The December, 2005 - UPDATES - Page
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December 3, 2005 UPDATE – Onward toward the Disney Marathon
Jan and I finished the OUC half marathon today in downtown Orlando. It was great to see many friends who have been following the progress in my return and to see many runners sporting our "ONE BREATH FROM DEATH – LOOK WHAT GOD CAN DO" team singlets and spectators wearing the T-shirt version.
Newest members of "THE TEAM" - Dan and Lorraine Hardaway
As Jan and I continue our training toward the Disney Marathon on January 8th, we’ve been encouraged as our pace continues to improve so we can make the required cut off times at Disney. It’s been enlightening to be at the back of the pack in my return from being one breath from death. I never gave much thought to racing at the back of the pack in my many marathons and Ironman triathlons so it’s been quite informative. I’ve been able to see how important it is to those at the end of the race to be cheered for at the finish line, when many have already left the race site by the time they (we) finish! I am thankful that I am able to participate. Just a few months ago I was barely able to walk around the ICU area of University Hospital in Denver after being one breath from death on April 6, 2005. But I am also frustrated at what I consider my slow progress to getting to where I want to be. Jan and my good friend, Bruce Penn, continue to remind me that I should be grateful to be where I am. I try to be, but I also am driven to make even greater strides to improve as I thank God for allowing me to make the good progress as I have.
Bob and Dick Feibelman
(It's great to be training and racing with my doctor.)
As I train, race, and plan in the coming year, I know any progress will come from God’s gracious healing hand upon me so I’ll be dependent upon Him for help, yet I’ll be working as hard as possible.
I’m looking forward to joining my friend Lincoln Murdoch in The ICTN Triathlon / Endurance Sports Camp - Friday Morning – Sunday Noon, January 27-29, 2006 in Phoenix, AZ. (For information see www.powerbreak.org/tricamp.html) Lincoln has said the registration is been going really well but there is still room for more. There will be some top pros there along with a bunch of us also-rans who have been competing in triathlons for a number of years. There will be some great clinics, training, and motivation. If you know of an endurance athlete who is looking for an additional nudge to make the difference in the coming year, encourage them to check out the camp.
As I look forward to making a quick trip to Denver for a checkup at National Jewish Medical Center, I’m praying that Dr. Worthen and other medical personnel will be impressed even more at God’s work in my life. I’m also praying and ask you to pray for my cousin’s wife, Gisselle Russell, who will be heading to National Jewish Medical Center on December 12th for diagnosis and treatment of a severe respiratory problem for which her doctors have not been able to find answers.
Thank you for praying.
Godspeed,
Bob and Jan Brubaker
December 21, 2005 UPDATE – God Is Faithful
How can I describe all that God is doing in the healing process? Like Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations said, "GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS." God has been faithful in hearing and answering many prayers on my behalf and bringing a continual healing of the lung disease that has hit me.
Lamentations. 3:22-24 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.[24] I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
As I look back over 2005, I am thankful for the way God has led us, even though that included a stroll through the Valley of the Shadow of Death but like David said in that infamous Psalm 23, God was with me and overcame my fears.
Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Bob and Jan with Dr. Derek Linderman
As you may know or have read in previous updates, on April 6, 2005 I was one breath from death but God delivered me, first by moving in the life of Dr. Derek Linderman to poke my side and install a new chest tube then to have my lung biopsy given to Dr. Scott Worthen who diagnosed the root problem behind the psudeomonis bacteria infection that was killing me. In addition, I look back to Dr. Richard Feibelman and thank God for a doctor who cared enough about his patient to recommend I go to Denver to National Jewish Medical Center for treatment. I have since learned that many doctors are so protective of their territory that they care more about appearing to have all the answers than doing anything it takes to help their patients. Dr. Feibelman is a man of great integrity and compassion whose love for God permeates his patient care.
Having been one breath from death on April 6, 2005 to making great progress over the past eight months allowed me to run 20 miles with Jan and my friend Bruce Penn last Friday (12/16) and ride 50 miles with my friends Seth Proctor and Jim Bartlett on Saturday. I never thought when I sat in ICU last April that I would ever be able to work out again but God is faithful in answering prayer and helping me in my recovery. Therefore we are anxious to tell everyone about God’s gracious help and the hope my story brings to others to trust Him.
Jan and I left Sunday for Denver for another checkup at National Jewish Medical Center and we created a great deal of interest and inquiry with our "ONE BREATH FROM DEATH - LOOK WHAT GOD CAN DO" team shirts that we were wearing. If we had one inquiry we had a dozen which gave us opportunities to tell the story and to give our card with the web address so they can see for themselves. It was amazing how many people were noticing and reading the logo on the shirts and how many inquired what this was all about.
Bob
with Tina and Veronica, two very special people at the National Jewish
Medical Center.
Our time at National Jewish Medical Center was another great experience with testing on Monday and time with Dr. Worthen on Tuesday. Between tests, blood draws, X-rays, and CT Scans we were able to see people with whom we had made friendships and meet others who were finding NJMC for the first time. We even had an opportunity to have dinner with Dr. Derek Linderman who saved my life with the chest tube when I was literally one breath from death. It was great to get to know him and hear his passion for helping others. Thank God there are doctors so dedicated to spend over fourteen years of their lives in preparation so they will be able to care for others.
Dr. Scott Worthen and Bob are all smiles because of God's continual healing - making for Bob's continual progress.
Dr. Worthen was thankful for another good report from my various tests and said we could continue to decrease my medications as my body takes over in fighting the problems in my lungs. God has been so good in bringing the healing and as Dr. Worthen noted the extreme amounts of exercise I go through is very good in clearing my airways and in keeping them clear from additional problems.
Bob and Jan with "Miss Shirley" another one of the great nurses at National Jewish Medical Center
It was a good trip to Denver and everyone is anxious to hear how we do at the Disney Marathon on January 8, 2006. In just a few weeks we’ll celebrate at the finish line saying, "FROM ONE BREATH FROM DEATH TO RUNNING A MARATHON – LOOK WHAT GOD CAN DO" – And if He can do that for Bob – think of what He can do for you.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker