GARY SHANSKY HEALTH UPDATE

This page has been created to post updates on Gary Shansky's condition and treatments for the purpose of prayer support.

If you would like to receive updates as they occur via email, please sign up for BRITmail (on the left).

OCTOBER 18, 2007
Gary had scans done on Friday, October 12th, a few days earlier than expected. He had a CAT scan and the results showed that nothing has spread to his brain.

The scans for his lungs and abdomen showed that the tumors had grown in his lungs, liver, abdomen and right kidney. Gary has begun a new and different chemotherapy treatment today.

Please be in fervent prayer for the whole Shansky family as they process these results and prepare for the Lord's healing in Gary's body.

OCTOBER 11, 2007
Gary's doctor decided not to have him undergo the final chemo treatment on Wednesday October 10th as previously planned.  Instead, he has decided to move the scans for cancer cell detection,  tumor evaluation and an additional brain scan up from November to this Monday, October 15th.

Please join with us in fervent prayer this weekend for Gary and the whole Shansky family as they prepare these tests and the results.

OCTOBER 9, 2007
Gary had his last radiation treatment in the early part of September and will be having his last chemo treatment on Wednesday October 10th.  After that, the doctor wants to wait approximately one month and then he will do the scan to determine how things are. Please continue to pray for Gary for strength and that the outcome of the test would show that Gary is cancer free.

JULY 27, 2007
Gary's most recent blood work revealed that his white blood cell count is up, but the red count is still very low, so he was given another shot to help built up the counts. He's feeling much better today.

Gary has been prepped to begin radiation treatment this Tuesday. He will go daily (5 days a week) for 6 weeks for this very concentrated ray which will be targeted on his lung spot. On Wednesday Gary will go for his next chemo treatment and the doctor will be adding an additional drug to his regiment.

Please pray for his blood count to go up so he doesn't need a transfusion, for minimal side effects from the radiation, and success from all the treatments.

JULY 20, 2007
Gary's last scan revealed that overall the cancer has grown, but the greatest concern is for the spot that is around the pulmonary artery in his lung. Consequently, his doctor changed him over to a different kind of chemotherapy. In this one, he gets it by IV every 3 weeks, then takes a daily pill.
His most recent blood work revealed that his white & red blood count was the lowest it has been, so his immune system is quite low. He did receive a shot to bring the counts up, and will get new blood tests next week to see how successful it was. He may require a blood transfusion if it doesn't bring up the count.

He will have his next scan in August, and depending on the results the next step may include radiation. Please pray specifically for the tumor in his lung to shrink and for his white & red blood counts to rise.

JULY 6, 2007
Gary was released from the hospital on Wednesday after dealing with a blood clot in his lung. On Thursday he had his next round of chemotherapy. He has been very weak and having a hard time breathing, yet is doing better and glad to be home.
On Thursday night (7/5/07), he was reinstated as Congregational Leader of B'rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue, where, apart from the last 10 months, he has served for 18 years.

Please continue to keep Gary and his family in prayer. Thank you!

JUNE 27, 2007
After learning that Gary has a blood clot in his lung, the doctors successfully performed a procedure where they put a filter in his stomach as a preventative measure. He is still in ICU at Methodist Germantown, waiting for a room, and is still expected to be there a few more days.

He is experiencing some pain due to the blood clots in his leg and arm, but he is in good spirits. He did have a fever this morning but it has gone down. His father and some other family members from up north are coming into town today to visit him.

Please continue to pray for Gary and his family. Pray for the clots to disolve quickly. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, and pray for peace, mercy, grace and strength for Gary and his family. Thank you.

JUNE 24, 2007
This past week has been more difficult for Gary, and on Saturday night he went to the Emergency Room due to a very high fever and difficulty breathing. After being examined it was discovered that he has a blood clot in his lung. He is currently in the ICU at Methodist Germantown where he is expected to be the next few days.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

JUNE 13, 2007
Gary received a mixed report following his recent tests. Fortunately, there has been no new growth in most of the affected areas, and Gary's leg is doing much better. However, the spots in his lung and kidney have grown some.

Given that he has been off chemo for 2 months now, it isn't too surprising that they have grown, but the concern is the location of the spot in the lung, which is around the pulmonary artery. This artery carries blood flow to the lung, so it is important to target our prayers for this most critical spot.

Gary has changed doctors, and has started a new chemo treatment today. Please continue to lift up Gary and the Shansky family in your prayers.

MAY 29, 2007
Here's Gary's report in his own words...

Dear Friends,

Here is the latest on my health. At the end of April, I had an MRI and CT scan. The MRI continued to show that the spot in my brain was continuing to dissolve and this was great news. The CT scan showed that the lung tumor which had decreased by 30 to 50% previously had shrunk another 10%. Again, PRAISE HIS NAME. The spots around my spleen, liver and abdomen were unchanged, but didn’t show any new growth; though I would have liked to have heard a much better report, this certainly was a good report and one to continue to give praise to God for. Due to the clot in my leg and the consistent pain, Chris and I traveled to Redding, CA to Bethel Church to sit under the ministry there and to receive prayer for healing. Though all in all it was a great experience, and I received much prayer, the manifestation of the healing was not seen while we were there. We returned to San Franscisco for a few days of vacation before flying back to Memphis and there my leg pain worsened. It was of such a nature that we went to the ER and I was admitted to the hospital for 6 days while they tried to get the pain under control. The pain was minimized some and I was finally discharged and ok to fly home. We flew back to Memphis and saw my oncologist the next day. Because of the level of pain, he referred me to a pain management dr. who is presently treating the pain. I am making some progress. I’ve also been off of chemo since April 11 and the doctor wanted me to give my body a break and let my white count improve and liver recover from the chemo. I’m in a period of transition and have changed oncologist since I’ve returned from CA. My next appt. is June 7 and will then discuss the next steps of treatment.

As you have all been so kind, would you please continue to pray in the following areas for me:

1. Pray for wisdom for Dr. Tauer, my new oncologist.
2. That I would be able to have a repeat CT scan that would show significant improvement since receiving prayer at Bethel Church.
3. That God would supernaturally would heal and dissolve these clots in both calves of my legs.
4. That God would grant us the grace and strength to face the challenges of each new day He so graciously gives me. Sometimes my hope and will grow weak and I need that supernatural strength from Him.

Thanks for your continued unified prayers. They mean everything to me and my family.

Shalom, Gary Shansky

MAY 17, 2007
After being released from the hospital in San Fransisco, Gary & Chris have returned home safely. The swelling in Gary's leg is way down, but he is still in severe pain. He did see a pain doctor today, who changed his medication, and plans to see his doctor again next week. Please pray specifically for pain relief.

MAY 15, 2007
After being admitted to a San Francisco hospital late last week, Gary's condition has improved somewhat. Saturday he saw a vascular specialist, then he was taken off morphine and put on something else. By Sunday his pain level was down from about an 8 to a 6.5, and he could move his right toe some. The doctor has wrapped his leg, and he is being discharged late this afternoon. Gary & Chris are expecting to fly home tomorrow (on Wednesday). They would appreciate your continued prayers.

MAY 11, 2007
Gary & Chris, after going to a ministry conference in California this week, traveled to San Fransisco, where Gary began to have severe pain in his right leg.

After enduring it for some time, they decided to go to a local emergency room. Gary has now been admitted to the hospital where they have him on antibiotics and morphine and are trying to determine the cause of the pain. Some of the redness has decreased, but there is swelling around his ankle.

Please pray for relief from the pain, for reduction of swelling, clearing up of the blood clots in his leg, for doctors' wisdom, for wisdom regarding their travel arrangements, for favor with the airlines, and for rest & strength for Chris.

APRIL 24, 2007
Here's Gary's request in his own words...

Dear Friends,

Thank you once again for your continued prayers and support during this difficult period of our lives. Since my last chemo on April11th I've had a more difficult time. Last week I developed severe pain in my left side which turned out to be an infection in my lower left lobe of my lung. It was quite painful and with the pain killers I was on, I was quite out of it. most of this has now passed, thank God! In addition, I've developed another blood clot in both of my legs. Please continue to pray that these would dissolve, because it is quite difficult for me to walk.

Most importantly though, this Friday, the 27th, I go back for an MRI of my brain and a Ct scan of my upper body. Please pray that God will continue to eradicate the cancer that I have had and He will kill off the DNA of any mutated cells that may still be existing. Please pray for the restoration and continued multiplying of good healthy cells and the strengthening of my immune system.

We will see the doctor on Monday, April 30 at 11:00 and we are trusting and hoping that we will receive a great report. As God continues to bless us and all goes well, the doctor will stop chemo on that day After that, I will just need to go about every six weeks for an MRI and Ct scan to make sure everything remains well. I will keep you posted on what I learn on April 30th. Again, I can't thank God enough for His grace, His healing and His compassion. I also can't thank Him enough for your friendship, love and steadfast prayers.
Gary

APRIL 11, 2007
Here's Gary's request in his own words...

