Conquering cancer and heart failure

I am very excited about the blog. This will be groundbreaking. I love you and await for God's healing.

Good luck in your journey. I'll say a prayer for you today.

I read your news, Lacy Banks, and thought of Paul's lament for the "thorn in the flesh."

God'grace is sufficient to cover our inefficiencies. 'For when I am weak, fatigued, sore and have swollen feet and ankles and a hacking cough, still joints, cold limbs, then, I AM STRONG!' Isn't it marvelous that God is a healer of flapping heart valves and cancer spots.

I will continually pray for you and yours and believe you will be restored to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Regards--cds.

Dear Rev. Banks:

I would like to start off by saying my prayers are with you and your family, but I know everything is going to be okay because you have selected the best and only primary-care physician.

I remember you from a visit you did to my church, Cathedral of Joy in Flossmoor, not too long ago. My Pastor, Samuel Hinkle III, invited you to speak at one of our Wednesday life application classes. I enjoyed your sermon and I was drawn to your passion, energy, and wisdom in the Word. As you began to move us into the Word, you said and I quote, "If you're packing (with bible), let's get to crack-a-lacking". I've since been using that quote whenever an opportunity presents itself (smile).

When I go to service on Wednesday, I am going to request that Pastor Hinkle puts out a special prayer for you and your family.
I very much look forward to you coming back real soon to Cathedral of Joy. I would like to leave you with this scripture - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

I will be following your healing process on your blog. God bless you!!

My heart goes out to you, Mr. Banks. You learned the hard way that physicians practice the "art" of medicine--while we all think it is the "science". Doctors are only human and patients must be their own advocates.
While I don't pray, in the traditional sense, I do believe that positive energy helps and I will send that to you on a daily basis.
My very best to you as you travel through this next journey in your life.

Good Morning Mr. Banks. It is my prayer that everyone who hears your story, everyone who reads your blog, everyone who has ever been touched by your preaching, your teaching, your laughter, your stories, your mere presence will say a prayer, send a thought, say a word for your healing, so much so that the heavens will be flooded with the name of Lacy J. Banks and your body will be healed. Love and Light, Rene (LBC)

Lacy, you and your family are in my prayers. I think what you are doing, writing about your experience on this road to healing, is a very brave thing. I am eager to read about your journey. The Lord has given you much to fight, but he never gives us more than we can handle.

You have been an inspiration to God's people down through the years. As a child, I watched you preach at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and on television for many, many years. Now in my adult years, you continue to bring God's people hope in the time of sorrow. God's word is true and everything is done according to our faith. God will not forsake his people. He will take care of you! I pray for your speedy recovery, and I stand in agreement with you for your healing.

Lacy:

I graduated from K.U. about 10 years ahead of you, had heart valve repair and prostate cancer surgery. You are fighting a much larger battle and my prayers will be with you and your family as you fight the fight.

God Bless you.

Bud Burke

LACY!

It saddens me to hear this. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for the blog on your condition so we can keep tabs on your healing process. You are a true blessing to everyone who knows you. I know in my heart you're going to beat this and will be healed. I appreciate you and your friendship. May God bless us with many more years of you!!

Winners never quit and quitters never win. YOU'RE A WINNER!

God bless you Lacy!

alicia

I read your story a couple of weeks ago, and I thought wow! how we as humans go through life everyday as if we have all the time in the world! I have no room to complain about anything! God is going to heal you! I believe that with all my heart and soul! and he is going to do it not for you but so that he gets all the glory!!!!!!! I just say a prayer for your healing and I look forward to the wonderful testimony that is going to come from this test! Praise God!!!!!!

Dear Lacy:

My heart goes out to you and your family, and I will keep you all lifted in prayer. I myself at one time faced the devastating news that I had breast cancer. I was a single parent and thought my life was over. I turned to God, had a mastecomy and went through 18 months of chemotherapy. That was 27 years ago this past April. Hang in there because we know that God answers all prayers.

God bless you.

Darlene

Lacy:

I read with emotion your courageous outreach to the public on your life challenges. As a member of the Executive Committee of the KU Alumni Association I can assure you that all of us -- every KU graduate -- is with you all the way.

I am calling on the huge KU community in the greater Chicago area to team up with Lacy.

We send our prayers and our daily attention to your messages of hope. I have read your insightful sports columns throughout my 15 years here in the Chicago area and can attest to your strong voice and willingness to go against the status quo; that's what you're doing right now -- fighting conventional wisdom.

God Bless You Lacy.

Walt Riker

Mr. Banks,

My prayers have always been with you since you got sick and Natasha has kept our family posted on your progress. Our connection is my son Cliff, who you know.

Stay strong and not only will your endeavor help you but I see it also giving others strength and hope.

Cliff #3

Pastor Banks,I also am a member of The Cathedral Of Joy Church in Flossmore,IL,Rev Lacy Banks i will pray for you I mean really really pray, this battle is not only YOURS,You know the rest(BIG SMILE)

Dear Mr. Banks,

I have had the honor of working with your daughter Noelle, and calling her friend for the past couple of years. I can now see why she is such a wonderful Christian woman with a deep faith. It is obvious you have set the example. Please know there will be several people in California holding you in prayer. May God heal you and keep you comfortable during this journey.

With Love,
Sharon

Hey Rev. Banks, I am sorry to hear about your sickness. I have not had the problems that you have, but I know God as a healer.I have been healed of a stroke that I had in 2001.

As a child I remember you on the saturday nite telecasts. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Stay positive, upbeat and know God is God.

Brother Banks!

To God Be the Glory for this blog! I know and love your daughter Noelle (we attended the same church for several years). The Word of the Lord tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed! My prayer is that the Lord be glorified and may He give you testimonies of miracles and healing! In Jesus' Name!

Your Sister in Christ,
Sandy

Dear Mr Banks,
I always thought you were one of the best sportswriters. You always had a way of getting your point across without attacking the team or the athlete. You have a lot of courage and class. You have given me new perspective on my life. Good luck. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Mr. Banks,

Unfortunately, I have no great words of wisdom or comfort. I’ve been blessed with good health up until this point in my life and I pray that it continues. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Although we don’t know each other, I feel by you sharing your story I will get to know a little bit about you.

I’ve been reading the Sun-Times since I was 8 years old. Your column has always been one of my favorites. Hopefully, you can continue writing for a long time.

Peace and prayers,

Paul

Dear Mr. Banks,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. A year and a half ago, I too battled cancer, breast cancer. I am 47 years old, am in great health and in the prime of my life, then the bad news came. Yes it was hard but with faith and love in God you can conquer this. God will walk along side of you whatever your path is. Today I am so far cancer free but I've come to realize that when I perish it will only be my physical self. My soul and the love I carry lives on forever.

Stay strong!
Lori

Rev. Banks:

Bless You With Joy & Happiness! I am a member of Cathedral of Joy Church located in Flossmoor, Illinois. Pastor Hinkle has already requested that the members keep you and your family lifted up in prayer. God is in control of everything. NOW is the time to put that mustard seed faith into action. BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT! We walk by faith and not by sight. WE LIFT YOU UP and SEE THE VICTORY IN JESUS NAME! Be encouraged and continue to STAND!

Dear Rev. Banks,
I have seen your name in the sports pages for years and expect to see it for as many years as you want to write. I never knew you were a preacher, but now that I know that you have faith in God, I'm assured that you will overcome these obstacles and continue gracing the pages of the Sun-Times. I will pray for you and your family and I wish you all the best.
Debra

Mr. Banks

As an avid reader of the Sun Times it saddens me to hear about your situation. I just want to say that my prayers are with you and I look forward to reading the blog and supporting you through this trying time. May God Bless you and your family.

Psalm 34:4 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

May he give you strength.

Dear Lacy,

May God's love keep you strong throughout your successful battle.
You are in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Jeff
Long-time reader

Hi Lacy,

I've been reading your articles in the Sun Times for many years. I enjoy your perspective and think you're one of the better sports writers that this city has ever had.

