on the Thanksgiving turkey. It was so important to me to have an appetite for Thanksgiving - and boy did I! I went 4 days without radiation and I had a good week last week. I have my weekly chemo treatment today and should have about 8 more radiation treatments. With winding down with the radiation the focus is to have another pet-scan and CT scan in another week, then that will determine surgery or whatever. I truly feel so blessed to have the support I have from my family, my church and friends from years gone by. It is in times like this that your thanksgiving becomes even purer. I couldn't complain if I wanted to - if I tried only thanks would come out. I love you all and will keep you informed. Thanks - no really - THANKS! Pastor

Another Week

This week has certainly been made of highs and lows. Sunday was a very special time. It was the first time the church saw me without my hair. When I approached the platform I was overwhelmed by the standing ovation. The love and support has been - well, words can't express it. Monday I had two Chemo treatments, then I also have radiation every day except Saturday and Sunday. I am in the office today, but feel so weak. I am thankful to the Lord that I haven't had any radical side-effects, but when you want to go full speed and can't it is just difficult. I don't know how I could have done this without the staff I have filling in the gaps and a church that loves me so unconditionally. It brings me to tears even now thinking of the love of Christ lived through the lives of real people. Have a great day today and let us look at Thanksgiving being truly thankful for all His blessings. I love you!!!!!!! Pastor Olsen

Well, here is the picture of what a bald preacher looks like. I had Sherry stand in with me to give the picture a little class. Bald is beautiful. Love you all! Pastor

Good News, Bald News

Well, as mentioned in my last blog my white blood counts were critically low, so we went to the doctor this morning to run new blood work after getting shots of nuprogen (?) every day for the last 5 days. The doctor looked at the report and said, "Wow, that nuprogen really works". The normal range is 5-10 and last week I was at 1.7, but this week it shot up to 18.5, so now I feel like I can fight off anything. Ofcourse when the doctor declared how the nuprogen had worked I wanted to declare that "Prayer really works". That's the good news, yesterday when I showered I realized amounts of hair in my hands, then I looked at the drain and realized it was clogged with hair, so it looks like baldness is around the corner. But acording to George Valdovinos in the church, bald is beautiful. I just hink that everyone in the church should shave their heads to show solidarity. Then we would also know who the visitors were, ofcourse they would think they had walked into a cult. God is good - all the time. Just wanted to update you and tell you that I love you. If you are at Sunset Chapel on Sunday you may just see one more beautiful bald man. Love each of you - Pastor

It's Friday and I'm ready for Sunday

This has been a pretty good week. Last Sunday was just awesome - the service was great and I felt pretty good. This week I have gone to radiation every day. Yesterday I went for my weekly appointment with my oncologist and was surprised that my white blood count had bottomed out, so I have to watch being around people - specially sick ones. Mt immune system is very weak, a matter of fact I have to go in for shots every day, including Saturday and Sunday, for the next 5 days. But I feel pretty good and am looking forward to Sunday. I have found some true inner strength. When I have been weak or in pain still praising the Lord - I refuse to let this take away my praise. I am constantly told of people that are praying for me - can I tell you - "Prayer Works" - I feel it. Thank-you again for your cards, prayer, and unconditional love!!!
Your Pastor

Another Update

I apologize for not updating sooner but the last week or so has been rather hectic. I returned from Dallas and my brother-in-laws funeral last Thursday and had my first harsh Chemo on that Friday. I then had two more treatments on Monday and Tuesday. I was just exhausted the first of the week and when we met with my doctor yesterday (Thursday) he told me that he expected it to knock me down, but in doing so it was also knocking the cancer down. I started radiation this week and it has seemed to have no affect. It is now Friday and I am feeling better than I have for over a week. I can not tell you how your prayers and love have overwhelmed me and I can truly say that Sherry and I feel them. I will be preaching on Sunday and I feel so passionate about the message I am preaching, "The Battle For Our Faith". Thank-You and I love you! Pastor Olsen

A New Week

It is Monday, October 15th and so much has happened recently. Last week Sherry and I went to South Carolina to see our grandson, Chase Matthew, to be born. On Saturday morning before we headed back we were called and told that Sherry's brother, Jason, 32 had died in a car accident, so we are now headed to Dallas for the funeral. Pray for the family. While in Dallas I was called from one of my doctors and informed that the Tumor Board met with my case and decided to change my chemo. It seems that after a second look at the pathological report my cancer is a little different. So it is a little more extensive, but they feel that this new chemo will attack it. I also went today to get my body marked to begin radiation. So much happening, but our faith is in God. The old song declares that when all around is sinking sand on Christ the solid rock I stand, and indeed we do!!!! Thanks - Eric

First Week of Chemo

I just got back from the doctor after my first week of Chemo to get a new bag of chemo and have my first assessment. The blood work came back great - a little low on platelets which explains being tired a little - but everything looks great. I have really had no side effects of which I really give the Lord all the praise. While waiting for my chemo to get to the doctor from Baptist Hospital a young man recognized me as he had been to a wedding here a couple of years ago. He told me that he and his wife had talked about that ceremony a couple of times. So I gave him my card and told him to come join us. I believe every day God has those God appointments for us. God never stops amazing me. I am looking for every opportunity to reach someone for him. Have a great day - and have I told you lately how much I love and appreciate you??? Well I do!!! Pastor Olsen

Update on Condition

Just wanted to update everyone on how things are going! First of all let me thank everyone for the cards, e-mails, just everything. As I announced on Sunday, last week (9-24) my oncologist gave me the results from all the tests, including the full body scan (pet scan) and said that the cancer is no where else in my body. That was great news! So Friday I went in and they started my chemotherapy. It is a pump that I wear that sends the chemo directly into my chest. I go every week to get a new bag of medicine. So if you see something under my shirt that looks like it is protruding, besides my stomach, it is this pump. Four days into the chemo I am feeling pretty good although today I had a little buzz. Again I will post new updates to keep you informed. Thanks for caring and loving!!!!!!! Pastor Olsen