September 18, 2023
Dear Friends –
My hair has always been thick and substantial, and I have found it was harder than I anticipated to watch it steadily falling out as a result of the chemotherapy. So I decided I didn’t want to dawdle over it: if this chemo is going to make all my hair fall out, I could at least select when it’s going to happen. I don’t have any control over most of this journey, but I could have a little bit of control over when the hair would all be gone. I decided today is the day.
So I’m just back from the barbershop and I’ve been looking at this picture for the last fifteen minutes. It looks strange. Still, it’s already not quite as strange as I thought when the barber turned me around so I could see the results in the mirror. I think I’ll get used to it. But it’s early times right now. I expect I’ll get caught off guard now and then over the next few weeks, every time I walk past a mirror. Meh. It’s just hair.
Round 5 of chemotherapy started last week, September 14. If we stay on schedule, Round 6 will begin in ten days, on the 28th. We’re looking at twelve rounds in all, which should finish up just before Christmas, provided there are no more delays due to poor blood numbers. But it’s likely that there will be a delay or two, so probably this course of treatment will actually get done in January.
The side effects continue to be relatively mild. My stamina is low; I’m tired most of the time. But we’re working hard in Physical Therapy to maintain strength, maybe even to build some. The hiccups showed up on schedule, starting on day 2, gone by day 3. The most annoying one is the cold sensitivity in my fingers, lips, tongue, and throat. It makes it painful to take a glass jar out of the refrigerator, and very difficult to hold an ice cream sandwich and eat it. You might think that would make me give up ice cream sandwiches, but it hasn’t yet. I do have to eat them very carefully, but somehow I manage.
I am so grateful for all the various notes and cards that you have sent my way. There is a special warmth in my heart every time one comes in. And even more I am thankful for your prayers, which have given me strength I would not have on my own.
Hold us close, Jesus, now and always –
james-ayers.com 
14 responses to “Prayer Letter #6”
Love you Jay and family!
You are a vital part of my life and have been a champion for me and so many young pastors! May healing and hope be yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dearest Jay.
You hold a very dear spot in my heart and my families. I think of your time in Kingman with mom more and more as I get older! Wishing you well and praying for you.
Leann Meisenheimer Osner
LikeLike
Thank you Leann! I remember my Kingman days fondly. And your mother was such a strength and support: I’m so glad to have had her as a friend. Tell your dad Hi for me!
LikeLike
I hadn’t known you were ill — I’m sorry! I think you’d look smashing in a Scottish tweed cap as the weather gets colder. And washable mittens so you can still enjoy ice cream cones. And more living thoughts than you know what to do with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know you were ill — I’m so sorry! BTW, I think you could rock the new bald look with a nice Scottish tweed cap. Sensible for Autumn, too. Keep feeding your hope, being kind to yourself, and know that you’re awash with the loving thoughts of thousands.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kristine!
LikeLike
My dear Pastor Jay, you are a man of God. Remember He is with you every step of the way. You are loved by many and supported in prayer by many more. We love you and pray that God will lift you up through every difficult moment. We love you and miss you. Praying for you and Micaela.
LikeLike
Very grateful for all the prayers from MMI folks, and hoping that we’ll be able to join in on a project again someday …
LikeLike
I think of you often. You are on the Wellington church prayer list so we prayed for you this morning. I’m still working on seeing you in your picture, but I’m getting there. Grace and peace as you journey through this.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Mary Ellen! Glad to have the church praying for me.
LikeLike
Good morning Jay. You and I bicycled together from Frankfort to Versailles 20+ years ago. You are on my daily prayer list. Peace be with you. regards Roland
LikeLike
Thanks for your prayers, Roland! I remember that bike ride. But my best memory of you is when you were playing the harpsichord on a Sunday morning …
LikeLike
I remember many years ago when I asked you to say a prayer for my dog, and you didn’t laugh or mock me, but just agreed to pray on her behalf. That meant more to me than I could ever express.
I shall continue to pray for you in the hope that you can be free of pain, free of fear, and always know there are many here on Earth and in Heaven above praying for you.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Janice, for sharing this memory. I think some small part of the joy of heaven will be the reunion with all the dogs we have ever loved.
LikeLike