Thursday, February 2, 2017

Pet Scan Update

First, what a blessing it was to see Dr. K. again. The first comment she made was she was sorry our Steelers didn't make it to the Super Bowl. That speaks volumes when you realize she is a Cowboy fan!

Now, for the Pet Scan results: nearly all of the lymphomas are gone and most of the areas are clear. That is definitely a praise!

The rest of the news is we are not in remission.  The  mantle cell tumor/mass in Stew's colon is still present, and it is "worsening" not improving. Statistically, it will not remain contained in just that one area. Chemo again is a possibility, but there is a question as to what impact it would have.  Dr. K. will be consulting with the Mantle Cell Specialist at MD Anderson and a doctor at Baylor. In fact, she called the doctor at Baylor while we were there. Surgery is not a normal option for mantle cell, but that is being considered as well.

As we were leaving we reminded her of how thankful we are that she is our doctor and that there are so many who are  praying for her both from the blog site and our son's Prayer for Dad face book page. She was very touched and said thank you.

She encouraged us to "rest, enjoy each day, don't worry, and that she was with us all the way."
As we parted ways, she tossed a comment back and said with a smile, "Tell your son Virginia is a good name for a baby girl!" We both burst out laughing. It felt good!

We will see her again, after having another colonoscopy on the 9th, to discuss options.

Thank you for praying, encouraging, and being a blessing in our lives.
Stew and Deb

 Even in a cancer clinic you can be reminded of God's caring love. This was on Anna's desk as we made our final stop on the way out of our new oncology clinic. She said she put it there to remind her of its truth, but left it there for others to see as well. Wise lady!

We believe in memorials that remind us of God's goodness and faithfulness in times past, and since He never changes, His goodness and faithfulness in the present and days yet to come. It is why we have Scripture on the walls of our home in strategic places, photographs of special moments and special people, prayer and praise journals, etc.
Here are two of my "present" reminders that I wear. One a gift from my sis, the other a gift from a friend who wears the same bracelet and is fighting her own very painful battle of a different kind. 

All that to say, after some rejoicing over the good news, and a few tears for the journey yet to come, 
God still has this!
Psalm 103







Wednesday, February 1, 2017

 Tomorrow...

The time has arrived! Found out a little while ago that Stew has an appointment with Dr.K. tomorrow morning at 10:30. He has been feeling stronger the past couple of weeks with no chemo. Believing the pet scan results will confirm what we have all prayed.


Stew and Noah, our oldest grandchild.


Hearts filled with gratitude.
Spirits filled with hope.

Stew and Deb
(Three posts today.. Hope you haven't gotten weary reading them all. Promise...it's not the norm!)
Image result for Picture of holding hands and praying together

You have been very faithful to pray with us these past several months. We are so thankful for you, and continually keep you in our prayers as we give thanks to the Father for you. We pray for His Will to be manifested in your life...on earth as it is in heaven.

But, we have a request for each of you. We want to be praying for you in the same way you are praying for us...for needs, healing, strength, relationships, wisdom, etc.

We hope you will give us the privilege and blessing to do so; to link hands and hearts with you as you have for us. 

Please text, call, email, or reply to this blog post. I have set it up so your request will not be seen on the blog site. We hope to hear from you.

With love,
Stew and Deb
stewanddeb@sbcglobal.net
214-491-9822

Again, I truly tell you that if  two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19-20

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer. Acts 1: 14

And they continued steadfastly together in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Acts 2:42

Let's Just Dance...

Stew had his Pet Scan completed on Friday. Blessing! We know the results were to be at our new Cancer Clinic on Monday, but when we will get them? We don't know. No appointments have been scheduled for Dr. K. as of yet.😊

But, God is constantly reminding us that...
         Life doesn't stop while we are waiting. 
                 So, live it!

          Grab moments...
                    make memories
                              And, dance!!

On that note, what are Stew and I going to do while we wait?  We are going to take country dance lessons beginning next Tuesday evening for four weeks. If we make it through half a lesson, 3/4ths of a lesson, or an entire lesson...we will still be enjoying life and making moments.

You are a joy to us!
Stew and Deb

*A note about waiting that we hope will encourage anyone who is waiting for an answer about anything.
With Greek meanings included...
Matthew 28:20- And, behold (see, know, consider, be aware, understand) I am with you always (at all times, in every when, daily, in every way, in every whatsoever and whosoever) to the end of the age.
Psalm 119:114-You are my hiding (covering, keep close, protection) place(standing, locality), and my shield (my protector, defender)
I hope(wait, be patient, stay, trust) in Your Word (answer, command, name, promise, message, power, provision, purpose, report).
Whatever we are waiting for, God is reminding us over and over again that it is not man's answer we are to be waiting for, and putting all our hope. This is true whether it is about a decision we face, a job applied for, a prayer prayed, a test taken, or a sickness we are fighting. Man's answer can help us, encourage us, and even discourage us. Ultimately though, it is His answer we are waiting on. Nothing on earth determines our now or our future. Only our Father...
When we look to Him as our place to stay, our place of hope, our place of trust, and yes, our  place of shelter where we wait patiently...look at what is ours:
an answer
a command
a promise
power
provision, and
purpose.

It's not always pleasant to wait and sometimes it is a continuous battle to do so,  but with our God it is always worth it! He is worth it!
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen."