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!