We had a productive, but difficult trip to M.D. Anderson last Friday.
The Storm:
We really liked the doctor as she was confident, competent, and compassionate. She specializes in sarcomas and feels that Ann's cancer, even though aggressive, is treatable. It should be responsive to the chemo and it is possible for the tumors to stabilize, shrink, or even disappear. Unfortunately, since the cancer is aggressive, it can also return quickly after chemo treatments have ended. If this happens another regimen of chemo would begin.
We return to Houston on Tuesday and hope to begin chemotherapy on Thursday. The treatment is an aggressive three week cycle consisting of one week of chemo and two weeks of recovery. We are expecting 6-8 cycles in this first regimen.
Because of the toxic nature of the chemo, Ann will need to be under her oncologist's watchful eye in Houston. Therefore, Ann will live in Houston for the first four weeks and then one week out of three after that. As you might image this separation will be painful for all.
God's Goodness:
We are looking for God's hand in all of this, so we have begun tracking His acts of provision and love as a means of focusing on His goodness to us during this storm. I'll share two from this last week.
On Friday a friend prayed through Psalm 91 on our behalf, asking that we would find refuge in the shadow of his wings through the care of the doctor. At the beginning of our appointment, the doctor saw the photo of our family and asked about our children. At the end of our appointment I attempted to express my gratitude for rescheduling our appointment 19 days earlier. When I became too emotional to speak she held my hand and placed her hand on Ann's to let us know that she understood and cared.
Living in Houston for a month was not what we had anticipated. Yet, God has already provided several offers for housing. In addition, the family that we stayed with introduced us to a mom in her bible study. This woman graciously offered to take Ann to the hospital for blood work, when I am back in Dallas.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray that God would emotionally strengthen all of us while Ann is in Houston, the kids are in Dallas, and I alternate between the two cities.
- Pray that God would emotionally strengthen Ann to face the chemo and physically strengthen her body to handle to the chemo.
- Pray that God would heal Ann in his way and time, so that she can live to know our grandchildren.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Thank you for your love and prayers,
Howard and Ann
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