Update on Rev Clive Doubleday

many of you will remember the news at the end of last July that Clive had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, High-Grade, which is cancer of the lymphatic system.  Thank you to the many who have been praying for Clive and his wife Ruth during this testing time and below you will find news of the journey is on:

24 JULY Clive received his first cycle of chemotherapy treatment on Friday 24 July and was at the hospital from 10.00am until 4.30pm. The first cycle of treatment is given over a longer period of time to ensure that there are no reactions. For subsequent treatments it should be much shorter. We are pleased to report that Clive suffered no ill effects from the chemotherapy whilst at the hospital but at about 9.00 pm in the evening he got a bout of the shivers and was very cold. However, we are thankful this did not last long.

We are grateful to everyone for all the lovely cards, emails and telephone calls we have received, and especially your prayerful support. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make us feel much loved and upheld in your prayers. Thank you for your continued prayerful support.

3 AUGUST Clive went to the hospital today for a blood test, 11 days after his first cycle of chemotherapy, to check his white blood cell count. The staff at the treatment suite said we would not hear from them unless there was a problem with his blood count. We received a call this afternoon to say that Clive’s blood count was very low and he needed some drugs and antibiotics - so a trip to the hospital again and we now have the necessary drugs to inject for the next two days. Clive has to go back to hospital on Thursday for another blood test to see whether the drugs have worked in forcing his bone marrow to produce more white blood cells.


11 AUGUST Clive saw the consultant who was pleased with his overall health in relation to his first cycle of chemotherapy, particularly as there had been a reduction in the lymph oedema. As a result, Clive does not need Heparin injections every day, which is a great relief.

Clive will receive his second cycle of chemotherapy on Friday 14 August. Please pray that this will go well and that Clive will not have a reaction, as this time the chemotherapy drugs will be given over a shorter period.

We are grateful to everyone who is praying for Clive. Thank you for your calls, emails and cards - they are a real blessing and encouragement to us.

14 AUGUST Clive had his second treatment of chemotherapy on Friday 14 August. This was given over a shorter period of time than the first treatment and we thank God that Clive did not have a reaction during the treatment. Clive also had no reaction in the evening, which he had experienced on this first cycle of treatment. On Saturday, Clive felt very tired, looked very pale and had no energy but Sunday, having been on the steroids, was feeling much better.

Clive’s next visit to the hospital will be on Monday, 24 August to test his white blood cell count.

24 AUGUST Clive's appointment at the hospital went well. He had a blood test and his white blood cell count had increased from 0.2 to 0.7 which was very encouraging. He therefore did not have to have further drugs, which was a real answer to prayer. Last week was a difficult one as the second cycle of chemotherapy proved to be fairly debilitating. Clive was very tired most days but we thank God that he has not yet been sick.
Clive's next hospital appointment is on Tuesday 1 September to see the consultant. During that week Clive will also go to a hospital in London for another PET scan to assess his metabolic rate. His next cycle of chemotherapy commences on Friday 4 September.
We know that many people around the world are praying for Clive and we know that through everyone's prayers his health is being improved and restored. Thank you for the lovely cards and emails that we receive on a daily basis. We do appreciate that you have taken the time and trouble to write, and the whole family is encouraged and cheered by the loving words and support.