A Timely Test (3/3/2007)

Hello to All!

Our doctor reported excellent results from Thursday's scans. The tumors in Ann's liver and bones remained stable, unchanged now over the last twelve weeks. Ann's lungs continue to be free of cancer. Most importantly, her liver is functioning normally, which indicates that the cancer present there has not caused damage.

The tests also confirm that Ann has held up remarkably well to the toxicity of the chemo. Her kidneys are functioning normally, which is unusual after eight rounds of this chemo regimen. Ann's brave heart is also functioning normally in spite of the chemo.

Thank you for praying this week for Ann. She was surprisingly calm yesterday as she endured the tests and was even relatively calm before today's appointment. Thank you for praying for Ann these last eight months. It may just be a coincidence that the chemo is killing the cancer without killing Ann. However, I'd be willing to bet that God is answering the persistent prayers of his people.

Dr. Steinert reiterated that "stable" is great news because it means that the cancer is not growing. The cancerous briquettes might have completely gone out, or they might still be smoldering. Time will be our test.

Four weeks without chemo. No blood work. No needles. No transfusions. No hospitals. The return to normalcy is welcome.
Four weeks without chemo. No sparring with the cancer. No lifeboat. Waiting and wondering. Walking by faith is frightening.

Please continue to pray. Now is the real test.

Luke 18:1:
Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart.

Hebrews 11:6:
And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Thank you for carrying us this far.

Love,
Howard & Ann