Effective Chemo or an Awesome God (12/2/2006)

Hello!

We returned to Houston on Thursday for tests and met with the oncologist yesterday morning to review the results. We are encouraged that the test results again showed significant progress.

• The largest tumor in her liver shrunk another 50% since the middle of October.
• Many of the smaller tumors there are no longer visible.
• The total number of tumors has gone from dozens and dozens to about a dozen.
• The cancer in her bones remains stable. (MRI's can't really show a decrease, so stable is good news.)
• There is no evidence that the cancer has spread since the chemo has started.
  

The doctor continues to be pleased with Ann's tolerance of the chemo. Patients often have to quit this regimen because the side effects make the "quality of life" too unbearable.

The new plan is to go for the maximum of eight rounds - if Ann continues to hold up. Even if the cancer would appear to be gone after six rounds, prudence would dictate that we continue for eight.

Is God answering prayer or is the chemo effectively treating the cancer?

Philip Yancey, in his new book on prayer, writes words these words:

"In the normal course of providence, God works through and in creation, not despite it. For this reason, most answers to prayer are difficult to prove with any certainty."

Ann might just be really tough like Lance Armstrong. The chemo might be killing the cancer just as designed.

Yancey continues,

"We believe a prayer has been answered not because of any scientific criteria proving cause and effect, but because we have faith. Trusting in God's character, we can see in the relation between our prayer and an event more than a coincidence."

Prayer Requests:
Please join us in making the following items more than a coincidence:

• That Ann could focus on enjoying family and friends this month without contemplating what next year will bring.
• That Ann will hold onto hope, even when her body is tired and her emotions are spent.
• That Ann would continue to tolerate the chemo so that she can make it through eight rounds.
• That God would heal Ann in his time and in his way so that she can know our grandkids.
  

Psalms 33:18-20:
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

Thanks for praying and caring for us,
Howard & Ann

Giving Thanks (11/26/2006)

Hello to All,

Although 2006 was not the year we had hoped for, we are very grateful for God's presence and comfort, his provision and strength during the last six months. Here is our Top Ten List for giving thanks today.

10. Provision of a new job. I started with Tribridge (www.tribridge.com) at the end of March as a result of an interview with a competing consulting firm the previous September. I was an independent consultant prior to Tribridge - no sick or vacation time, no health insurance, and compensation based on billable work. My managers have graciously given me flexibility so that I can be with Ann in Houston.

9. Graduation from seminary. We are grateful that I graduated (May 13th) before the full force of the storm hit. Taking classes under the present circumstances would not be possible. Coming up a few classes short would have been exasperating.

8. Timing of my heart attack. We are thankful that my heart attack (May 15th) proceeded Ann's surgery and initial diagnosis (July 26th). Fortunately, I had regained much of my physical and emotional strength. It would have been messy if Ann's cancer had hit first.

7. Character of our doctor. Our doctor at M.D. Anderson is competent, confident, and compassionate. We need all three to have the strength and courage to fight.

6. Generosity of family and friends. Countless emails, cards, and calls have encouraged us. Delicious meals, bags of groceries, school lunch money, and gift cards have kept the kids from suffering with my cooking. Friends and family have sent generous gifts. Co-workers from Dallas and Florida have donated vacation time and cash. Our church in Iowa continues to give, as they have since we left nine years ago. Our home Bible study group here in Dallas has been indispensable. Don't go through a storm without one. We know that God has not abandoned us because you have been with us, bearing our burdens (Gal 6:2).

5. Sacrifice of our moms. Both our moms have put a portion of their lives on hold in order to help us out. Both have already been with us for extended stays. Ann's mom returned for Thanksgiving and will stay past Round 5. My mom is returning for Christmas and will stay past Round 6.

4. Courage of our kids. It's hard to know at times how our kids are doing. As might be expected we have had a number of family meltdowns. However, we take heart that teachers, youth pastors, and friends have all observed that the kids seem to be handling the separation, fear, and uncertainty quite well. We are grateful for your heartfelt prayers for our kids.

