Greenville College

Professor Jack Chism Update

January 21, 2003
I'm back at work full-time, and feel better than I have in almost a year. As far as the doctors can tell, my cancer is gone. I have to get monthly blood tests to detect possible relapse, but that has only about a one-third chance of occurring. If it does, then I would have to get further, and more severe, treatment, with less optimistic prognosis than I had previously.

I'm grateful to the hundreds of people who have asked God to help me, and He has indeed done so, in both physical and non-physical ways. I also appreciate all the personal encouragement I've received from my friends in the college community, as well as from former students all over the world.

Susan and I look back on 2002 as an important year for us, and for our marriage and our family. Though it gave us many pleasures and satisfactions, we would probably not choose to repeat it.

Jack

November 21, 2002
Jack Chism is being readmitted to St. Luke's Hospital this morning. He woke up this morning with a high fever and vomiting. Presumably these are signs of another infection, so Susan took him in to have him admitted.

After the initial dose last May, Jack has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy - the first week of July, September, and November. The chemo kills cancers cells (which is good) but also kills white blood cells (which is bad). Because the white blood cells are killed, Jack has very low immunity to normal infections. They will hook Jack up to intravenous antibiotics, and, assuming there are no complications, Jack should be home in 5 - 7 days.

Jack is officially cancer free. The chemo has done what it was supposed to do, and they can find no indication of cancerous cells in him. Jack is in good spirits although he tires easily. He is finished with the chemotherapy treatments.

Except for this (hopefully temporary) setback, Jack is getting better every day. Barring any unforeseen complications, he will be fully ready to return to teaching by January 1. For several years Jack will continue to have blood work done on a regular basis to look for any sign of the return of the cancer. Unless and until they find something, Jack remains officially cancer free.

Please continue to pray for Jack during these coming days and weeks. I am sure he would appreciate a card (Jack Chism, 711 Eastern Avenue, Greenville).

September 16, 2002
Jack Chism returned home from the hospital last Wednesday but was readmitted to St. Luke's yesterday. He had developed a fever despite being on strong antibiotics. Jack is back in Room 7714 (one of the few rooms that has a special ventilation system) for an undetermined period and can receive visitors. He is "not discouraged" since his treatment for the leukemia is on track. His white blood cell count is "essentially zero" after the latest round of chemotherapy so it is safer for him to stay in a protected environment.

July 22, 2002
From Jack ... I'm back in the hospital because of an infection I got during my outpatient chemo follow-up. Doc says he'll keep me here for about 10 more very dull (I hope) days.

The infection identified itself by causing me to faint in my doctor's bathroom Friday morning. During my descent, my face hit some of the plumbing appliances and I now have facial bruises and an absolutely classic black eye.

But the chemotherapy continues as expected. Even the infection and illness was a strong likelihood, as was the resulting additional hospitalization. Share with my friends any of this that they may want to know.

July 1, 2002
A message from Jack Chism ... I want to thank so many of you who have sent cards, emails, even letters to encourage Susan and me during my illness. Thank you for praying for me. If you would like to know about my progress, read on.

During May, I received a course of chemotherapy with the goal of putting my leukemia into a state called "remission." This means that tests of my blood and bone marrow would detect no measurable presence of cancer cells, even though vestiges almost certainly would remain to cause relapse later. We got the hoped-for results, and I have spent the past 3 weeks exercising and eating to recuperate from the debilitation of chemo. All goes very well.

Because of some unusually favorable chromosomal abnormalities, the
doctors say that people like me respond extremely well to chemotherapy
in most cases. So they have put off any decision to do a stem-cell marrow transplant, in favor of a series of three more courses of chemo. We start this on July 10, and will initiate the second course about 8 or 9 weeks after that, and the third after a similar interval.

Then I plan to return to working full-time, and begin a waiting game to see if we have exterminated all the bugs. The longer I go without a relapse, (a) the less likely a relapse becomes, and (b) the better I would probably respond to a transplant effort if I do have a relapse. If I get to the 5-year point, the probability of a relapse will have dropped to 5%.

Facing my own mortality has proved clarifying, like the view from a tall gallows. God has granted us so much kindness in the forms of medical expertise, silent support, and loving family and friends. You helped me immeasurably to deal with the stresses by your many expressions of friendship and care. Thank you all so much!