I heard about your diagnosis - brain cancer, prostate cancer and heart failure.

I don't know you personally, but after reading your article, you sound like a very strong individual.

If anyone can beat this, it appears you're the MAN.

Good luck with your fight and I hope to be reading your articles for many years to come.

Pastor Banks, I've just read your article. I will include you and your family as well as all those involved in your care in my prayers. I will also forward your article on to my prayer warriors. As you know, when prayers go up, blessing come down. I pray that God rain down blessing upon you. Psalms 103 Key vs. 3 Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Thank Him everyday.

Your sister in Christ.

Jesus!Jesus!Jesus! That's the name to call in a time of need. I don't know you, I was on suntimes website and read your story. I want you to know I am a true believer that GOD HEALS. The situation you are facing is not too hard for God to delivery you from. My daughter was suffering from severe pain for almost 5 yrs whereas she couldn't hardly walk or do anything for herself. When I finally open my ears to hear from the Lord who told me to have faith and believe that(I AM) everything you need me to be. From that point on, I prayed and not doubt His word which says we are healed. Each day afterward I begin to see a transformation in her health. I am blessed to say my daughter is healed (no more medication, no more hospital visits, and most of all NO MORE PAIN).

I pray for your healing and your strength. Keep God above everything in your life. I pray that your testimony and everyone else's who responds, that the world will know Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

Hi Mr. Banks,

My prayers are with you and your family. I wish more of our black men would visit their doctors on regular basis especially with the growing number of prostate cancer in the black community.

God Bless!

Dear bother Lacy,
I am Rev. Tommy L. Nash, the cousin of Henry Brisco and a class behind you.I retired June 1, 2006 from public health. I am writing this message from Lima Peru where I am currently doing mission work.

First; let me share with you briefly. My prayers will be with you daily. I too had a bout with cancer in 1986. I can report to you of a miraculous healing from God.I am now fine and cancer free. God has blessed me above and beyond anything I could have imagined.

You have always been a good man in my opinion. Sometime it is hard to understand why God allows things to come our way. but; I believe that God will see you though this journey.

He says in his word; "no eyes have seen no ears have heard, nor has it entered into the heart what God has in store for those who love him and is called by his his name..( one called for his purpose)...but as our prayers go out to seek that for which it is sent, it will return non void." My prayer and all the other prayers will produced the healing you are expecting.

My heart felt prayers go out to your family. If you want to call me personally anytime of the day of night, please feel free to do so. We can pray together anytime in the day or night. I will return to the United States on May 30, 2008.
My home number is 405-751-7752. My e-mail address is: TomnLind1
@aol.com

God BLESS YOU
Tommy L. Nash

Mr. Banks,

I know God is in the healing business. My mom has been living with congestive heart failure for the last 2 1/2 years. When doctors told us she wouldn't live - I prayed harder. She has never had heart surgery due to her age, but she is still here. Never give up, trust God in the good times and the bad. You said it God is your physician - just have the faith the size of a mustard seed. You are a courageous man and I commend you for putting your story out there. But that's exactly the right thing to do. Bible says when two are in agreement God is in the midst of it. Be Encouraged.

God's grace and His magnificent peace and healing unto you my brother, friend, co-laborer and colleague. "I am so glad trouble don't last always". You know that story from the bowls of our tradition as we have looked to the Lord for salvation, security, strength, solace, sanctity and sacrifice. What an awesome opportunity to see God work His best as the God of grace and healing. At our weakess, He is strongest for us and with us. We love you much more than you know. But know that not only are we praying for you, but we look to walk with you as close as you deem fit and comfortable. Talk with you and walk with you soon!! Not only can others be a blessing to you, but you can be a blessing to others. You already have by sharing part of your story and becoming transparent to us.

You never know what to recognize as general symtoms, particularly as the body gets old and begins to make its normal adjustments to making us slower and older! What changes do you say we need to give attention?