3. Faith of our friends. DeeDee, a nurse in Dallas, prayed for the initial diagnosis (90% certainty) to be wrong because God was the God of the 10%. She was right and the pathologist was wrong. Sergio, an elder in our church in Dallas, prayed for healing when I had no hope. I thought it was a nice gesture, but naive. Joe and Terry, a pastor who himself was healed from 4th stage melanoma (www.fbcwr.org), encouraged us to trust God for complete healing. It was ok for Ann to want to live and to be there for our grandkids. Charles, our pastor from Iowa, not only drove down for our first appointment with the oncologist, he is also leading the church to fight for Ann's life through prayer. Many of you have expressed your passionate prayer that Ann be healed. The list can go on and on. Your faith carries us when we are paralyzed (Mark 2:1-5).

2. Toleration of Chemo. Ann has completed four tough rounds of chemo and is holding up remarkably well. We expect that she will be able to make it through six rounds with this regimen. The test results after Round 2 indicated that the chemo was killing the cancer. We will have another group of tests on Thursday and will learn those results on Friday. We pray that six rounds will be enough.

1. The hope of Scriptures. We have been reading the Bible together each day since we first learned Ann had cancer. It was the only way we could deal with it. The Psalms provide us with comfort. The gospels provide us with hope. We believe in the resurrection of the dead (John 11:25) and we believe that Jesus heals in response to faith (Mark 10:51-52).

We hope that our Top Ten List will encourage you to see the Father in the midst of your own storm.

Thank you for your passionate prayers,
Howard & Ann
Paul, Drew, Hannah, & Matt

Recovery from Round 4 (11/21/2006)

Hello to All,

We returned from Houston a week ago after successfully completing Round 4. Our doctor was very pleased at how well Ann has tolerated the chemo. The immediate goal is to make it through Round 6. At that point the side effects of the chemo will be weighed against its effectiveness in retarding the cancer to determine if Ann continues two more rounds, takes a break, or tries another regimen. Ann is ready for a break.

When considering the toxic nature of her chemo regimen, Ann is doing tremendously well. She has only had occasional nausea, her internal organs are still functioning perfectly, and we have not had to postpone any treatments.

When considering what her "normal" life was like, she feels pretty crummy. She started to feel good after Round 3 on the day we returned to Houston for Round 4. She needed a platelet transfusion after Round 3. Today she will receive both a platelet and a blood transfusion. We need to expect that each round will be incrementally more difficult.

As might be expected the physical fatigue contributes to emotional fatigue and this recovery period has been the toughest emotionally. We are all tired of the stress.


Prayer Requests:

• That Ann would tolerate today's transfusions without any negative reactions. (The platelet transfusion last month resulted in a precautionary trip to the emergency room.)
• That Ann would enjoy Thanksgiving this week without worrying about what next Thanksgiving will bring.
• That God would completely heal Ann in his way and in his time so that she can know our grandchildren.
  

Psalm 90:13-15
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Do return, O LORD; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants.
O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, And the years we have seen evil.


Thanks for praying and caring for us.
Howard & Ann

JAJ 14 - ASC 0 (10/21/2006)

Hello to All,

Ann scored a couple of touchdowns at yesterday's doctor's appointment.

• Toleration. Dr. Steinert was very encouraged by how well Ann's body is tolerating the chemo, because it is a very toxic regimen. Ann's blood counts have rebounded well and she has had only mild nausea.
• Effectiveness. The chemo has been very effective in fighting the cancer after two cycles. The lesions on her liver were dramatically reduced. One large tumor went from 2.6 cm to 1.2 cm. Several of the smaller ones are now hardly visible. The lesions on her bones (spine, ribs, shoulder blades, and pelvis) showed no change. The doctor assumes that these lesions have also decreased, but it is difficult to confirm from the tests that were taken. There is no evidence that the cancer has spread to any new areas. The lungs remain clear.

