Separation Anxiety, Part 2 (9/10/2006)

Hello from Houston,

We are back at M.D. Anderson this evening as Ann is receiving her fourth and final chemo infusion for this first cycle. She returns tomorrow evening to receive a high-priced neulasta shot, which will help rebuild her immune system. Thankfully, Ann will also get to leave her "back pack" behind tomorrow night. (She has been carrying one of her "medicines" with her in order for it to drip continuously for 72 hours.) She will then have two weeks off before another cycle starts.

Ann continues to do remarkably well. For the most part she has not had any nausea. She is just kind of tired. We are so thankful for your passionate and persistent prayers.

I will make the four hour trip back to Dallas in the morning and head straight to work. I hope to eat dinner with the kids tomorrow evening. I will return Friday afternoon with at least one of the kids.

Ann is in great hands here in Houston. We are staying with old friends that we just met. A neighbor will run Ann to M.D. Anderson for her blood work every other day.

Feel free to give Ann a call next week on her cell phone, especially if you are on Cingular or if it is after 7:00 pm (free minutes!).

Plays of the Day:

• A third grader in our host's (Sue) Sunday School class spontaneously suggested that her classmates bring their spare change next week to help us with parking expenses at M.D. Anderson.
• Our home Bible study group in Dallas prayed with us over the phone at the start of their meeting. We could not travel this road without their love and support.

Prayer Requests:

• That Ann will be emotionally strong while separated from the kids and me.
• That Howard will be patient with the kids this week, even though tired.
• That Ann will be emotionally prepared for the MRI on Wednesday and that there will be no sign of cancer in her bones.
• That God will heal Ann so that she can know her grandchildren.
  

Psalm 103:2-5:
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Thanks for all of the cards and emails. We may not have a chance to answer them, but know that they are a great encouragement to us. Thanks especially for your prayers.

In Christ,
Howard & Ann