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to update you since my last visit to the Dr. on March 21st. I’m not sure if you heard about the results of the test I received on that day when I had an MRI and a Cat scan. The Dr. came in and told us, his words, “ the results were very good, they were golden.”. He told us that all the spots, the one on the spleen, the liver, above the kidney, lymph nodes and the tumor in the lung had all shrunk by 30-50%. Also there were no new spots. The spot on my brain from the gamma knife procedure showed only scar tissue, so it was successful.

What can I say but God is great and He is answering all of your prayers. I am so thankful to Him for this report and am so thankful to Him for each and everyone of you who is standing with us at this time. I have never known such love before and am overwhelmed by your support and prayers.

Well 3 weeks have almost passed and I go back this Wed., the 11th for another chemo treatment. Please continue to pray that God use this treatment to continue to eradicate, shrink and destroy the DNA of any cancers cells, spots and tumor within my body. After that treatment I’ll wait 3 weeks again which will be early May and then the Dr. will do another Cat scan and MRI on me. I’m trusting the Lord at that time the report will be amazing and astonishing that there is no more evidence of cancer in my body. May His name be glorified through all of this.

In early May the Dr. is planning on stopping chemo as well to give my body a rest. I hope he’ll be stopping it because I won’t need it again. Because of your prayers and God’s faithfulness I continue to have mild side effects. The most difficult thing this time around is I’m having blood clots in my legs. They’ve got me on blood thinners and though it’s helping this hasn’t completely resolved. Would you please pray that these clots would fully dissolve? Also please continue to pray that the chemo on the 11th wouldn’t have any significant side effects on my body as has been true thus far. My hair is even starting to grow back, very slowly, but it’s coming.

I again can’t thank you enough nor can I find just the right words to thank each and everyone of you for standing with me and my family at this time. May He richly bless you and your families and your congregants, as you continue to remember us in these days. One of the texts I’ve been holding onto in these days is from Psalm 91, verses 14-16...

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”

May it be so. Amen.

With deepest appreciation,
Gary Shansky

MARCH 22, 2007
Gary had his third chemotherapy treatment Wednesday (3/21) and also had a CAT scan and MRI.

The doctors gave wonderful news that none of the cancer has spread, and it has actually shrunk by 30-50%! Again, that's NO NEW GROWTH, and 30- 50% reduction. We also praise God that Gary is currently not having the abdominal pain or headaches that were mentioned the week before.

The doctors did discover a 6 inch long blood clot in Gary's right leg, but say that it won't interfere with the chemo. He is getting a shot each day for 5 days, then will be on some medication for several months to get rid of it. He will go back for another chemo treatment in 3 weeks, then repeat yesterday's tests again in 6 weeks.

Please continue to lift up this situation before the Lord in prayer. Thank you!

MARCH 15, 2007
Here's Gary's request in his own words...

Dear Brit Family and Friends,

Once again thank you very, very much for your continued prayers for me and my family. I thought I’d get an email out to you earlier this time since my next treatment is a week from today, March 21st. My last one was on Feb. 28th and once again, by His grace, I’ve had minimal side effects. The worse things continue to be sleeplessness and a serious irritation on my head, something like poison ivy that has hurt and been very itchy. Presently it is subsiding. My overall faith and attitude has been good, thank God, but I definitely have my times. My family seems as well to be doing alright. My wife is just tremendous. Please keep her(Chris) in your prayers. The following are just a few matters to keep in mind in addition to what I’ve mentioned in the past.

1st- on the 21st before I receive chemo I’ll have an MRI of my brain and a CT scan of my body. As all of you are praying with me I’m truly trusting Our God for a wonderfully, encouraging report. Nothing is to difficult for Him and He rules, not cancer. Once again I’m trusting like so many that were touched by Messiah when He walked on the earth, I’ll be healed and we all will be astonished.

2nd- I’m having some pain in my abdomen and of course it causes me to wonder. Please pray it is nothing.

3rd- Chris and I are still seeking the Lord to know which complimentary treatment we should follow. With God’s wisdom, discernment, grace and that gift of hearing His voice I strongly believe He has just the right path for us to go in this area.

4th- We are facing some significant decisions in our lives and we need His guidance more than ever.

5th- Please pray He will use this whole situation for His glory, to bless many and to continue to bring me and my family into a more intimate relationship with Him.

