Hello to All!
The last four weeks have been fantastic. No chemo, no needles, and no trips to Houston. This was our longest break since September. Ann's pep and energy is returning. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are growing and she even has a little fuzz on her head. The anti-depressant the doctor prescribed helped take the edge off of the darkness, hopelessness and grief.
We had two great weeks of Spring Break during this last month. The three younger kids were off first. Ann was able to have a date for a day with each of them individually. Then Paul came home for a week and we had a great time with him as well. We really enjoyed the simple things: telling our day's "Highs & Lows" around the dinner table; watching the Dallas Mavericks win 9 games in a row; pigging out on chips and salsa at a local Mexican restaurant; and laughing while playing a board game with some friends. Thank you for praying for our Spring Break.
We returned to Houston last Wednesday for scans and an appointment with a "complementary care" doctor who talked with us about nutrition (including supplements), exercise, and stress management. He felt that all three items were critical in helping the fight with cancer.
We met with the oncologist on Friday to review the results of the scans. She excitedly told us the good news, that the cancer had remained stable over the four week vacation from chemo treatments. It had not grown at all. In fact she said the lesions on Ann's liver "kind of looked dead." These were by far the most optimistic words that we have heard from her. We are a long way from shore, but we are incredible grateful for where we are. Thank you for praying for our break from chemo.
The plan now is to take a six week break before returning to Houston for more tests and a visit with the oncologist just before Mother's Day. Please pray that another break from chemo will follow this one. We truly believe that Ann is where she is because of prayer.
Psalms 103:1-5:
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
With all that is within me, praise his holy name!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Do not forget all his kind deeds!
He is the one who forgives all your sins,
who heals all your diseases,
who delivers your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with his loyal love and compassion,who satisfies your life with good things, so your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
Prayer Requests:
- That God will fill us with his peace as we trust him during these next six weeks.
- That God would give Ann another break from chemo for Mother's Day.
- That God would heal Ann so that her grandkids can know her love, character, and faith.
"She's Been In There Long Enough"
I have attached an email that I received from Keith, a close friend from college, who grew up on a farm outside Clarinda, Iowa. Keith describes how a neighbor rescued his dad from a manure pit after exclaiming, "He's been in there long enough." The story is a picture of God's deliverance and was a great encouragement to us. Perhaps it will help you to trust "The God who Delivers" in your own situation.
Thank you for loving, praying and caring for us.
Love,Howard & Ann
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