Mr. Banks,

God does create miracles! I'm speaking from experience. In Feb of '95, I was diagnosed with cancer. It is now 2008, In God's name I remain cancer free. Keep your faith, times will get hard. Your faith will sustain you along with knowing that GOD does create miracles. Good Luck to you and your family. I will pray and continue to follow your success. I am smiling because I already know what GOD can and will do! keep the faith

Mr. Banks,

God is the "Great Healer." I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God bless your courage and your faith. Your story has been a true blessing and inspiration to me.

mr.Banks i am not an educated woman by any means.but i do know God's voice and i am blessed to have a relationship with him.so let me do what he has asked and onointed me to do.in the name of Jesus i break every generational blood line curse off of your life in the name of Jesus.i bind all sickness in the name of Jesus.i break every curse,jinx,hex,spell,spoken or written against your life in the name of jesus.let angels be encamped around you night and day in the name of Jesus.i loose psalms 91 over your life in the name of Jesus.i plead the blood of Jesus over you.i speak in Jesus name!life i speak and premature death i curse.i curse cancer at the root as Jesus cursed the fig tree.and i decree in Jesus name cancer you shall not bear fruit in this man's life in Jesus name i pray.not by power or might but by your spirit father in Jesus name.i bind heart failure and i ask for miracles to be released.

First my best wishes and prayers that you beat this trifecta of disease.

Next, my comments come from my experience with friends and relatives who have had some of the same conditions. Some of it is specific to what people I know experienced. I share it because you need to be thourough on your own behalf.

First, make the internet your friend, or delegate this responsibility for keeping up on state of the art medical research/practice. This is not to confuse you but it will arm you with info to ask questions about your treatment.

Then, have someone go with you to all of your appointments and take notes. (I did this with my mother and father and it was very helpful because you will probably get to know many specialist and you will want to be able to recall what you have been told so everyone stays on the same page.)

With the brain cancer, brain imaging is a developing science. And so I don't fault the doctors who thought my mother had a glioma based on the imaging. Except, it wasn't a glioma it was lymphoma of the brain. They found out when they did the surgery which was appropriate for a glioma but not a lymphoma. Radiation is the treatment for lymphoma but once the surgery was done, the lymphoma spread. Lymphoma of the brain is uncommon and usually found in people with suppressed immune systems like HIV patients but extreme stress can wreck the immune system. And that was my mother's situation.

If you go into the hospital make sure someone goes with you (relative/friend to watch over you and take notes). My three experiences with people in ICU's has been that if you are helpful to the patient and make life easier for the (nursing) staff they often will let people stay longer than official hours. (Make sure your friends/relatives are kind and patient with the nursing staff. I bought cookies, etc for all the different shifts whenever my parents were in the hospital)

Diet is very important. Go as organic as possible. And leave sugar, dairy and red meat in your past. Drink filtered water. If your doctors don't address find a nutritionist/dietician who will. Eat as healthfully as possible.

Prescriptions, make sure someone is delegated to keep on top of what you are prescribed and that they check the web to find out about the drugs. Its times like this that the old fashioned independent pharmacy with a pharmacist you know can be really helpful in making sure the meds interface properly.

And lastly for today, because I've taken up so much space. Laugh. Watch funny movies. All the time! Some classics that I love include: The Gods Must Be Crazy; A Fish Called Wanda; Golden Girls episodes, Fraser episodes. But sense of humor is personal so just make sure you laugh, belly hard , every day. It shakes the stress out of one's innards!

Dear Lacy maybe you don't remember me but I remember you, because you were a very nice man and I am sure you still am. I read about your promblems today in the paper and had to let you know I will pray for you. I was your pharmacist at OAK DRUGS for over 30 years. Times have changed and corner drug stores are gone, but the memories of good men never leave me, and you were one of the best persons I have ever know. Even through it has been at least ten years since I saw you last I feel bad for you. God bless you and know there are people out here who are praying and cheering for you to get your health back. Rich Kasper pharmacist

Rev. Lacy,

My prayers are with you as you begin