6th- Please continue to pray God’s richest blessings on Congregation Brit Hadasha.

Thank you all again for your concern and heart toward us. I know it’s your prayers and support that are seeing us thru this. Thank you for being the Body of Messiah to us in such a wonderful way. Don’t hesitate to write me back with ways I can be praying for you. It would be my joy. Again my email is gfs50 "at" bellsouth.net. Because of folks like you, I am a very blessed and rich man. I’ll keep you updated in the future.

With much gratitude,

Gary Shansky

FEBRUARY 27, 2007
Here's Gary's request in his own words...

Dear Brit Family and Friends,

I’ll be going for my second chemo treatment on Wed., Feb. 28th. Once again I’d greatly appreciate your prayers. Thanks to you and many others praying I had little negative reaction to the first treatment. I get tired more easily and just last week my hair fell out so now I look like a hard boiled egg with glasses. It’s going to take some getting use to. Please pray as I go on Wed. That I once again will tolerate the chemo overall. That the chemo will go right to the sources of the cancer and under the leading of the Holy Spirit, obliterate all those cancer cells. Pray that no new cancer could develop but their dna will be destroyed. Pray that the good cells grow healthier and stronger. Pray that God will contain this cancer and like a guided laser by His power destroy it. Pray that my immune system will stay strong. Pray for peace and strength for my wife and children. Pray for continued wisdom for the doctor.

I believe at the time of the 3rd treatment in mid March they’ll do another scan. May we altogether be able to rejoice and ask God for an amazing report that there is no new cancer, that which had spread is gone and the tumor in my lung is gone or has shrunk significantly. May the doctors report that this just doesn’t happen with 4th stage lung cancer, especially after 3 treatments. In essence let’s pray for a miracle.

Thanks so much again to all of you that are praying for me and my family. There is no way I’d be where I’m at without your prayers. I value our friendships greatly and am most appreciative.

Trusting Yeshua in the storm,

Gary F. Shansky

FEBRUARY 14, 2007
It has now been a week since Gary's first round of chemotherapy, and there has been no significant side effects. The doctor told him that the first 5 days would be the worst, but praise the Lord, he is feeling fine enough that he was able to return to work yesterday (2/13). Please continue to pray for Gary's healing, that he can do what needs to be done to strengthen his immune system, and that they have wisdom in all their decisions. They are seeking out a nutritionist and are considering getting a second opinion. Thank you for your prayers.

FEBRUARY 8, 2007
Gary had his first round of chemotherapy (taken intraveneously) yesterday on 2/7, and apart from being tired and having a raspy voice feels fine. He was told that the first 5 days would be the worse, but his system seems to have handled the chemo with no problems. So far, there's no significant side effects.

Please pray that :

1. the chemotherapy will be effective at killing the cancer
2. Gary's immune system will stay strong
3. The side effects will be minimal

He will return for his next treatment on Feb. 28th, and will have another PET scan and MRI in 6 weeks.

FEBRUARY 6, 2007
Gary had the Gamma-knife procedure on his brain done Monday. It went without any problems, and the doctor said he believes it was a success. Thank you for your prayers (see last update) as he was within millimeters of not being able to have the procedure done due to the spot's location. Gary will begin chemotherapy tomorrow, February 7th, followed by another dose in three weeks.

FEBRUARY 2, 2007
Gary will have a Gamma-knife procedure done on Monday morning, February 5th to kill the 5mm cancerous spot in the back of his brain. Although the doctor is confident that it can be done, he has stated that there is a small chance, based on the spot's location, that they might not be able to reach it.

Gary also saw a doctor today for some leg pain and discovered that he has a small blood clot, so he is taking medication for that.

On Wednesday, Gary will begin his chemotherapy. The program he will follow will be to take a heavy dose, then return in three weeks for another treatment. Please keep these matters in prayer, especially that the gamma-knife procedure will be a success.

JANUARY 31, 2007
After receiving word on Monday that lung cancer has spread to 5 other fronts, the Shanskys are meeting with the neurosurgeon this afternoon and the oncologist tomorrow. They plan to conduct a Gamma knife procedure on Gary's brain where there is a 5mm cancerous spot in the back of his head. After that, they are expecting to begin chemotherapy.

Only 2 doctors in Memphis are able to perform this gamma knife procedure, and they are not in the insurance network Gary has. As can be imagined, the cost is extraordinary, over $50, 000.

