Prayer and God's "More" Love

Stew and Shi working on a craft project.:-)

Stew was due for his day 11 shot of the chemo velcade today. It didn't happen. Both the wbc and neutrophils counts are too low even for the injection. First time he has been unable to complete a round of chemo. No more velcade will be given till the next round.

That means another three days of the filgrastim shots and then a return visit to see Dr. K. on the 14th of December. At that time labs will be done, we will know if he can begin the final round of chemo, and what steps need to be taken, if not.

Also, we haven't shared this before in so many words, but Stew has been  progressively feeling worse in his physical body. The stomach discomfort has increased and  pretty much makes itself known at some level 24/7.  There is more bone pain, and he can now feel with his hands some of the larger lymphomas in his stomach.  That said, we still believe He is being healed, we are enjoying life, and we are ever thankful that your prayers and faith continue to be added to ours without weariness in waiting for the Father's answer.

Praise:

You

God's love

Our family

Friends like family

Stew's prayerfully determined attitude

Gluten free toast and tea

The power that happens when people pray together and believe.

Faces to the Wall:

Healing inside out

With love and grateful hearts,

Stew and Deb

Our anthem today reminding us of the Father's amazing love for us no matter what.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZgQlbGypiY

Questions asked...

Stew and I thought that for the next couple posts we would answer some questions asked...and some not asked.

1. How did you both feel when you were told Stew had cancer and what was possibly ahead? 

Stunned. It felt as if it were a dream and not our real life. We alternated between good "what ifs" and not so good "what ifs." Yet, each time we would talk the conversation would eventually turn to the truth that God can do beyond what man thinks and imagines. Sometimes we would run quickly to that truth in faith and sometimes we crawled. Sometimes with joy and sometimes with tears. But, we soon realized all that mattered was that we  ran to Him. We are learning that God doesn't hold the "temporary" shaken condition of our faith against us like man does. He simply wants us to draw near to Him, and He will take care of the rest. Strength isn't what we think it is. It is not us having all things together. It is knowing to hide/rest in the One Who does. 

2. What did you do when you received the news? 

When we  received all the "definite" news, we were also told that Stew needed to be in the hospital quickly. We made  phone calls to our family, bought something sweet (even me), went home, fed the dogs, let them out, turned off our phones, prayed a very short prayer (no words), and went to bed holding each other until we fell asleep. It was only 6:30 pm in the evening. Next morning he was admitted to the hospital.

3. Is anything normal now?

There is no normal in the sense we all think of as being normal. For us, normal is whatever the day brings. We are learning that circumstances do not bring  normalcy, we as people do. We realize now that the idea of normal is highly over-rated, but living life isn't. 

Some days we pack our goody bag, kindle chargers, and activity tote with books and games for a 6-7 hour day at the infusion center only to be sent home because labs are critically low. Other days we get to stay.  Normal.

There are days when Stew might sleep most of the day, go to bed at 5 pm, or stay up till 10:00. (That last part is rare:-) Normal.

 There are evenings we eat a meal together, and evenings that find us eating a slice of gluten free toast with a cup of tea because that is all Stew's stomach can handle at the end of the day. Normal.

Cancer and chemo has changed our idea of normal. Anything can happen, God helps us go with it, and that is our new normal. 

4. What changes has cancer brought to your way of eating, or has it? 

Well, Stew has totally given up anything with sugar, wheat, red meat, and white flour. (He's now eating more like me) He is drinking at least 6 bottles of water a day, where before he maybe drank one. And, we  have removed most, not all, of the processed food in our household.

5. Why the mask? 

Whenever neutrophils are too low, Stew is more vulnerable to sickness and disease. If we have to go out, or want to, the mask is a protection-necessary inconvenience. Or, we can view it as a blessing because otherwise he would be stuck at home some of the time. Now, don't get the idea he always likes wearing it, he doesn't. Who would? It is an immediate red flag to all who see you that you are ill. So the eyes of others are either averted, staring, pitying, uncomfortable, or understanding.  As he says, "At first I wouldn't wear it. But,  as in all things, when you pray God can change your outlook." It is not always needed though. Just depends on the labs.

