After several days of medical procedures and tests we were told last Thursday (October 20th) by my Gastroenterologist that the internal blockage that has caused recent discomfort is the result of the bile duct being squeezed shut because of a tumor pressing against it. The tumor is right next to my liver. Because of its location it cannot be removed—too many other things in the area.
On Friday I went into surgery where a stent was inserted into the bile duct to allow it to drain so poisonous bile will not be backed up in my system. They also took a biopsy of the tumor and the liver to see if they have been “communicating.”
I was in the hospital overnight and most of Saturday. This past Tuesday, Andrea and I met with my doctor where we learned the tumor is malignant. The doctors could not give us any information about a prognosis at the time.
This has been a sudden shock, since I have been dealing with a neck issue. The neck discomfort was resolved a few weeks ago and then pain in my stomach increased.
We are processing the abrupt change in our lives because of the inoperable aspect of the problem and the fact that all our plans that included me will possibly be canceled.
Many of you have been so loyal to us in your reading and responding to these blogs that we thought the least I could do was to be honest with you about this unscheduled confronting of my own death, since this is a big part of the adventure with God.
Andrea and I are very much in love and closer than we thought two people could get, so we’re experiencing the biggest shock I could have imagined—although, having buried all my “growing up” family by the time I was 28, I should not be so surprised, but I find myself in a new world of “reality.”
Last Thursday, when I told a dear friend about what’s happening he said, “I’m coming to town in January and I’ll look forward to a visit then.” I had to gently remind him that “I might not be alive by then.” This is just a vivid example of what we are experiencing in every relationship we have.
Since we have been working full time on a book for five years that includes a trip clear through the Bible I am going to try to tell the story on video. We will report on our progress on this in the future. And as my commitment has been to you all along, I’ll try to continue to respond to your questions that come up as we are walking through our adventure with the Lord and each other.
Bottom line of all of this: We will appreciate your prayers for healing if possible and for continuing to live for him in either case.
I am extremely grateful not only for the amazing life I’ve had, but for friends like you who are reading this.
This is not something we would normally write, but since the last part of this life is a part of the adventure of living with God and with each other, I’ll see what I can do.
The most important thing on my agenda is the people I love—which includes more people than I ever dreamed it would and certainly some of you who are reading this.
***
After a long day at the hospital on Tuesday Keith came home and enjoyed a wonderful evening with his family. Then early Wednesday morning Keith woke up with a fever and discomfort and was taken to the emergency room. There the doctors were able to reduce his fever and he is feeling better. Keith is staying in the hospital for a few days to make sure that any infection is eliminated. The next step, after Keith comes home, is to see an oncologist about possible treatments for this tumor.
We invite you to leave your comments, thoughts and prayers for Keith and Andrea and all of their family here. As they are able they will check in and read your comments.
We thank you for your prayers.
Lord, thank you that you promised to prepare a place for us, beginning now, so that we may be together with you always.
“…I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2b
Photo © MaxPaul Franklin 2011
Belovéds. You have my poor prayers, now and ever, and my love.
Scott
John Keith,
I am so sorry to hear of the challenge that has been put before you…but know in your deep and abiding love and faith you will persevere and conquer. In the short time I have known you, your sharing of stories of your life experiences in the intimate Wednesday afternoon meetings has made a profound impact on me. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of the Light of the Spirit. For that I will be eternally grateful. God bless you and your family.
Debbie
Dear Keith and Andrea:
Suzanne and I are with you in prayer. Bless you for all your courage, love, and honesty. You give us so much!
Yours,
Greg
Dear Keith & Andrea,
My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time on your journey with the Lord. I have been new to your books and devotions, but my life has been truly touched and changed due to all you have shared of your life.
My husband and I are very much in love and have been dealing with things that let us know that God may have other plans. The one thing I do know with the help of your books is that whatever that journey may be God is always with us every step of the way. I have thanked him many times for Keith Miller and I will be praying to the Lord to watch over both of you.
Keith – my thoughts and prayers are with you from the UK. Your writings have been a constant source of encouragement since I first got The Taste so many years ago – your struggles have been mine through those years too… I’m looking forward to meeting you in person when all things are made new. Be of good heart. Yours in Him. Terry
Keith, you have so many stories yet to share with us, including a whole library of those in the Bible that you’ve been organizing for us. May it be God’s will that you stay with us for a long, long time to share all those stories.
God bless you both during this part of your walk, and may you be in good health very soon.
I am so sorry to hear about the tumor and extend my prayer for the best medical treatment possible for you; my love to you and Andrea
Dear Keith & Andrea,
Tonight I was complaining to my husband about needing more room in our downsized new home. When I went to my e-mail and read this message, I cryed my eyes out to hear such awful news. I instantly learned my wants and needs weren’t necessary anymore.
I feel as though you have touched my life in so many ways, and I have connected w/ you on so many occasions. You have brought so much joy and happiness to me in more ways then you will ever know.
May God bless you and keep you always in his care. My thoughts, prayers and tears go out to you. May you always know you have lifted so many people from troubled times. It is in your giving that you will always be appreciated and loved.
JoAnne
You will be in our thoughts and prayersl.
Your neighbors
Charlene and Don McCoy
With deep gratitude for your honesty and openness to all of us, especially now, we hold you in our daily prayers. May you be given an awareness of God’s presence in each moment of these days.
Dear, dear friends of so many years, Last Saturday night I went to the 45th reunion of the Laity Lodge Youth Camps. It was amazing to see and hear the comments of the people there. There were young adults with their very young children, those who had had their lives changed by these camps that Bill and Frog and Howard started 45 years ago. Kevid Mayne introduced me as the “Matriarch ” of the camps and I stood and received a standing Ovation, really on behalf of Howard and Barbara Dan, Bill, and Frog and Carolyn, and for me. It was really hard to take in, but I am working on that!
Now you have to take in all these many affirmations and I pray that you will believe them and receive them with the energizing joy that is one of God’s healing ways. When you left Laity and went into the next chapter of God’s plans for you, you never dreamed how God would use your life. Isn’t it just amazing! Now love each other into whatever the future holds, and allow all this love and thanks to enter into your deepest soul.
I love both of you so very much. I walk this part of the journey with you. I treasure our friendship so much. I send love from Kathy and her wonderfu Tom, and from David also. You have made their lives better from their childhood to this day! Betty Anne Cody
i want to thank you for your newsletters they are inspiring. i also wanted to share a book called “The Cure for all Cancer”, my daughter researches natural remedies and came across this book, and after reading it she thought it sounded reasonable so i am hoping that you can try it and share the results or an opinion, it is by Hulda Reghr Clark, Ph.D.,N.D. You are all in my prayers, and i am so grateful for having met you all , am hoping to be able to spend time with you on the other side of this journey but hoping you don’t have to leave us all this soon.
Dear Keith and Andrea. We don’t know each other but we have a dear friend in common, Jason Heriford. He has shared how much you mean to him and the awesome journey you have had on this earthly plain. I am no scholar. I have beed blessed to learn through a series of life changing experiences, that life is a search in which I am the seeker and GOD is the treasure to be found and then held on to. I lost my father this past January. Our whole family encircled him as he slipped from our world into Jesus’ arms. In the minutes before his final passing, I know he could hear us, and caressed us each as he left his anguished body. I can tell you that holding the hand of someone so close as they pass into the next adventure is as indelible as witnessing the birth of a baby. As I cried to lose him, I also wept with JOY knowing Jesus’ love for him and what he was about to lavish in for eternity. Be comforted and strengthened to know the pain of this world is but an instant, a whisp before the truth of eternity. I know that your great faith and knowledge of Jesus will sustain you in these dwindling days. You have left a wonderful love letter to us all in how you’ve lived and shared your journey. You and your family are being held dearly in prayer, lifted up to our Creator, for peace and reassurance that all is well with Him who dies to save us. We are not strangers in Christ.
Dear Keith,
You have always been a great source of love and inspiration to both of us. We are praying for you and hope that the Lord will allow you to continue to finish the work you have been working on, the book, the TV program, your wonderful weekly column. Tony will miss you at your sports club, but we feel that you might be given the extra time you need, much as the Lord has granted that time to many other faithful saints such as you.
We will continue to pray for healing for you and comfort for Andrea.
Tony & Maly
Keith and Andrea,
You came into my life through a wonderful friend of mind giving me “Hunger for Healing” to read. This was at a very critical time in my journey with God. This began my journey with you even though I’ve never met you personally. I want to thank you for all the sharing of your journey with the Lord and the incouragement it gives me. I will keep you and your family in my prayers to our loving Father……
My best to you!
Keith, I have learned so much from what you share from your experiences. You touch my heart each time I hear you speak. I am so sorry for this and the shock of it all. I am praying for you and your family. – Melanie
I was very difficult to read your blog this evening. Your writing has meant so much to me over the years, and recently I have been so blessed with reading the blog. I have never made a comment, but felt I must as I read the news of your medical problems. You are in my prayers for healing if this is God’s plan for your life. I will always be thankful for you and Andrea and the wonderful way God has used your life.
Keith and Andrea, You have both touched my life in profound ways over the years and make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing this tender experience. You are both in my prayers.
Keith–I will never forget our round of golf.What a day!!I’ve always felt bad about that putter situation.( I guess that could be an amends of sorts.)
None of us are getting out of here alive–but–the new life will truely be the best.
You have given many the true meaning of love and for that your reward will be great,
with love,Phil
Keith & Andrea, Our hearts are heavy with this news – but grateful for your upfront sharing. The Lord has ordained all your days – and has spoken through you so powerfully these past 60+ years of ministry. And now you continue to proclaim God’s presence in this next phase of life. We are praying for you to sense His holiness, His power, His grace and peace. When our son Henry was 4 years old, I prayed one night for Jesus to come to his bedside. Henry would ask me to pat the bed all around him, spreading Jesus around. So I now pray for Jesus to come to your bedside- and surround you with his spirit. Amen. Kathy
Sometimes people effect my life in profound ways and it’s not until after I read something like this that it prompts me to reach out; or in this case, “leave a comment.” I am grateful to have had the chance to listen to you share on many occasions. Your insight and peaceful demeanor have comforted me. My prayers for healing and comfort are with you and your family.
Keith and Andrea,
It ain’t over til it’s over and that’s just the beginning! I’ve been with you in good times and not so good times and learned much about integrity, presence and self limiting love. My heart is full of gratitude when I reflect on our time together. It still amazes me how much watching you has changed the way I live life, especially with respect to honesty, humility and courage. The way you live and love people has worked its way into my life more than any of your words, spoken or written. If I’d only read your work or heard you speak without knowing you I would have wrestled with the question of who you really were. Thank God for His personal presence through Christ and people like you…presence that can be seen, felt, heard and touched.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin this new chapter.
Keith and Andrea,
So deeply saddened with the news of your serious medical problems.
My connection with Keith goes back to “A Taste of New Wine” and “The Second Touch” that turned my life in a new direction toward Jesus. Half way through “The Edge of Adventure”. Another blessing. Wondering if you are aware of the Loma Linda University Medical Proton Treatment Center (They are in the process of building one here in San Diego at Scrippts Hospital. A neighbor had a non operable tumor that was treated at LLUMPTC and is doing well. Info is available on line. We are joining many, many others in daily prayer for you both. Plan on giving you both big hugs when we all get to heaven for touching so many lives with your willingness to be so helpful in spreading God’s amazing love.
Love and prayer, Beth Bishop
Keith,
I love you. Thank you.
Jason
Dear Keith, You are in our prayers and thoughts daily – what an inspiration you have been to us both us, thank you for your continued love and support. You will make it through this with God at your side as always…and all your many friends and loved ones pulling for you.
Love, Tom and Deborah
Keith and Andrea, may you be surrounded and infused by love. May you experience the abundance of God as never before. Thank you for the love you continue to give, even as you experience this illness that no one would have chosen for you. The ultimate lesson in acceptance.
