North Pacific Union Conference : Jere Patzer Updates

November 20 Update from Sue Patzer ...

RE: Jere Patzer, C.S.*

Six of the sweetest words in the English language are ones we heard regarding Jere this noon at the OHSU clinic: “You are completely free of cancer.” They were spoken by Dr. Craig Nichols, with a big smile on his face – ours quickly outshined his! The CT scan and bone marrow biopsy came through entirely cancer free – his follow up appointment is in three months.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow – we are and we will continue to do so throughout this Thanksgiving week and waaaay beyond. Praise God, He still has a work for us to do.

We thank you for your prayers and loving support throughout this long journey. God has answered those prayers, giving us Jere’s life back with His healing touch through modern medicine. Jere now has two more initials to place after his name: Jere Patzer, C.S. (Cancer Survivor)

Tomorrow we will start our long awaited trip to spend Thanksgiving with all our family. How we have longed for this time of rejoicing together!

PS: We arrived home just a few moments ago to find a HUGE banner across our front porch saying: “Jere and Sue, You Made It!” signed with loving messages from our precious office family. How sweet is that!

November 5 Update from Sue Patzer ...

It's raining hard outside but it's bright and sunny inside as Jere is home again! Surprising both of us, the doctors let him come home yesterday evening, feeling confident that the infection, which was at first thought to be the most serious kind of e. coli, was a more moderate strain and is under control now. (Did you know we all carry many of these bugs within us and that it's only when our immune system is compromised that they raise their ugly heads?)

That was probably Jere's biggest bump in the road yet after a B-cycle treatment, but it was also his shortest hospital stay. Yeah! We haven't quit smiling. So again, amazing friends, thank you for your prayer support these past eight months and for your tried-and-true, longsuffering friendship.

November 2 Update from Sue Patzer ...
I was on my way to the office yesterday when Jere realized he had developed a fever. After six miserable hours in OHSU emergency room (where he received IV antibiotics) he was admitted. The fever has since subsided and he feels so much better having just received blood and platelet transfusions since his counts are very low. So even though we had hoped to avoid this readmittance (which has occurred after each of the other three cycle B treatments) we aren’t totally surprised – even had penciled in on our calendar when it might occur.

On a happy note our daughter, Carissa, was married to Morgan Britcliffe in a lovely small family ceremony in Hood View Church’s fireside room last Sunday. Jere felt good enough to walk Carissa down the aisle. A reception will take place later when Jere’s immune system has totally recovered.

October 27 Update from Sue Patzer ...
The last 24 hours have been some of the happiest and most wonderful of our lives. After Jere's discharge from OHSU hospital yesterday afternoon we both spontaneously wept when we got to the car. I guess we just didn't realize what a relief it would be to be done with all 8 treatments, 11 admissions totaling 72 days in the hospital. It's been a long seven months - April seems quite far away. And yet, in some respects where has the time gone? Did we really pass through spring and summer?

Mike, Jere's nurse for much of this past week,
took the photo you see here. (As usual Jere was dressed and ready to go long before it was time, you'll notice I'm still in my isolation garb.) As we said our goodbyes and thanks to the staff, Mike surprised us by expressing how much joy Jere's presence has brought to the staff over the weeks and months. We were caught off guard, to say the least; it was a very touching and humbling moment. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. (What was that counsel we heard early on? Ah, yes, "Don't waste the suffering.")

Wow, it feels so good to be to this stage even though his immune system and strength continues to head down hill for several more days and we once again have our own little pharmacy set up at home. Jere says even if he ends up back in OHSU next week with an infection, as he has after the three previous B cycles, it won't involve any more chemo, and that will make it much easier to handle.

Today I called the clinic to set up the bone marrow biopsy, final scan, and appointment with Dr. Nichols, which will take place before Thanksgiving. We are facing that with the assurance based on what has become one of our favorite texts (Philippians 1:6) ". . . being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." He has been with us the past 7 months and He still is. We covet for your continued prayers that have so encouraged and sustained us during this journey.

October 16 Update from Sue Patzer ...
When Jere was admitted to OHSU Hospital for treatment #7 on Tuesday, October 3, two days after the Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention here in Portland, he was still feeling great and quite energetic. After six long days he was discharged (Monday, October 9) about midnight. The staff had given him the choice of waiting until morning or leaving after the last chemo dripped into his veins. You guessed it – he chose the latter. Despite the remarkable staff, he is getting pretty tired of that place and they are kind and professional enough not to take it personally that he prefers his own bed at home!LISTEN TO AN AUDIO STATEMENT from Dr. Patzer

At our weekly clinic visit this past Thursday, the staff rejoiced with us when Jere’s counts read higher than expected. This was especially good news as just last week we were reminded that since the chemo is cumulative in the body, one’s system can react erratically. To Jere and me it meant that the stamina the Lord had blessed him with during the convention was still lingering. So even though this is his immune system’s low point in the three-week cycle, he is for the most part, feeling well and we’ve enjoyed a good weekend.

