Dear Praying Friends,
It has been over
a month since my last health update and many have asked for one. There
are really no new changes to report at this time. Your continued prayers
are greatly appreciated. My next CT scan, blood tests, and Dr.'s appointment
at USC/Norris is scheduled for June 28th. I am feeling pretty well.
When folks ask me how I'm doing I usually respond, "I'm doing pretty
well for someone who is supposed to be dead next month!" All joking
aside, I am very grateful for the extra time I have.
I have made a major
change in my diet in order to keep my immune system strong to continue
fighting any new cancer. I have been reading a lot about nutrition and
how it relates to a strong immune system and fighting cancer. I've learned
there are cancer-fighting foods and cancer-feeding foods. Therefore,
I have switched to an all plant diet - a "Bugs Bunny" diet
that consists of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and whole grains. This
means no dairy products, red meat, or caffeine. This may seem pretty
radical but I'm
in a desperate situation and I need to do everything in my power to
stay alive. Being the missionary-type that I am, I have also learned
that there will be times when I'll eat what is put before me, then I'll
leave the rest with the Lord.
Since May 6th I
have been back at work at the Christians in Action (CinA) office part-time.
My favorite project so far has been putting together the Philippine
medical mission report and pictures for the June edition of CinA' s
newsletter, the first in full color. I am taking things slow as I wear
out pretty fast. My goal is to be well enough to travel to the Philippines
in November to help with the planning for next year's medical mission.
When I was in the
hospital in early February the Lord gave me a very precious experience.
I haven't shared this with very many folks up to this point but feel
now is the time to do so.
Abiding in Him,
Doug Sutherland