June 1, 2002
After talking with the Chisms today, it appears likely that Jack will be allowed to return home late next week. He received a "favorable lab report" after completing chemotherapy, with the doctor reporting that Jack's daily chemical measurements are precisely on track so far. His bone marrow needs to "recover" after the chemo in order to build his resistance before being allowed to leave the hospital. The doctors must then determine whether Jack will need a bone marrow transplant or intense chemotherapy over the next several months. Jack's message to the community: "Give my thanks to everyone for their kind notes; they mean much more than I would have expected." Visitors are welcome if the stay is relatively brief.

May 16, 2002
Jack has had a very rough couple of days. However, I spoke with Jack this morning and, praise God, he is feeling better. Jack had been receiving two types of drugs to kill the cancer cells, but, in accordance with the plan, he is now receiving just one. He believes this may be the cause of his improvement.

Jack said he had not eaten since the weekend, but this morning he was able to eat some. Also, he had not been able to watch TV because he could not concentrate enough to follow the program. But last night he was able to watch some TV. This morning he has even been doing some reading! Jack also wanted a list of all of the Management Dept. graduates. He is going to write something up to have Susan read at our Management Dept. picnic on Saturday.

He said the last few days have been a blur, and he really does not remember much about them. That is probably good. He also said he has received baskets full of cards, but until today he has not felt well enough to look at them. Susan helped him with a sponge bath today. He said his hair is now clean again, but once it falls out he will just use a wire brush to clean his scalp!

This does not change the long term prognosis. But short term, it is certainly good that he is more comfortable.

Specific prayer requests: pray that the chemotherapy will kill all of the cancerous cells. Also, pray that an acceptable bone marrow donor is located. There is about a 50% chance that one of Jack's sisters is a match. If that is not the case, they will try to locate a match through a nationwide bone marrow data bank.

Thanks you for your prayers on behalf of Jack and his family.

May 15, 2002
Word this morning is that Jack is very groggy. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing if he didn't remember much of this week!

The doctor is gracious and helpful. He is noncommittal about the future, but has assured Susan that some patients survive this form of leukemia. He treats only this disease. He says the numbers are on target - not too high and not too low for this stage of the treatment. He has finished the multiple doses of medicine and is now down to one.

Jack's phone is turned off. No flowers are permitted. Visits are not encouraged.

Let's keep praying and trusting God to bring Jack through this. He may have much more for Jack to do in the future.

May 12, 2002
After church today I called St. Luke's Hospital to get an update on Jack Chism's treatment for his recently diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia. After conversations with both Susan and Jack, I wanted to provide you with the latest information and urge your serious prayer support.

Jack is in his second day of chemotherapy, which is being administered continuously through a catheter in his chest. For the first three days, he is receiving two kinds of chemotherapy, which will be reduced to one kind for five additional days. Jack expects to be in the hospital for about a month, allowing time for his body to rebuild its immunity after the initial chemotherapy period.

The treatments are having an immediate impact on reducing Jack's energy (the "down cycle" of his therapy). This afternoon he expects to be moved to a special "overpressure" room that has extra airflow to reduce the risk of infection.

The doctors have determined that Jack will need a bone marrow transplant once the initial month involving chemotherapy has been concluded and when a donor has been found. The best prospects for a donor are Jack's two sisters. Susan reported that apparently even children are not more likely donor prospects than individuals in the general population.

The next two weeks will be a difficult, low-energy time in the cycle of chemotherapy. The number of visitors should probably be minimal, with visits short. Please keep Jack's recovery in prayer and take a few minutes to send him a note or card. Thank you.

May 10, 2002
Several of you have inquired about my health. I don't like for my difficulties to remain the center of attention; but at the same time I don't like appearing "shrouded in mystery." Here's what I can tell you right now.

This morning I had confirmed a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia. It's nasty, and I have to start chemotherapy today. I'll be in St. Luke's Hospital, on Wood Mill Road in Chesterfield, MO, for the next 3-4 weeks. I'm leaving quickly, so my pals in the Management department are helping to finish things up, with the guidance of my faithful assistant, Lindsay Row.

I appreciate all the encouragement I've already had from many of you, and I want you to continue to pray for me and Susan.

Jack Chism

Last updated: November 21, 2002