Because of the mask, Amy, Stew, Shi, and I have played with ideas of ways to decorate them, or messages to put on them. The things we come up with always end with us cracking up in laughter.  A strange chemo type of humor. We've even thought about beginning our own line of chemo wear. (No one steal that idea!!)

One Amy thought of was a mask with the words "Does this mask make me look bald?" Another idea she and Stew both like is a Darth Vader decorated mask. And, of course, I personally think a mask decorated in Steeler colors would be phenomenal!!

6. Why so many delays in chemo?

When Stew's wbc and neutrophils are in a critical stage (too low) it is not safe for his body to undergo chemo, so it is delayed. It is part of the battle we face. It can happen, too, the further along you are in chemo. For Stew, one factor is that the bone marrow is diseased with cancer also.

7. Are you ever afraid?   If so, of what?

Stew: I don't feel like I get afraid, but the thought does cross my mind "What if I don't make remission? What happens next to me...for Deb?" 

Deb: There are moments, especially when I see Stew sleeping or he reaches over to hold my hand. When those moments happen love and pain simultaneously grab my heart as it silently cries out to God with the same words every time. "Father, I don't want to lose him." God is then so kind and faithful to remind me that He has this. (Some days I need a lot of reminding)

Okay, more questions answered in the next post and then a glimpse of the cancer clinic/infusion center through our eyes. (Still haven't forgotten the story I said we would share about Samuel.) 

Face to the Wall:

Update: 

Stew has one more Velcade injection on 5 December and then a break till 15 December. At that time we begin the last round of this cycle. 

Prayer:

Miraculous healing.

Stable labs/blood levels.

Protection against infections.

Guidance as to what to do next.

Wisdom for Dr. K. and blessings on her as she moves into her future.

Eyes to see and heart to make a difference to all we meet.

Our family-they are walking through this the same as we are.

Christ in us to be seen, regardless what is taking place.

Those that are praying for us...YOU! Abundant blessings and health!

Deeply thanking God upon every remembrance of you! 

Stew and Deb

1 Peter 1:3- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Fighting cancer is definitely reminding Stew and I that we are not in control of the circumstances we face, and it is foolishness for us to even presume that we are. The past few days have continued to drive home the truth that even though it is a tremendous blessing to have skilled doctors and caring professionals in our lives, our hope can not rest in what they say, who they are, or what they do. Believe me, it is an easy trap to fall into, but when we do, hope becomes something we have to fight for instead of Someone to rest in.

When all of this began three months ago, we truly believed that at this point (over half way through) we would be on the rejoicing side of cancer with indicators of remission or cure. But, we're not there. That doesn't mean we're not going to be, just that the time hasn't yet come. It appears that, if we agree, a different chemo protocol will be tried once this cycle of treatments ends.

So, while we are still waiting and believing, please know how thankful we are that you are in God's waiting room with us...praying, praising, and waging warfare. It strengthens us.  Thank you!

Prayer Requests:

*Stew: White blood cell count and neutrophils to return to an acceptable range, and bone pain to be gone.  Chemo was to be given yesterday, but both counts were critically low so it has been delayed till next Monday. Neutrophils are only at .22 which means filgrastim injections are being given. They can have a side effect of bone pain which he is experiencing.
*Dr. K.: Favor on her new job, and that others will be blessed by her as we have been. She will no longer be at the cancer clinic after the end of the year. Honestly, this news set us back at first as she has not only been Stew's doctor, but also a source of encouragement and prayer.
* New hematology oncologist: To be expertly skilled, operate in wisdom, and one who sees Stew as a person, not just as a patient.
* Healing!
* Opportunities: For us to make a difference in someone's day each time we are at the clinic.

Praises:

*Special moments with family.
*Encouragement from friends
*God's love and strength
*Hope
*Music
*Rainy days
*Laughter
*Stew's smile
*A man named Samuel (more about him in the next post.)
*You!

With hearts filled with gratitude and HOPE!
Stew and Deb
Romans 12: 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer.

It's Just One Day

 It's Just One Day...

Thursday, Stew and I had our appointment with Dr. K. to receive the results of the Pet Scan. From the very beginning we knew that at the chemo halfway mark this test would be done and the results of it would indicate how the treatments were working. The hopes were that it would show significant reduction in the cancer, and possibly point to a remission.

