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
