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