Imagine then, what it was like on Wednesday, when the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart repeatedly "It's only one day. It's only one day." It began in early morning prayer and continued throughout the hours to come. Didn't matter what was going on...He was gently reminding me over and over again of the message we needed to hear. At Mardels...there He was. Sprouts...He was there, too. Lowe's...more of the same. 

Truthfully, my initial response fluctuated between fighting of tears, shouting the words as if they were a battle cry to the enemy, and saying "Thank you, Father, for the reminder."  The words should not have come as a surprise though, because we had already shared with family that in prayer a week prior the Lord had spoken to us there were still battles to come, but that meant victories were coming too.  They were still a surprise, though.

 When Stew and I discussed it in bed Wed. evening, we realized that the Holy Spirit was issuing encouragement and preparation to our hearts. Not a discouragement or denial, regardless of where our thoughts and feeling were trying to take us. Our Father was giving us a caring reminder that what ever we heard, it was just "one day" out of eternity, just "one day"in His provision and plan for our life, and it was up to us to make a decision to believe that it was just "one day" closer to hope evidenced...regardless of any report.  

Thursday afternoon, we were told that Stew's labs are the best they have been! Even though they still need to improve that is a big Yay! We were also told a few auxiliary lymphomas had shrunk or were gone, including the small one in his chest, and that a couple in the spleen had begun to decrease slightly in size. More praise! 

Then the gentle talk. The several tumors in the abdomen and colon remain. Stew is still Stage 4. Dr. K. shared we have two more rounds to complete at this time, and then we are probably looking at another series of chemo treatments. (not sure if it will be a different protocol or the same) There was no talk of remission at this time.

She is also beginning the process for Stew to be considered for a bone marrow transplant, and be seen by a mantle cell oncologist at MD Anderson.

As always, our visit ended with her asking about our family, telling us to hang in there, encouraging us, and reminding us that she is praying and believes we are headed in the right direction. Our visit ended with a Dr. K hug.:-)

So, we thank you once again for continuing to turn your face to the wall in prayer, and not growing weary on this journey. Our hearts continue to be filled with overwhelming gratitude for you!

Prayer requests:

* Healing! 

*Wisdom and favor with insurance for treatments, a visit to MD Anderson, and the possible bone marrow transplant.

*Stew's strength and not to be totally overcome with fatigue. 

*For us to be an encouragement and comfort to those in the cancer center who are walking a similar path, and those who care for us there. Creative ideas as to how to make a difference and bring some hope.

*Dr. K.-God's blessings on her, her family, and her staff.

Rejoicing in the gift of you, and the love of Our Father,

Stew and Deb

Steven Curtis Chapman - "Warrior" (feat. scenes from War Room)

 Warriors

Feeling such gratitude this afternoon for those who are Warriors with us, calling on the powerful Name of Jesus for Stew, and causing the enemy to tremble and flee.



Praying for you and yours today.

Stew and Deb

Today...

Pet Scan Day

Good morning!! Today is Stew's "1/2 way thru chemo...believing for an amazing report" pet scan. For 2 hours he gets to have the scan. We're believing it's only a 2 hour test to a life time of confirmed healing. Trusting the Father.

Monday's chemo was a go...after a 10 day delay for labs to be where they needed to be. But, what matters when it is all said and done is the fact they lined up! Will share more about that day's events in the next post, A lot happened and we saw God so many times over throughout the 6
 1/2 hour day.

Thank you for "Face to the Wall" praying and standing in agreement with us for healing. You are teaching us what it means to truly be a part of the body of Christ the way the Father intended it to be.

With hearts of gratitude for you and to the Father,

Stew and Deb

Masked Crusader/My Hero: 

No chemo today. When we arrived at the clinic, the first thing our chemo nurse did was draw Stew's blood to send to the lab. It wasn't long before the doctor came in carrying the lab report with the word "critical" in red, once again.

She kindly explained to us that even though the wbc had gone up some, the neutrophil count dropped more and was a .48. Much too low to proceed with chemo at this time. Treatment has been postponed till next Monday where we will try again.

In the interim Stew gets to avoid groups of people, wash his hands all the time, and wear a very stylish mask when he goes out. His response...he always wanted to be a masked crusader. :-) 

And, he's quite a handsome one if I do say so myself! 