Your love song is sung with such joy, wonder, hope, honesty and gusto and has for such a long, long time. It’s sweet melody first resounded in my life back in the 70’s while working though “Taste of New Wine”, and has been fresh and fine tuned ever since. Your words and actions demonstrate that you have chosen to ‘live as if each day was your last’ creating life lessons and relationships that are authentic and fully present in Christ’s love and grace. So, now, all us beneficiaries of your generosity of heart, will join in a love song of our own, for you, Andrea and your kindred ones. We will keep watch and pray with deep hope and gratitude, knowing that transformation continues. May this moment in time bring you comfort and peace and a depth of God’s presence and love that you ARE well prepared to experience and share in your own unique and self less way. You have been building a legacy one choice at a time and teach us to do the same.
So, please just let the deep love and esteem embrace you both as you embrace each other through this time. Thank You,
Keith,
Aside from the feeling of speechlessness, I find myself wholly in need of saying something,……..anything,…..about this news. My father Brooks has spoken highly and lovingly of you during my entire life. Prayers,….blessings,…….and hope dear Keith. You are in our thoughts and hearts, and surely must know that the vast respect so many have for you, will doubtlessly assist in your treatment’s success.
May God Bless and keep you,….now and always. Eric
I was such a pleasure to meet and serve you Mr. Miller. Would that it be in different circumstances, though I believe fate brought me to your door with the little help of an angel named Andrea. I have thought of you much this weekend and you are included in my prayers. I very much look forward to getting and reading your book. I hope peace is brought to you knowing that you are continuing to touch lives, even while lying in a hospital bed. I offer this prayer to our creator on your behalf:
O God of heavenly powers, by the might of Your command You drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: be present in Your goodness with Your servant Keith Miller, that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless Your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
With love and respect,
Rachel
I am so grateful for the many times spent with both of you. Your lives and sharing have been a great blessing to me and many others. You are both in my prayers. I love you both. Jeannine
Dear Keith — Through all these years I have never expressed how thankful I am for your ministry and your life. It was way back in the early ’70’s (when I was a young teen) when my mother was dying of breast cancer that she read your book “A Taste of New Wine”and came to saving faith a few weeks before she died. How thankful I am 40 years later that I can turn to the same book and rejoice in what she read. It’s the one book besides the Bible I “hang my hat on” and read and re-read with joy and assurance. Thank you, too, for the groundbreaking work you have done on emotional recovery for Christians. And Andrea, your book with Pia Melody on Facing Codepenendy has changed my life too. My prayers are with you both. Hearing how you face life, even now, as an adventure gives me hope.
64.Wanda J. Fenner – 10/29/2011 at 3:37p.m.
I’m indeed sorry. I have derived much pleasure in all your writings. I first learned about you in “Daily Word”, and was so anxious to learn that you were on the internet, also. I’ve been very upset in the world happenings nowadays. So many of my loved ones have passed, and I dearly look forward to seeing them again in heaven. It is wonderful indeed to have that to look forward to, and to be with the Lord. Blessings and prayers to you and your wife Andrea.
Keith and Andrea…
I was shocked to read this news.. I have to tell you that i have been missing getting my keith encouragement and hugs at Bridge to Shore as i haven’t been able to afford the gas to get to meetings there… You will most definitely be in my prayers… both of you… i have such fond memories of our encounters at Crested Butte and BTS… i have a friend who does Divine Intervention work.. healing..
Her name is Nancy Grace.. Her number is 388-0757.. please call and see if she can be of assistance.. You guys are such a blessing.. and will pray for Divine intervention of healing Karen”muleskinner”
Keith,
You have given us and so many others love, hope and a future. We are thankful for you and for all you have given and continue to give. We are surrounding you and Andrea with our love and prayers.
Blessings,
Bill and Jean Milliken
What a deep impression you have made for God in my life and in the lives of so very many. I am so very grateful for the brilliance and honestly of your life with God, and your willingness to so openly share with us, your friends. Keith, yours is a soul that REFRESHES this world and I am grateful for each day God allows you to continue your work here. What God does through you makes a real difference in our world and who we are- God’s people;) Please know my prayers are with you and Andrea. He has the car keys. Much much love to you both! Sandi
Keith,
I am Tom Provence’s brother.
I discovered your illness when I read your words on your website .
This is to let you know that I am praying that you sustain the Peace that He has granted you.
My relationship with Jesus has been a constant reminder how important it is for me to daily celebrate my Sojournership.
Bless your journey as you pass the baton
.
Grace, Peace and Love,
Larry
I am so sorry. I love your weekly emails and have always looked forward to reading them. I have learned so much, and I thank you for helping me on my spiritual path. Thank you for your honesty and faithfulness. I will keep you in my prayers.
You and Andrea are in our prayers. Thank you.
Thank you for your writings and sharing everything with us. I am praying for you that the ride is gentle and peaceful. Your posts are beautiful and have helped me through this last year or so of new recovery.
Oh, my! What unexpected news! I, too, am confronted by both gratitude and grief. I grieve over the suffering of my friend and the possibility of losing him and his wisdom far too soon. But I am filled with gratitude that God allowed me to know him, and that he used Keith to lead me into a closer walk with him and to see and welcome the adventure that is life. Andrea, my prayers are with you as you face difficult days. and Keith, i pray for God to guide you through this part of the adventure. Thank you for sharing with us. You can count on many prayers on your behalf. I love you both! ~Judy
Keith & Andrea: I am a newcomer to your outfit, thanks to a couple of very good friends. You have helped me already in my grief, depression, alcohol abuse & Spirituality. Thank God, your spirituality & outlook oon life seems to be serving you rather well. May you be even more accutely aware, if possible, of His love, grace, peace, joy & blessings. He will & is serving you well. My prayer is that you enjoy all those things & maybe be shared more directly with all of us for a while longer. God Bless, Polly Swain
Keith:
I spend a weekend with you and other men at Desert Fathers, and enjoyed my interaction with you. I am praying for you and Andrea during this twist in the journey of life.
Alan
Dearest Andrea & Keith, I’m selfish and sad that the world and I are facing the possibility of losing Keith when I have just so recently found him. I don’t read your books–I study them over and over–Hunger for Healing has been my constant companion in my two years in my program with Judy and Dick Garrett–and you by that book have shown me how I could have a new life by truly surrendering myself and all my sins and failings to God. I will be praying for you and Andrea and for all of us who have been touched, inspired and motivated by all the work the two of you have done. I’m thankful that both of you have the peace of God to guide you through. With a heart full of love and gratitude, Linda Wilbourne, Cresson, Texas
Keith and Andrea — I am struck by what Tom Wells said about how you have taught us to pour out what God has poured into you into other peoples’ lives. What a beautiful, succinct way to say what I have seen, heard and experienced in you. May God be very near to you — comforting you, guiding you, showing you the next step on this way of faith that you have shown us. I am privileged to have been in this joint venture of love and faith with you —
and am so deeply grateful for both of you — Lovingly — Jeanie
Keith, I’ve seen you around and don’t think we’ve ever spoken but I wanted to let you know that you have touched my life. Thank you so much for the reminder today to LIVE my life to the fullest. That is the greatest gift we can ever give or receive. Thank you again and you are in my prayers. Susan Bartlett
We just returned from 2 weeks in Tennessee and were shocked to get this blog about your illness, Keith. You know you and Andrea and family are in our prayers constantly. We are so sad you are going through all of this. We are close by, neighbor, and will help in any way possible. We love you both dearly. Praying God’s grace will see you through.
Larry and Arlene
Dear Keith and Andrea, My heart is overflowing with love for you both, with care, with gratitude. I pray these steps you now take will be filled with beauty and power. With great affection, Paula
Keith and Andrea – my prayers are with you. I so enjoyed our time together on Martha’s Vineyard when you stayed in our little cottage, and I have been greatly blessed by your writings and presence even way back when you spoke about addiction to our New England Methodist clergy group. Your faith is such a wonderful witness to so many. God’s peace as you walk the next part of your journey “one day at a time.”
From the mountains of eastern Kentucky, I send my prayers. Keith, your writings have helped me in so many ways and are always a breath of fresh air. You cut through the religious garbage into the heart of genuine faith. Our paths have been similar, and I’m grateful for the way you honestly share your journey. May God grant you peace, comfort, courage and grace as you face your uncertain future.