There is a research drug that has shown very favorable results in treating cancer and their doctor would like to try to get Gary approved for that program as well. So please keep these matters in prayer.

Continue to pray:

• For a real miracle of healing in his body
• That there be favor with the insurance company so that this gamma knife surgery will be possible without enormous personal debt.
• That the doctors have great wisdom in their treatment
• That Gary would be approved for this new research drug program
• For Gary, Chris, Andy, Matt and Sam, that they have strength and comfort from on high as they walk through this together as a family

The doctors now report that the cancer has spread to his trachea, liver and spleen, as well as to some lymph nodes in his abdomen and a small spot (5mm) in his brain.

Before beginning chemotherapy, the doctors would like to perform a surgery involving a gamma knife to remove the cancer from his brain. Unfortunately, there are only two doctors in Memphis who can perform this surgery and they are not in the insurance network Gary has.

Details are scarce at this time, but we will post them as they are available. For now, let us continue in intercession for our brother. Please pray:

• For a real miracle of healing in his body
• That there be favor with the insurance company so that this gamma knife surgery will be possible.
• That the doctors have great wisdom in their treatment
• For Gary, Chris, Andy, Matt and Sam, that they have strength and comfort from on high as they walk through this together as a family
  
  Now, more than ever, we covet your prayers on Gary's behalf. Please forward this to any prayer list or praying friends you may have.

JANUARY 25, 2007
Gary Shansky, who served 18 years as Rabbi of B'rit Hadasha before stepping down 4 months ago, learned Monday (1/22) that he has lung cancer. The prognosis is that it is operable, but they are still in the early stages of determining the severity of the situation.

We plan to email updates as they become available, which will likely vary from daily to weekly. We ask that you keep the matter in prayer and forward this email for prayer support.

Gary will be having a PET Scan done on Friday (1/26) to see if there are any other spots/traces of cancer elsewhere in the body. Gary’s thoracic surgeon has recommended a cancer specialist, who he will see on Monday. At some point in the near future, they will do a biopsy on the enflamed lymph nodes that are around his heart, to determine their status. If cancerous, they will likely treat with chemotherapy first. If not, they will likely do surgery first to remove the cancer and part of the lung.

PLEASE PRAY

1. For miraculous healing, always, but if not, then:
2. That the cancer be contained, has not or will not spread
3. That the enflamed lymph nodes are not cancerous
4. For doctors to have great wisdom
5. For the Shansky family as they go through this trial

There is intercessory prayer each night at 7pm at B’rit through at least next Tuesday. Everyone is invited to attend. If you would like to help the family with any meals please contact Nancy Becraft at (901) 755-7053. Feel free to share this email with any praying friends you might have. Updates will be emailed to the congregation as they are available.

JANUARY 23, 2007
Please be in prayer for Gary Shansky. Tests results came back from his biopsy showing that the mass on his lung is indeed cancer. They say that it is operable, but they also discovered enflamed lymph nodes around his heart. He is expecting to meet with a thorasic specialist this week, will have further tests, and will determine whether or not they should do surgery or treat with chemotherapy. Please pray that they be able to find the right doctors, that they have wisdom, that the cancer has not/will not spread, and that there be peace in the Shansky home through this trial.

There will be intercessory prayer held each night from tonight (Tuesday 1/23) through next Tuesday (1/30) at B’rit Hadasha. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. If you would like to help the Shanskys by providing any meals please contact Nancy Becraft at (901) 755-7053.

JANUARY 19, 2007
Gary Shansky’s needle biopsy test went fine Thursday, and the results should be back next week. Please keep the matter in prayer.

JANUARY 16, 2007
Please pray for Gary Shansky, who will be having a needle biopsy test done Thursday on the spot on his lung. Pray that the test is successful, that the doctors have wisdom, that conclusive results will be available, and for God’s presence through it all.

JANUARY 12, 2007
Please pray for Gary Shansky, his test results from Monday came back inconclusive, and will need to have another test done, probably next week. Pray that the doctors have wisdom and that they can determine the nature of this spot that has been discovered. To this point they have been quite perplexed about it.

JANUARY 5, 2007
Gary is going to have a bronchoscopy and a biopsy of this mass in his right lung on Monday at 2 p.m. Please pray for him as he has this procedure done and that we'll get a good report. The lung doc. seemed puzzled when he saw the CT scan so pray he'll have wisdom. Thank you for your prayers. Could you please pass this on the prayer chain so Gary will be covered with prayer when he has this. We'll let you know what we find out.