You can't tell from the picture, but the masks they gave him this time are a soft sunshine yellow. Not his first choice of color, but I kind of like it.

Initially, it was a bit of a disappointment, but all is well. We are choosing to believe Stew's body is responding more and more each day to God's total health and healing...the tests just haven't discovered it yet.

Thank you for continuing to agree with us in prayer. What a gift you are!

Face to the Wall

Gary and Deb

Prayer Request

(A gift from my sister and her friend, Toni. Not only is it a reminder of the scripture God gave us to keep praying regardless of man's reports...but it also in Steeler colors:-)

Well, here we are again:-)

Our visit with Dr. K. did not go quite as well as we hoped Friday. Seems as though the unexpected is to be expected when you are dealing with cancer.

Labs appear to indicate that Stew's white blood cell count and neutrophils are too low for chemo to be given on Monday, 17 October. They will draw blood first thing that morning, but chemo will not be given unless the count is at least 1500. That is a little over three times more than what it is right now. If that doesn't happen, treatment will be delayed a week and the regimen Stew is taking will probably be changed.

So thankful our ultimate hope is not anchored in lab results or medical reports. Will admit though that it would be nice to have at least one test indicating we are moving forward.  Believing that in time...God's time... it will happen!

Please join us in prayer and faith for everything to be as it should so chemo can be given as originally planned.

Thankful for your presence in our lives and your prayerful support.

Stew and Deb

P.S. A special moment: We mentioned before how blessed we are to have Dr. K. as Stew's doctor. This time not only did she remind us that she was praying for us, that God heals, and to hang in there, but she also shared her own touching testimony of healing. Each visit with her is not only time with our doctor, but a "pause" in the day to share about and celebrate God. Thankful!

Praise and our Prayer for You!

The time is drawing near for another chemo treatment. This will be number 4. Only 2, maybe 3 treatments left to go. It really is hard to believe that we are already at the half way point.

Stew is doing well.  (Thanks to your prayers lifted up to Our Heavenly Father.) We have said more than once that if we didn't have the erratic lab reports, and a few days of struggle after each chemo/steroid treatment that it would almost seem as though he wasn't having chemo. At least, not the chemo we have read about or seen in the battles of others. The only continual ongoing symptoms/effects he has are the cancer symptoms that took him to the doctors in the first place. (Stomach pain, weight loss, and extreme tiredness) All of which we are believing will disappear soon...very soon!

It has been a good chemo break this time. With prayer, determination, a cane, and a smile, Stew was able to walk almost the entire three miles of the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Our son came to spend a day with us last week, and Stew's sister came to visit us for the weekend. We have been blessed with bottled water, fruit, and flowers delivered to our door along with texts, fb private messages, and cards of encouragement. Thank you!!!

The next 6 hour chemo treatment is Monday, October 17th. We have a visit with Dr. K. this Friday, at which time labs will be checked. Sometime between this chemo and next, Stew will have another  PET Scan and  colonoscopy to see if the chemo is doing what needs to be done. Please agree with us for a good report...no cancer...total healing!! Faces to the Wall and trusting in God!

Our prayer for you:
Father, thank you for the gift of those You have placed in our lives who are praying and Facing the Wall with us.  You have given us family and friends who bless us with kind words and loving actions. In You, they have lifted us up in ways that have made us soar on wings like eagles. Thank you that they have not grown weary, but are faithfully marching with us to healing---to victory. 
Father, may they know and see Your grace abounding to them, Your goodness filling up all the areas of their lives, and Your amazing love surrounding them and those they love.Bless them with health, joy, and peace in their hearts, their homes, and their lives. Because of You, may their faith stay anchored, and their hope remain strong both now and always as they continue to be lights in the world around them!In Jesus Name, Amen!

With gratitude and love,
Stew and Deb
Numbers 6:24-26

 

Prayers Answered!

Monday morning found us with snacks packed, items to occupy our day, and on the road at 9:00 am filled with the expectation that chemo would be given. When we arrived at the clinic, first stop was Dr. K's office for Stew to have blood drawn. 

