Welcome to bryanwithay.us Offering Encouragement To Cancer & Arthritis Patients
My Cancer Story
MY EXPERIENCE
My name is Bryan Gates.
You can call me Bryan with a Y.
I was diagnosed in January of 2017 with stage 3 cancer, a tumor in my stomach. On June 6th I had my stomach removed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. After experiencing a bit of cold sensitivity in my fingers and toes from chemo therapy I realized that using a warm rice bag really helps. My wife Julie agreed to make some rice bags so that we could give back a bit to other patients. Just put the bag in the microwave for 1 minute and see how warm it gets. You can experiment with more microwave time until you get it just right. You can also put them in the freezer for a cold pack. And a huge shout out to Dr. Jenigiri and his entire staff. I have been subjected to the most effective kindnesses at PCI in Cedar Rapids and deeply appreciate it. We are making these rice bag hand warmers available free of charge to PCI, and also to the “I Know Jack” Foundation.
If you would like a free rice bag, let me know.
MY DIAGNOSIS & REACTION
When my wife and I received this diagnosis, something happened. Besides the shock of such bad news there was a pleasant surprise. It's like when the power goes out and after a few seconds the backup generator kicks in. In that moment, all of the theology I had packed away through the years came immediately knocking at my door, offering help in the time of need. I had instant assurance that I was in the hands of a loving heavenly Father based on all of the New Testament Bible promises that flooded into my mind. To be very clear, this confidence is to be accounted only to the Lord Jesus alone. The validity of this assurance is to be credited to the resurrection of Jesus proving his victory over sin and death. If I die in my 60's or survive this cancer for a few more years, I am confident of His timing and plan. Do you have assurance of a future in His hands? We are all going to die. I am thankful today that the promises of God provide a view of the future after that death. I have a home in my future where the Lord Jesus is in charge of providing a living and loving eternal relationship with the God who loves us. Don't let anything get in your way of this future. Believe in the Lord Jesus and allow Him to build your assurance.
MY TREATMENT - Here are just 4 of the great people at PCI. Wendy, Amy-7, (there are LOTS of Amys), Krystal (we have the same May 29th birthday!) and Michelle.
In January of 2017 I received two bits of news. They found a stage 3 cancer and my hemoglobin was very low at 5.0 ! Chemotherapy was started right away with six treatments on two week intervals. I also received 8 blood transfusions over the next 5 months. Then, on June 6th, I had surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and had my stomach removed. The last six chemo treatments were completed in mid November. I experienced no hair loss or nausea, only fatigue and cold sensitivity in my hands and feet. Things are getting back to normal with very good health and participation in all of my normal activities. TONS of people all over the world were praying for me and we very much appreciate all of the support we have received.