Be a FROG

Mickey Elrod was a good friend. She had a profound influence on everyone who knew her. For example, in the school where Mickey worked, they honored her by placing FROGS as decorations in strategic places. I never thought of Mickey as a reptile person, but when I asked her husband Michael about the frogs, he explained it to me. FROG is an acronym for Fully Rely On God, and Mickey was a great example of that acronym. 2022 is the year of the FROG for me. I have always tried to rely on God, but I will lean into that faith action even more, this year. Today I started the radiation treatment, so I am actively involved in all my cancer treatments. I have injections twice a week, Chemo pills every day, and ten radiation treatments. I also have a bone treatment once a month, and just for fun, I will have an upper and lower G.I. I only include the medical stuff because I know you care about me. All your love and concern humble me, but God’s got this. I need to be a better FROG. My goal is to be faithful through the journey and give God glory in all that occurs. In Him J. Tom Washburn

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go

Well, we have reached the time when I am about to begin treatment. I would love to say that I am excited, but the truth is that I am a little nervous about what the next year holds. On Monday, I will begin my Radiation treatments (ten in all), and I will also start Chemo injections and Chemo pills. The regiment is a little overwhelming. I will take an IV for bone growth one time a month. The injections are two times a week for two weeks and then two weeks off. The pills are three weeks on and one week off. There are other pills to help with the pain and stamina. Right now, my head is swimming, wondering how I will keep up with all of this, but I know we will figure it out. I started by saying that I am a little nervous about the year. I don't know why I am worried. I know that there will be discomfort, but I also know that God is preparing blessings for me. Those blessings will always show up at just the right time. I love the faithfulness of God. I love the people of God that allow God to use them for blessing others. When I look back on 2022, my prayer is that the discomfort I will face is nothing compared to the fabulous presence and blessings God has there waiting for me. In Him J. Tom Washburn

Faithful through the test of Grace

Dear Family Have you ever considered the testing of grace? Over a month ago, I shared that my health was not as good as we would like. This past week my doctors informed me that I most definitely have Multiple Myeloma (Cancer) and that treatment needs to begin soon. I will be having Radiation and Chemo for what looks like most of 2022; however, the outlook is excellent. My goal is to stand before you and preach as often as my health permits. I began this letter with the phrase, the testing of grace. I truly believe God is good and faithful, even in our hurting. If God had not allowed me to suffer, I would have never gone to see my doctor. If I hadn’t had the blood test, I would have never had the CT scan that pointed the doctors to the markers of something more serious. Understanding the testing of grace is the understanding that God works, and He works for my good in all things. Yes, He can use pain to remind me of His presence and His provisions. I am so grateful for your prayers and your concern. Please don’t let your concern take you away from your opportunity to praise God for His mercy, His grace, and the Promise we all carry. In Him J. Tom Washburn

Update

This is just going to be a short update. I will have a biopsy of the places on my spine. The biopsy will take place on December 9th. Hopefully we will have some answers after that. As always I know God is watching over all of this and my prayer is that He will be glorified. In Him J. Tom Washburn