While we waited for the results it was so encouraging to read texts, comments on the FB prayer page, and messages from those who read our prayer request. I loved seeing Stew's face. He was so touched by the kindness and support. The fact that there were people praying for him at different times throughout the night and into the morning reminded us of how blessed we are to be a part of the body of Christ. A body that is not limited by walls, denomination or location. Thank you!

And, those prayers were answered as prayed. Glory to God! Chemo was given and Stew handled it well. He slept off and on throughout the 6 hour process. :-) We were also given the VIP treatment again and placed in a separate room off the main area. Not sure if that is because we are the ones who seem to be there the longest each time, or if that is just until his labs are more stable.

But, on the humorous side, it does lessen the enjoyment others might receive from listening to his rhythmic snoring. :-)

Rejoicing in the love of our Father and the gift of you in our lives.

Love and prayers,

Stew and Deb

Whose Report Will We Believe?

The Cancer Clinic's?

Or God's ?

Believing God's!!

If you were able to read the previous post, then you are aware that the chemo Stew was scheduled to have last Friday was postponed due to a critically low white cell count. He's had to remain at home avoiding all crowds, and has received three shots to elevate the cell count with the hopes of chemo on Monday.

The thought is that the bone marrow is not responding well, at this time.

Please believe and agree with us, on the way to healing, that Stew's labs will return with a  good report, and that there will be no more delay in treatments.

Thank you for journeying with us in prayer and faith to victory.
With love and gratitude,
Gary and Deb

Battles

The Battle:

Yesterday we were handed lab results with the word CRITICAL across the top. So,
- iron infusions are being given weekly because of the red blood cell count being too low.
- chemo is postponed because of the white blood cell count being critically low...(.18)...neutropenic.
-injections of filgrastim are being given for 3 days in a row with hopes of chemo on Monday.
-Stew is no longer permitted to be out in crowds, large groups and public places where there are a lot of people. He gets to be a masked crusader, too. :-)
-a med- alert card was given with instructions to go to the ER if he runs a temp of 100 or higher and a dose of tylenol does not give a normal reading. This card  makes sure he is taken immediately to a room without waiting. Not the kind of VIP status we were looking for:)

Victories/Praises:

-Stew is still trying/wanting to work, and his workplace is working with him. 

-God's love and provision. Little did we know, when a friend blessed us this Monday with meals and water to last an entire week, that we would be at the cancer clinic 3 out of the 5 days. We didn't know, she didn't know, but God did and she listened.

-The friend who plans on coming out this weekend to help put up Stew's work shed. A kindness that carries in it the gift of encouragement, hope, and purpose  for the future!

-God's Life-giving Words.

-We aren't discouraged.

-Our doctors and the staff.

-You

Face to the Wall:

-Healing

-Strength

-Wisdom

-Good blood levels

-Chemo back on track. (There is an irony to this. Cancer and chemo were the last things we wanted to hear...and now we are praying for good labs so Stew can have chemo. Stew and I couldn't help but laugh at that thought.)

-For us to have eyes to see where we can be a blessing and an encouragement every time we are at the cancer clinic. 

-For Dr. K and her staff.

Our song of Battle today. Hope you will listen to it!

 https://youtu.be/MQJWT017Jwc

With love and thanksgiving,

Stew and Deb

2 Corinthians 5:7 (With Greek word meanings included)

We walk by faith, influenced by the confident expectation of Your Word, Your Promises, Your love toward us, Your things yet to come,

so we can live, act, and conduct ourselves on the hope of what You say-
And not under the influence of the appearance of the situation or circumstances we face."

Special Moment:

This weekend we were blessed to have Shi spend the night. At one point during the evening Shi noticed an angel doll sitting on the book shelves in the "Steelers' room." She picked it up carefully, looked at it from all sides, hugged it close to her little body and said, "I love this angel, Grandma." My response..."Shi, there's a story behind that angel. Why don't you let PawCaw  share it with you?" She promptly went over to the chair, carefully crawled up on his lap, and looked him in the face waiting. 

Stew shared with her how the weekend before friends came to visit from Louisiana, and gave him the angel out of love, encouragement, and faith. He  told her that one of the friends, Daniel, had been very sick with cancer like PawCaw was now and someone had given Daniel the angel doll to remind him that God was always with him. So, now that God had made Daniel all better, he was passing the angel to PawCaw so he would remember.

