An Update on Jim and some thoughts…

Monday was our first follow-up visit with both the radiation and chemotherapy teams since Jim completed his treatments on May 28th. Basically, the visit was to determine the extent of healing that has taken place in Jim’s mouth as well as his ability to eat since he’s still using a feeding tube for all nourishment. Jim has lost a total of 44 pounds since the beginning of this second go around with cancer.
We are considering another type of therapy in the interim between the last treatment Jim had, and the scans that are scheduled two to three months up the road. However, we are still gathering information and haven’t made a decision about that yet. Additionally, we’ve also been looking into implementing alternative and homeopathic protocols in order to strengthen Jim’s immune system. This is an area that is fairly new to us so we are trying to learn as much as possible and implement what we can as soon as possible. He is still very weak, extremely tired, and he’s not himself — but he’s still “Kelly Tough,” focused on God and the goal line, and victory. He always has and always will persevere and fight the good fight.
Most importantly, he is healing.
It’s a tough time for us, but we are encouraged and hopeful. We’re not grasping at straws, but instead resting in the reality that God is presiding over our destiny, He didn’t fall off the throne in shock and surprise at Jim’s diagnosis, and He hasn’t changed, meaning He still has a perfect plan in the midst of all this.
That being said, it’s…
One day at a time.
One prayer at a time.
All in God’s timing…
And so we wait.
Wait for test and scan results.
Wait to find out if the treatments worked.
Wait to heal.
Wait…
ON GOD…
But…
I’m sitting here sharing this update and standing on His promises…But to be honest with you I’m just really sad. Sad that Jim has to go through this. Sad because my girls are sad and they don’t know exactly what to do with their tears. And I feel like most of the time I don’t know how to help them because I’m dealing with my own sorrow.
Honestly, the thing that makes all of this even harder is the fact that I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is who He says He is. I know that we are not waiting on a result or scan or anything or anyone else for that matter — we’re waiting on God.
I also know that He already KNOWS the outcome — and that that should be enough for me. And I guess that’s what makes this all so hard and yet so comforting.
My hope in the God who holds the universe and my heart and our lives in His hand is the same God that is big enough for moments like this.
Moments when I’m confused and sad.
Moments when I feel like He’s not moving and healing even though He absolutely is.
Moments when I’m trying so hard to hang on to faith when all I really need to do is let go — and let God.
This is where I am right now. These are the things I’m wrestling with. And even in this, God is greater…
Greater than cancer.
Greater than the outcome.
Greater than this life and the life to come.
Greater than my heart and hopes and dreams.
He’s greater still.
And because of this, I can say like the Psalmist, with complete conviction — whether I feel like it or not, “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, ‘The Lord is great!’” (Psalm 70:4)
your writings are so beautiful and it has to be healing therapy to write your thoughts and feelings down. you’re a strong woman and jim and your girls are very lucky to have you. you are all in my prayers.
I pray that His comfort, love, and hope sustains you and your family. You are all so loved by God I hope you all can rest in that.
I love you my friend & will continue to pray for your family…for strength, peace, healing and the ability to surrender. Even though I haven’t gone through exactly the same things you are all going through, I can relate to the struggle between having faith and testing in Gods plan and our “desired outcome”. It’s certainly not an easy struggle. But the Kelly family knows how to do it with grace…that’s for sure. The Favata’s are pulling for you!! xo
Praying for all of you! Please look into homeopathic and alternative medicines. Look up a website by Tamara St. John who healed her cancer. Also consider juicing with organic greens and vegetables to heal his immune system! Praying!!!!!!
Denise Mathewson
Jill,you inspire ME. I an a cacer survivor sice 11/23. I had esophagus cacer a still am unablteto eat normal food. Im a longtime fan,live in Rochester ny.Iwill continue to pray for Jim and ur family.I am a recoving alcoholic and live odat.
It’s hard for me to read your posts without feeling God’s presence in your writing. Your faith will get you through this like nothing else. I’m sad for you and with you. It’s hard for me to see pictures of a weak Jim Kelly; it must be hard for you and your girls to live it. My prayers to Jim, as you all as well.
So glad that you KNOW that God knows what you need, before you need it, strengthens you with strength for each day, that His Spirit within you prays for you even when you can’t, and that Jesus is constantly at His knee interceding for you, Jim and the girls. Our prayers are with you too. Jim was our hero as QB; now he is an even greater hero as a faithful follower of Jesus. God’s peace and blessings to you.
Prayers coming your way for your whole family. Your writings are so beautiful!
Love love love
Love this
Love you
Love the permission to be sad because life can be so stinkin hard
Love that this hurt points to the need of a Savior
As I was reading I thought how all the question marks and living “one prayer at a time” feels so much like Krabbe. Hunter’s Krabbe brought you to the Son so that you can rest in the FATHER with his daddy’s cancer.
Wow. Jesus’ love for you. It’s stunning.
Praying, believing, hurting, hoping right alongside you.
I’m painting Psalm 91 around the border of Karis’ room right now. I’ll be praying it for Jim, too.
Jill, Your heart speaks for you. The words just roll off your tongue and bring
such wisdom that any believer would say, AMEN. I know when the Holy spirit speaks through me that I am amazed at what I have spoken and am ministered to by my own words. Thanks for sharing your heart as we continue to pray for you and your family
Thank you so much for the update. I can’t imagine the struggle your family has gone through. I feel so helpless at times just wishing there was more I could do for Jim as well as for you and the girls.
I know you have seen first hand how the world has embraced Jim’s “Kelly Tough” attitude but I hope that you know how many people admire the strength and maturity that you, Erin and Camryn have displayed through all of this. Erin amazes me every time I see her interviews at how mature she is for her young age and the strength and courage that she is facing this with. I know the same is true for you and Camryn.
I found myself getting very sad at times through this but also angry at what Jim has had to go through. Angry that cancer can come in and do this and there’s nothing he can do but go through the treatments and wait, all the while hoping and praying.
I understand the frustration with trying to figure out God’s plan, but I’m glad that placing your faith in God has brought you some comfort. It’s helped me a lot because there’s no higher power than God and he knows what good and dedicated servant Jim is.
Sorry to make this so long. Your family has my continued prayers.
God bless you all and give you the strength and faith to see you thru this difficult time. I lostmy hhusband to pancpancreatic cancer and it was only the Grace of God that got me through it and is still with me every day. Just continue to lean on the Lord.
Jill, thank you for the updates and please know that I continue to keep Jim, you and you family in my prayers.
I can always trust that you will share what is real! And this life is not always easy. I understand! And just as you have helped me over the years I trust God to surround you with those who will be Aaron FOR you… Those who will hold up your arms to the Father and be His embrace for you. We love and pray for you all!!
Funny, I used to be a huge fan, and I find myself now saying I am a huge prayer friend. I have been challenged lately by the attribute of God describing his ever present presence. His great power, his ability to be and do and see everything…1 Chron. 29:11-13.