Way back in April, when we began the first of the eight three-week cycles, the future appeared so uncertain; the end of treatments so far away. And now it is within sight, with #8 beginning Monday, October 23. Three weeks later there will be a battery of tests and scans to validate the success of the treatments. Not only has His grace been sufficient thus far, it’s far surpassed what we imagined. And so, too, your kindness and compassion. Thank you ever so much!

October 2 Update from Sue Patzer ...
We are reliving the wonderful Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention in Portland (Tuesday through Sabbath) and a great constituency session on Sunday. Originally the plan was for Jere to only leave the hotel room to introduce speakers and attend the morning and evening sessions but I finally gave up monitoring that. It was like having planned this huge party with hundreds of friends and then banishing him to his room.

His energy seemed to improve daily and we’re convinced that the effect of hearing the endearing words "we've been praying for you" over and over was as good as any chemo treatment. After 6 months of little contact with people a handshake and a hug were medicinal. Surely the Lord must have put a shield of protection around him as he’s had no residual effects.

God really blessed Jere with strength to speak on Sabbath--it was a unique and profound message (no bias on my part!). An audio version of the sermon should be available on this website soon. We then all came home for lunch and a few hours of family time as all our children and grandchildren were here as well as Jere’s dad (12 of us--a bit of “delicious chaos”).

After his re-election, Jere was on his feet most of Sunday, chairing the two constituency meetings (NPUC and Walla Walla College). Even today after everyone left he felt energetic and wanted to take a bike ride. Right now he's waiting for me (as is the dog) to take a walk.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

September 14 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Jere finally got out of the hospital yesterday (Wednesday) from our latest (#3) "bump in the road". We were reminded how good the Lord is in not showing us everything ahead of time--we never imagined when he went in unexpectedly last Thursday for a slight fever that it would take this long to get it under control and to bring his blood counts up. (If I were a skeptic I might think that since we have good insurance they have a great thing going with keeping him in more days--shame on me!)

A team of six filed into his room each morning. Under better conditions one could feel quite important with that kind of attention, but under the circumstances it is at first a bit unnerving. However this is common at a university research hospital.

You meet the nicest people at unusual times and in unexpected places. That has been our experience at the clinic and the hospital. We've gotten acquainted with many of the staff. One of the housecleaning ladies makes no bones about sharing words of encouragement and inspiration in her gentle way. Her words from yesterday will stay with us, "Without a test there is no testimony." I think they were spoken out of the depths of experience.

Though it was a long week Jere was grateful to feel well the whole time and that can't be taken for granted. To be able to walk with energy when the immune system is so compromised is amazing to us and them. When this first started back in April a walk to our mailbox totally exhausted him, or even to eat a meal he'd have to then go lie down and rest. But this week when he wasn't tethered to an IV pole we've walked at OHSU up and down hills, stairs etc. and he has not tired. PTL

Today Jere and Bryce had a morning meeting here; final preparations for the convention, decisions re: the new office complex. This afternoon we returned to the clinic for the weekly blood draw (they just couldn't get enough of it this last week I guess?), and to see Dr. Nichols, who, at the end of the exam gave him a hearty thumbs up.

So life returns to some form of normalcy for the time being until our next appointment on Monday. We never tire of thanking you for your prayers. If you are continuing to read these updates you are an amazing, longsuffering, endearing friend!

September 8 Update from Sue Patzer ...

How quickly things can change...At Jere's weekly clinic appointment yesterday he developed a slight fever. Since his blood counts were very low, indicating very little immune system (par for the course at this time in the cycle), they decided it would be best to admit him to "the big house" (as the staff calls the hospital) and treat the fever. This was disappointing, to say the least, as he felt good and we had planned to take a bike ride, but it turned out to be the right decision as his temperature did rise.

Early this morning his fever broke. He has received platelets and will now get a couple of blood transfusions to give his system a boost. This is the third time his cycle B treatments have affected him this way. Another bump in the road, yes, but we are thankful that it is the treatment, not any cancer that has caused this. He will remain in the hospital over the weekend. He feels good again and his courage is great.

September 5 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Jere was released from OHSU hospital on Friday afternoon (9/1). We were so thankful as it looked like it might not happen that soon as the chemo in the body has to be below a certain level before being discharged. We were particularly pleased as two of our three kids (plus wife and grandbaby) arrived that day for the Labor Day weekend.

Even though this is the period during the treatment cycle when Jere's energy level continues to drop, we were able to take two long bike rides and a walk today. By this coming weekend Jere will have passed the immune system low point and his energy will begin to return. The extra time before treatment # 7 (now scheduled to begin Oct. 3) will give him the opportunity to gain added strength for the upcoming Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention and the North Pacific Union Conference constituency session immediately following (9/26-10/1).

Thank you friends, for your continued interest and prayers.

August 13 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Jere and I are basking in the beauty of another Northwest weekend. We're spending this one at home, and as Jere says, "Any day that I am not in the hospital is a wonderful day". We have taken several 1-2 mile walks through the woods nearby.

He was released Monday evening from round # 5 of the 8 treatment cycles scheduled. As he sat on the edge of his bed, shoes and cap on, waiting for the last drops of the chemo to drip through the lines into his body and for the doctor to sign the discharge papers, he reminded me of a little boy who'd been banished to his room, waiting for the final minutes of his "time out" to tick by.

Jere is currently at the 5-day low point for his immune system. This involves a daily shot (self-inflicted) and a significant amount of medication which will taper off as the days progress and his strength returns. Despite all this he feels quite good. This is the time we build him back up with good nutrition which is easy with his good appetite.

The medical team has been extremely cooperative in rescheduling the last three rounds of treatment to accommodate our Northwest leadership conference (September 26-30) and the NPUC/WWC constituency sessions (October 1) so that he can be at the optimum strength the situation allows as he plans, the Lord willing, to speak for church on September 30 and to chair the sessions on October 1.

Thank you, friends, for your ongoing interest and prayers. We received a card this past week from a college student friend who said after reading Jere's August 1st midterm update, "We all knelt down and thanked God right then for His blessings. I'm so happy for the good news. I've been praying for you both every day." We just praise the Lord for this type of ongoing support. It's very humbling. We can never say "thank you" enough.

August 1 Update from Jere Patzer ...

Last Thursday I had my mid-term CT scan. Realizing the significance of this, Sue and I were understandably anxious one of the days leading up to it. But God again gave us His peace and we went in with the attitude of Daniel’s three friends, The God we serve is able to save us from the fire but if He chooses not to we will still serve Him (Daniel 3:17, 18 paraphrase).

Today Doctor Nichols shared with me the CT scan results. His conclusion was, “You couldn’t have asked for a more favorable outcome. All evidence points to the fact that the disease is rapidly on the run. Your spleen is back to normal, all lymph nodes are normal, and we no longer see Mantle Cells in your blood. We couldn’t be happier.” We aren’t just happy, we are ecstatic!

As you may recall, the treatment regime I am on calls for eight treatment cycles with each cycle lasting 21 days. I am now back in OHSU for treatment number five, which means, after this current cycle, there are just three of these cycles left. As Doctor Nichols said, “With current technology we can’t tell that every cancer cell is gone at this stage.” So it is still a long journey with possible bumps along the way (as evidenced by a temperature spike last week that resulted in an unscheduled weekend in the hospital). But we believe a favorable end is now in sight!

Sue and I rejoice that God has seen fit to give us my life back. We are so appreciative of your support and prayers, and of course we are most grateful for cutting-edge medical science.

Our prayers at the earlier anointing session may not have been answered in as immediate and dramatic way as we would have liked but in His way and time they are clearly being answered. And in the meantime we are trying not to "waste the suffering." We know you will rejoice with us in these latest developments.

We claim the text that, “. . . He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion . . .” (Philippians 1:6 NIV). Thank you for your ongoing prayers that His good work will be completed in the next few months.

July 25 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Jere had his 4th and last transfusion over the weekend and by Monday his counts were up enough that he could be discharged. Since the IV antibiotics have to continue to fight the infection that caused the fever, the Home Health nurse came last evening to review with us how to administer it 3 times a day. He is feeling good and we've walked a mile or two today. We praise the Lord for His goodness. He was with us all the way. Another bump in the road is behind us.

July 21 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Well, we've had quite the 24 hours. Jere went in yesterday for his weekly blood tests. Though he felt great, they found him to be very neutropenic* so they ordered 3 transfusions, and began to administer the first. (We were to go back today for the 2nd and 3rd.) About the time they started the 1st, his temperature began to rise but they decided to finish the transfusion. His temp went down before we left so he got to come home instead of being admitted to the hospital.

Of course it wasn't the best night's sleep, worrying whether the temperature would rise to 100.4, signaling some infection, and mean a trip to the ER during the night. Fortunately it didn't happen. He did have a slight fever this morning but not to the critical level. When they first took his temp at our 11 a.m. appointment today, it was normal, but soon it starting climbing. By the time it got over 102 they stopped the transfusion, wondering, was that the cause or a coincidence??? It continued to climb to 104.4. I have never seen anyone shake so badly from the chills, while under three blankets and a heating pad!

Of course he was promptly admitted--something we had dreaded for the last 24 hours. This is supposed to be his "at home" time! One of the docs reminded us again that this is common for this aggressive treatment but it is disconcerting, nonetheless! As I left tonight he was his old self, and his temp was already down to 99.2--MUCH better!

* Neutropenic refers to a very low count of the white blood cells that fight infection within the body

Sue & Jere Patzer ... Their spirits are unflagging!

Guess when this photo was taken? Right ... July 4!

July 17 Update from Sue Patzer ...

Jere was discharged at noon on Friday from OHSU after his 4th round of chemo this week. We took a celebratory walk just before the sun set on a picture-perfect evening. Not only is he home but he's feeling well and quite strong at the moment.

We have been eager to say "half done" with chemo treatments and here we are! How different this past Friday was from the first Friday of April--some 14 weeks ago when "lymphoma" first entered our personal vocabulary. In a little over a week there will be a "mid-term test" to determine how things are going before round #5 begins.

I asked Jere, "What have you learned in the last 14 weeks?"

He quickly began responding. Here are a few of the comments:

That suffering is indeed no respecter of persons.
To live one day at a time, instead of 5 years in advance.
To walk by faith not by sight
That life beyond this moment is not guaranteed
That His grace is sufficient.
That He gives His peace in the storm, not before the storm.
That we have a very loving, supportive, praying family and Church family and a myriad of friends, some of whom we haven't met.
That the past is forgiven, the present is secure, the future is assured.

We are extremely pleased to be this far in the treatment schedule. However the length of the road ahead is still daunting. A friend and cancer survivor recently emailed us these insightful comments:

"The middle phase is the very worst.... I imagine that it is beginning to feel like the year will never end. The adrenalin/purpose carries you through the first few treatments and then the reality can set in."

Notwithstanding, our courage is good. Please keep us in your prayers as we believe God is hearing and answering those prayers in a miraculous way.

June 28 Update from Jere Patzer ...

You have heard me say that Sue has been able to pray that she is thankful for this ordeal but that, to date, I have not. I admit that when I am no longer looking into the fiery, smoking eyes of the cancer dragon and can look from behind at his tail, I will more likely be able to praise the Lord for this journey. I believe what happened this past weekend resulted in one of those "thankful" experiences for me.

I was to have spoken for the Washington Conference camp meeting this past Sabbath but Dick Duerksen substituted in what, I am certain, was a powerful way. He invited me to participate at the end of the sermon via a phone hookup, somewhat similar to what I recently did for the Black Convocation, except this was live.

So on Sabbath Sue and I felt the love and support of the people in Washington Conference during that interview. They ended by singing "We Have This Hope", certainly a very rewarding blessing for both of us. But an even greater blessing came in the form of an email from Dick afterwards. Here’s just a portion of what he shared:

“One young man came to me after the service saying, ' I haven’t ever really been to church, but my wife is sort of an Adventist and drug me along today. I want you to know that I accepted Jesus as my Savior right here and that I want to have a faith like the guy on the phone.' ”

I share this knowing that you will consider this God's doing, not Jere's, but that it does make the situation eternally valuable in light of the Great Controversy! It also confirms our belief that we will be able to claim the text in Genesis 50:20 as our victory verse. You may remember these words from Joseph as he reminded his brothers of how God had blessed in spite of their evil intentions: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives!” (NIV)

So thank you again for your prayers as we go through the most difficult period of our lives. I am so happy to be home. I get spurts of energy but last Monday night I was so fatigued (as predicted) that going up a flight of stairs or even kneeling for prayer was almost too much. This was, of course, after a week of treatment, ending with 72 hours straight of the chemo cocktail. So that is why I have two weeks to recoup both physically and psychologically. Both are happening quickly I believe. PTL!

God bless and thanks for being a supportive and loving part of this journey with us.

Previous Patzer statements/reports can be viewed HERE.