Shi sat quietly for a minute with a far away look in her eye. She then carefully hugged her PawCaw around the neck and said, "I just want you to get better and stay here. I asked someone at church to pray that, too." Needless to say, there was the glimmer of tears in our eyes, but not out of any sorrow at all.  We simply felt thankful for her gift of faith and her love for her PawCaw. Of course, in typical Shi manner, the mood immediately changed as she promptly decided to show us the "Chubby Bunny" dance. Cheerful hearts are good medicine! We all cracked up in laughter and giggles.

Chubby Bunny Dance:-)

Updates and You:

• Today is Stew's last chemo infusion which completes the second round. The third round begins on September 23. 

• On the 14th and 21st he will receive iron shots for low RBC/anemia. Please agree with us that the shots are effective and God's healing touch is seen so there is not a need for a transfusion now or in the future. 

• Hearts overflowing with gratitude for you! We have been blessed at different times in life with the support of friends, but we have never received such continual, daily/weekly support over a long term basis as we are receiving now. Each time you reach out to us  we are reminded of the Father's goodness, and amazed that he has placed you in our lives. You cause us to feel loved, prayed for, and as though we are part of a might army that is marching us forward to victory.

You are a joy in our lives.

Gary and Deb

This is a drawing that Nili's (our daughter-in-love's) mother drew 20 years ago based on what Nili saw about the chemo going into her body. At the time, Nili was battling leukemia.  She called them her chemo-sabes , who were blasting, with the joy of the Lord, every cancer cell invading King Marrow's kingdom. We know the continuing of the story...she was and is healed!

Love it! Believing the same is being done in Stew's body, as well.Thank you for continuing to pray and believe with us.

Gary and Deb

*Bless you, Robbie, for remembering and for sharing...*

Chemo Day Round 2...

Thank you everyone for the prayers that Stew's white blood cell count and platelet count would be at a place where they could proceed with the chemo as planned. They were!! Miraculous how the numbers could change so much in a day and a half. No doubt the steroids helped some, but the Father's answered prayer is what truly made the difference.

The cancer clinic is where Stew goes for the vel-cade chemo  injections, but it was our first time there for the chemo treatment. They gave us a mini tour, introduced us to the staff, and were very welcoming. The chemo infusion took 6 hours, but Stew was a trooper and even took a nap. (See below) As kind as they were, we did have a mini celebration when it was over with a stop at Smoothie King.

No side effects except for night sweats, and an increase in that overall fatigued feeling and need to sleep. Both are manageable, and he is handling them as graciously as always.

Please continue praying...Tuesday will be Day 4 injection and we will see Dr. K. again for another check of his stomach and spleen. If they are both still swollen and enlarged, more tests will be required. We are praying that all is well and would appreciate your agreement.

Including a link to a beautiful song being sung by Amanda Cook titled Heroes. Amy, our daughter, shared it with her dad during a quiet time of worship and prayer at her house. She thought it fit him. I do, too!

https://youtu.be/n5KNck6k5OY

Thanking God for you as always, and rejoicing in the Father's love and faithfulness displayed by His mighty power and through you!

Gary and Deb

Friends came in from out of state to visit with
us, pray, and simply be here.

Sleeping during chemo:-)

Tears with Thanksgiving...                                         

(All posts will not be this long...promise:-) It's catching up time since we haven't posted recently. Prayer requests and updates at the end)

This morning is a morning of tears. Not tears of sadness (though I have had some of those), but tears of thanksgiving for you...for glimpses of His love through others, and for allowing us to see that one of the ways He fulfills His promise of never leaving us or forsaking us is by those who come alongside  and remain there.

