Jeff's Unexpected Journey
Update January 29, 2017
Don’t send money! Jeff and Shari are both working.
Hi – Jeff and Shari Bentley writing: This is just an update because many people have been asking about Jeff’s progress! Jeff completed 6 rounds of treatment in August, 2016 with a partial remission.
A follow up scan in October, 2016 showed that one lymph node deep in the belly was still showing up cancerous, and had increased in activity, which no one was happy about. The doctors needed to know if the remaining enlarged lymph node was indolent or aggressive. A biopsy was attempted, but after 45 minutes and two incision sites, the biopsy was aborted as the doctor could not safely get to the node without puncturing Jeff’s bowel. We had to wait.
In December, 2016, Jeff had another PET scan to see if the lymph node activity continued to grow. If it grew, He would need a rescue transplant. While Jeff was having the scan done, I was reading in Daniel chapter 2. As I read it, I pictured God seeing the deeply hidden lymph node, hidden behind Jeff’s bowel, where no doctor could get to it, but God knows what lies in darkness. Light dwells with Him. . . the lymph node lights up, that’s how they can tell where it is on the PET scan.
Daniel 2:19-23
Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
Praise God!! The Lymph node size stayed the same, but the SUV activity went down from 11.1 to 7.03. This means that this particular node is not aggressive transformed but slow growing, lo grade lymphoma. The oncologist said the longer we can keep the transformed cells from coming back, the better chance they won’t return.
They can’t get rid of indolent, slow growing, lymphoma, which we already knew, but we are very happy that the remaining node was not aggressive.
Jeff has been on a mostly raw plant based diet since August, 2016 and I am impressed with his self control. He juices carrots every morning, I make vegetable smoothies (salad in a blender) and try to make creative healthy meals each day. He is able to work 4-5 days a week. He is very tired, but doesn’t give up.
We are both in our busy season at work and are trying to find time to enjoy this life God has given us. Jeff said to a friend, “I looked death in the face.” Life has a whole new perspective and we are grateful.
Thank-you for your prayers and for the way you helped us financially during 7 months of being out of work. We will write another update in April, 2017 when we get results of Jeff’s latest tests.
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Update! After completing chemo, Jeff has started back to work part time today, October 10, 2016 so Jeff and Shari do not want to continue to ask for help since a paycheck will be coming in. Shari also just returned to her job at the packinghouse for the season.
We will leave gofundme open so you can see updates, as Jeff and Shari do not do FACEBOOK!
Jeff completed chemotherapy in August, 2016, but only achieved a partial remission. His disease was significant. There is one lymph node deep in the belly that has continued to grow in activity on the last 2 PET scans. He may need more chemotherapy and possibly a transplant in the future.
In the meantime, Jeff and Shari are enjoying life without chemo. They were able to visit a corn maze at a local farm while at Jeff's last PET scan. Jeff is happy that his mustache has returned and his hair is starting to grow. He still wears a hat to keep him warm until his hair is back. They have been able to hold their 3 month old grand daughter, Arlyn.
Jeff and Shari want to say "Thank-you for blessing us as we went through a difficult 6 months. The Lord sustained us and used your prayers and financial help to encourage us and meet our needs during dark moments. We love you." Jeff and Shari
Jeff's Story: In March, 2016, our friend, Jeff Bentley went to the doctor because of a hard lump in his abdoman and was diagnosed with 2 kinds of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, indolent - slow growing, and transformed - aggresive. We are trying to raise money to help with his medical expenses, lost wages, and to ease the burden that his family is going through. He began treatments in April but the doctors expect him to be out of work for several more months. Jeff is completed chemotherapy 24 hours a day for 5 days, every 21 days for 6 treatments. He has had all of the typical responses – nausea, weakness, sweats, headaches, and more, but the tumors have shrunk significantly!
Jeff is missing his role as the head usher at Westside Church. He was not allowed to be in big crowds since he was immune compromised, so he was limited to being around small groups of people who did not have colds, viruses or recent immunizations. He has served for years teaching kids at Team Kids at church on Wednesday nights and for years Jeff has been a deacon to widows and has been in charge of the men serving meals at church events. He even served and helped clean up for a Ladies’ Tea at church just two days before he left for Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago to begin his treatment. Those who know Jeff know he is the kind of guy that is all about helping others.
Jeff and Shari are getting through this with your prayers and God’s help! They have two children and were blessed to see their first grandchild, born to Bo and Ngoih in June. This beautiful baby girl has added Joy to a sobering season.
Many people have been saying “Tell me what I can do to help.” The way Jeff is, he would never ask for anything. We know if we needed help there would be no questions asked, he would be there. This is hard for Jeff & Shari. On behalf of Jeff’s family, thank you for helping them and please pray that God would give him strength to endure the journey ahead.
Jeff’s life verse is found in Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.