Well, here we go again—another PET scan, a round of doctor visits, and something called a “CT Simulation,” which sounds more like a Marvel movie audition than a medical procedure. The stomach cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are in the rearview mirror, at least for now. The prostate cancer? Still loitering like a party guest who missed the memo about when to leave.
So what’s next? Radiation treatments—ninety minutes a day, five days a week for ten weeks. I now have tiny blue tattoos to help the team aim their high-tech kryptonite at the right spot. I may not be Superman, but I am hoping for glowing superpowers. I’ll be mildly radioactive, I suppose, which I assume gives me clearance to flick off the lights and see if I shine in the dark. If so, expect selfies.
Continuing Oncology Opportunities
On one visit, I committed the rookie mistake of not bringing books to give away. Big regret. So now I go prepared, because what better time to hand someone a life-giving story than when they’re waiting to be next for a radiation machine? On my most recent visit, I gave books to the CT tech, who put them on her desk, obviously grateful.
There are no more chemo infusions for now, but I still visit the infusion area every few months, when they flush out my medical port. I love reconnecting with familiar faces—and meeting patients who might need a smile, a word of encouragement, or a free book they didn’t know they needed.
Yes, I absolutely love every minute of this journey. This may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but as long as I’m walking where God leads, I’m all in.
Full Steam Ahead
I’m excited to be back at WriterCon 2025 in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend (https://writercon.com/). If you’re a writer—or even think you might be one—this is a can’t-miss event. No radiation appointments that weekend, but I’m debating whether to wear my Superman shirt.
Over the last six months, I’ve learned a lot and have acquired tools to make me much more efficient. That’s wonderful. I now have three times more to do, with the same number of hours in the day. But hey, who needs sleep when you’re passionate about writing, editing, and coaching?
Living with Purpose
Years ago, I calculated that I’d need to live to age 154 to get everything done that I felt God had called me to do. No, I wasn’t serious. Well, maybe just a little. Now? I’ve already accomplished far more than I imagined, yet my to-do list has become mountainous. I’m pretty sure I need another 30 years. But if God calls me home sooner, I’ll take the stairway to Heaven at age 110 and call it a win.
Right now, I’m working with four publishing clients, just hoping three of those projects will soon be completed. Every day, I post a Scripture, poem, and image on Facebook. Each week, I post two blogs on FrankBall.org—one for inspiration, one to help writers. Each month, I post two blogs to RoaringWriters.org. I hate missing deadlines, so I try to stay at least two months ahead, just in case I’m unexpectedly delayed.
My Own Books in Progress:
- Ten Thoughts to Ponder, Book 3 (coming January 1)
- Writing Show and Tell (because cinematic readers don’t want to be bored)
- Antichrist: Saul of Tarsus vs The Heresy (Paul before he meets Jesus on the Damascus road)
- Rhyming Verses (a poetic retelling of Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story—with illustrations)
Mentoring and More
Teaching at WriterCon is going to be great. From August through November, I’ll be leading three-hour mentoring sessions one Saturday a month. And if all goes well, I might squeeze in an all-day “Ask Frank Anything” seminar before the year’s out.
So yes, now that I’m looking at where I am and all that still needs to be done, I still need to live to be 154. Whether I glow in the dark or not, I’m here to shine light in the places that need it most.
Arise and shine so others will see his light in you. See how darkness covers the earth at night. An even greater darkness covers the people, but the Lord will rise like the sun upon you, and his glory will be seen shining through you. — Isaiah 60:1–2 The Discussion Bible
Shining Through the Darkness
Next up is treatment—a daily routine,
With lasers and targets and high-powered beams.
They tattooed my belly with little blue dots—
So they don’t fry my prostate while nuking bad spots.
At night I may sparkle, which gives me a thrill—
So selfies in darkness? Oh yes, I sure will.
I’ve written a lot, but there’s more on the way—
A mountain of missions with much to convey.
WriterCon’s coming. It fills me with cheer.
On Labor Day weekend, lots of fun this year.
From August to November, I’ll teach each month,
Three hours of wisdom, with snacks served up front.
I might need to live to be one-fifty-four,
Because I need to glow and write so much more.
Although I’m not Superman, here’s the big part:
I’m shining God’s light from the depths of my heart.