"I AM the One Who calms the storms...

Last Monday we met with Dr. B. , our stem cell transplant doctor, to hear what he had to say about the mantle cell in Stew's body, and any recommendations he might have.

Truthfully, as we parked our car and slowly navigated our way through the halls of Medical City to Dr. B.'s office, our walk consisted of clasped hands, moments of silence, "I love you's", and attempts at everyday conversation. We were walking with two other companions... fragile hope and unspoken silent prayers. You see, even though we had not shared it with others, we knew God had spoken to our hearts on April 4, 2017, the words "Rough days are yet to come...but believe this when I say I am the One Who calms the storms." 

"Rough days yet to come":
During our meeting the doctor shared the specifics of the test results:
The cancer is growing.
The lymphomas have doubled in size from what they were 2 months ago.
There are more.
Their density has increased by 50%.
They could begin involving organs.

He shared that medically we really only have one option that will give Stew more than a 1 out of 5 life opportunity. It is a targeted therapy that carries with it a different type of risk. This chemo regimen, depending on the amount given and how Stew's body responds, can possibly bring remission or, because of what it does to the blood cells in his body, it can make a stem cell transplant no longer viable.

So, a new two day chemo begins this Thursday. Two rounds will be done, and then more testing for remission.

"The One Who calms the storms":

After being offered this treatment possibility we learned our insurance did not cover it. Stew then met with the Benefits Counselor and an "urgent" exception was filed. As unbelievable as it may sound, it was approved the same day!! Talk about God miracles...:-)

Thankful for reminders all the time that our hope, our answers are not found in the hands of man, though God can use them. But, ultimately they are found in the heart of God!

We discussed our desire to see our Tennessee family at the meeting and we were told to "go ahead." Such happiness in our grandparent hearts. Dr. B. did add the recommendation that we be gone no longer than three days, but we can handle that. Three days are a gift!! Any amount of time is a gift!

With love and appreciation for the Father, our family, and you,
Face-to-the Wall,
Stew and Deb


The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save, he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love, he exults over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17