So, here is our list of thankfulness this day: (It might get long:-)

• Birds at the bird-feeder we placed right outside our bedroom window. A reminder of God's care and provision.
• Weekly cards from a friend without fail. Yesterday's card cracked both of us up. (It was a boxer of course!)
• Homemade cookies from the same friend (above) mailed to our home. Memories of our military days. 
• An unexpected gift discovered outside our door with a card that made us smile and a 5 season DVD pack of the Andy Griffith Show to bring laughter to our hearts.
• A case of bottled water delivered to our door to keep Stew hydrated and because that's all I drink.
• A book of Jewish prayers given as a gift from a dear New Jersey friend. Before we even opened the book our hearts were moved by the prayer we read.
• The person who  "showed up" to mow our lawn two weeks in a row.
• Friends participating in a walk against Leukemia and Lymphoma...in Stew's name...in North Carolina.
• Cards with words of encouragement and caring. They are now filling up our "Steelers'" album and we both look through them on a regular basis. Seldom without a touch of tears caused by great joy.
• Homemade vegetable soup and prayer with a friend...happening this evening.
• Zagnut candy bars.Yes, I did eat a candy bar and enjoyed every bite.  It was "needed" after one of our appointments. :-)  
• The Smoothie King located near the hospital and Cancer Clinic.The apple,kiwi, and kale smoothie is the perfect follow-up to a visit at either place.
• Totally unexpected check given to help us  with a note included that touched our heart.
• Friends actively letting us know they are praying from California to Florida, New Jersey to Louisiana, Chicago to Texas, and many many places in between. 
• A roofer who inspected and fixed our roof for free...and offered to do it again in 2 years!
• The understanding of Stew's employers.
• The FB prayer group begun by Ben. Words could never express the gift each person is to us. Thank you for the prayers, scriptures, words from the Lord, and songs that are shared with us. We read every single one and add  them in our prayer journal.
• Those following the blog site...your encouragement, prayers, comments, and simply letting us know that you are on the journey with us is a strength giver.
• Text and phone calls...some daily, some weekly, all offering hope, understanding, and support. Love the words "you've been prayed for..."
• Our doctor and staff who speak of prayer, God, and fill the cancer clinic and offices with reminders of Who God is and what He promises,
• Our family...the beat of our hearts.
• Stew...the way he entertains the nurses, doctor, and phlebotomist with his quirky humor and made up jokes. The latest..."What do you call a dr. who is also a nurse? Dr. And-drew Blood." What can I say? !!! 
• And, so much more.

Every word spoken, every act of love and support, every scripture shared, every reminder that we are not  alone is a gift and evidence of the Father's love...and you are the gift givers. Thank you! Because of you and God's grace we are being made strong and get to experience wonderful splashes of joy throughout the day.

Prayer Requests:

• Stew:                                                                                                                                                White cell count to stop dropping, enlarged spleen to return to normal size, and no stomach pain. No delay in chemo treatments tomorrow because of white cell count. No chemo side effects! 

• All cancer healed and gone from colon, spleen, abdomen, bone marrow, and anywhere it may be hiding in his body. God's total and completely miraculous healing.
• For Dr. K.
• For Stew and I to have eyes and hearts open so we know how to bless the so many who are blessing us; including the medical team and the patients we see in the cancer clinic.
• Wisdom...Dr. K. spoke this week to the mantle cell specialist at MD Anderson. Once Stew is "more stable" she wants him to be seen there. Wisdom as to decisions and  favor with insurance/medicare.
• You...that each person who is praying for and standing with us reaps what they are sowing in abundance...favor, healing, strength, hope, and great great joy!
• The Father to be glorified in all and by all.

With hearts of gratitude,

Gary and Deb
Lamentations 3: 22-23

                                                                     

Updates and Prayer

Update: 

• Stew had his final injection for this first round of chemo on Monday. Each visit with Dr. K. is a lesson in faith. She shares the necessary information, but then makes time to just visit and encourage. She asks about our family every time, and shares something about prayer. We feel God is not only using her as a vessel to walk with us on the path to Stew's healing, but that He has given her to us as an encouragement to our spirits. 

• This time she told Stew that she never wants it to be just about the negative, but about the positive, too. That prayer and a positive outlook can make a difference, She shared that she has been praying and thinking about us, and believes that God brought us together so "let's see what He does."                                                                                                                                    
• Stew handled this injection well. The only thing he is experiencing, besides the symptoms that took him to her in the first place, is the tiredness. It seems to hit about 24 hours after each injection. As you are praying for his healing, please pray for strength in his body for the journey. He has now lost 30 pounds...but as he said, "Deb, I know how I look, but I am choosing to see myself healthy by faith, and not by what's in the mirror."

• We have a 9 day break with no appointments, and then it begins again. Schedule so far for prayer purposes:

         Wednesday, 31 August- Labs, Prep, and Dr. Visit

         Friday, 2 September-Chemo Infusion (4 hours) 10am

        Tuesday, 6 September- Day 4 Injection

One of Stew's early morning prayers:

Thank you more than words can express for praying and standing with us. We thank God for you daily. May you reap abundance from every seed being sowed.

Gary and Deb

Face to the Wall

Remembrance, Remission, Reflection, Rejoicing

Remembrance:

This date, 48 years ago, is the day Stew and I met at a teen dance. He was a newly graduated 18 year old and I was a 15 year old who wasn't allowed to date. He waited :-)

Even then, there was a confidence and conviction when he truly believed something. The first time he said he loved me went like this..."Deb, I love you, and I know you love me, you just won't say it. I'll wait." End of conversation.

The years since have taken us through many ups and downs. Yet, no matter how down the downs were, they ultimately made us stronger. And, the ups taught us to be continually thankful. 

In both, sometimes at the time, and sometimes later, we eventually recognized God's provision in each circumstance. But, Stew is still better at waiting than I am. I see it in him even now, the conviction and confidence (in God) that "HE has this" and that we can trust in Him no matter how long the wait, no matter where the journey leads.

Remission: 

Here are some of the facts we haven't spoke out yet, and we want faith to erase...facts do not equal God's truth.

• The cancer is in Stew's bone marrow and is at 60%
• The type Stew has is not considered a "curable" cancer
• There is a high rate of re-occurrence even with remission
• Once chemo is done, depending on if the percentage increases in the bone marrow, a transplant may be needed...followed by more chemo

Reflection:

But God...

• We walk by faith, not by sight. 
• He has come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.
• He never leaves us nor forsakes us.
• He fulfills the number of our days.
• In Him we are more than conquerors.
• He heals
• And, above all else...He loves us.

Rejoicing:

• In Him
• For the power of prayer
• For our family
• For christian doctors
• Because of You.

Something Stew wrote this morning. Face to the wall. Exodus 25:1-2

"Tell Beni Yisrael to take up an offering for ME from anyone whose heart compels him." I read this in my reflection time and it reminded me of the many who answered the face book call that Ben sent, and those that responded to the call of the blog. Please thank them for their "compelled hearts." It humbles me greatly and builds up my faith. Love to all.

Schedule for August:

19th: 8:30 Injection

22nd:1:45 Labs

     2:15 Dr. K

     4:15 Injection

Thank you more than words can express,

Gary and Deb

CHEMO DAY IN PICTURES

Even as chemo began Stew's faith and humor were shining through as he made this sign silently giving forth his declaration. For those who are not Star Trek fans it means, "Live long and prosper." :-)

How overjoyed we were to hear a gentle knock on the door and see our son enter the room! Thankful for his presence, love, and red-eye flights from Chicago. 

  Thankful for our Amy's unending support and love. These two kept us somewhere between laughter and tears!  

My sis took three days off to help, take care of the dogs, keep me fed, and anything else she could do to be a blessing. 

 

This is one of a kind...Ellie and "T" designed this, made it,and stayed up working on it to almost 1 am so Ben could bring it with him. Stew and I cried.

 Family

*Update:

Stew was able to come home Friday afternoon. How happy we are that he is home after 4 days in the hospital. Stew only experienced slight nausea and a mild headache the night of the treatment. Praise God!! We believe that is due to faithful prayer warriors, like you, lifting him up to the Father in prayer and intercession.

 Fatigue is evident, but naps and rests make it manageable.

The chemo he is taking is new and only very recently approved by the FDA. It offers hope of remission for which we are very thankful! Though we know that our Father offers total healing for a lifetime. :-)

The cycle that is projected for the next 5 1/2 months looks like this:

Chemo given every 21 days. 

On days 4, 8, and 11, after each initial treatment day, we will go to the Oncology Center where he will receive smaller additional treatments/injections. 

Ten days after, the process begins all over again. 

Psalm 118:17 declares...I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. Thank you for not only agreeing with us for healing, but walking with us through the journey. It makes all the difference.

Love, prayers, and gratitude for you,
Gary and Deb

Thank you Robbie for creating this!