Marc Mailleffer records the following testimony in his book God in the Storm, "It is so easy to become overwhelmed by the future and the questions that arise...Yet I have found that God gives strength for today and provides miracles along the way to show me that He is in control of this situation."

We believe that Ann miraculously scored because God answered your prayers. We are encouraged by this fresh evidence that He is in control in our storm.

Yet we are guarded in our optimism. We don't know the final outcome, or even know how long the battle will last, but we do know the referee (1 Cor 10:13).

Psalms 44:3-4:
It was not by the sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory.
It was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.

Prayer Requests:

• That Ann would handle Round 3 better than Round 2.
• That Ann would continue to stay healthy while her blood counts are low (that the kids and I would not get sick and get her sick).
• That the mild pain in Ann's back, which may be caused by the cancer, would subside - evidence that the cancer in the bones is being defeated.
• That God would heal Ann so that she can know our grandkids.
  

Thanks for cheering and praying for us.
Howard & Ann

A Friend's Sister in Idaho (10/19/2006)

Hello to All,

What do the following have in common?

• A friend's sister in Idaho
• A Baptist temple in Oklahoma City
• Iowa State friends from Singapore
• A college principal in Australia

Early in this storm we received an email from a friend here in Dallas who encouraged us with the news that her sister in Idaho was praying for us. It wasn't the first or the last of such emails, but it was the one that made me take notice. Certainly, God was at work if someone in Idaho, who didn't even know us, cared enough to pray.

Since I am former anal retentive accountant, I decided we would begin to keep track of all the states and countries where there were people praying. The current count is 12 countries and 30 states.

Countries: United States, Thailand, Peru, Columbia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, The Ukraine, Hungary, Ecuador, Albania, China and Texas.

States: Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, Idaho, California, Ohio, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Oregon, North Carolina, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Washington, Tennessee, Michigan, New Jersey, Colorado, and Alabama.

In his book God in the Storm Marc Mailleffer writes, "Remember this the next time you come alongside someone who's going through a storm. Don't ever think prayer is the least you can do. I believe it may be the best we can do for those in a storm."

Thank you for giving your best to us and others who are caught in a storm.

Ann and I are leaving for Houston momentarily and will spend the afternoon and evening undergoing a number of tests. We meet with Dr. Steinert at 1:00 pm on Friday to review the results and then start Round 3 around 3:00 pm. I will drive back on Monday morning and Ann will fly home on Wednesday.

Dread and fear are two words that capture our emotions.

2 Corinthians 1:10b-11a:
On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
as you help us by your prayers.

Prayer Requests:

• That Ann would have emotional strength to return to Houston on Thursday, to meet with the doctor, and to begin Round 3.
• That the tests on Thursday and Friday would show that the cancer has at least stabilized.
• That God would show his love and power to the kids while we are gone.
• That God would completely heal Ann in his time and in his way so that she might know our grandchildren.
  

Thanks for your concern and prayers,
Howard & Ann

What's Up with the Kids - Epilogue (10/15/2006)

Hello,

It appears that the chapter on our kid's health has thankfully concluded.

Hannah's knee surgery last Monday went well. Apart from her reaction to the anesthesia, which allowed her to set the family upchuck record, she have been recovering very quickly. Her knee should be as good as new after three weeks of rehabilitation - just in time for basketball season.

The doctor's determined that Drew's heart and liver were both healthy. The tests had just recorded variations of normal that is common with teenage athletes. His chest pains during soccer were likely a result of asthma.

The hematologist determined that Paul's platelet counts were also normal for a teenager. He just needs to eat more red meat because he is slightly anemic. Paul laughed about his plight because we have become a chicken-only household thanks to my heart.

Our determination to hide Matt from doctors continues.

I have been experiencing more frequent chest pains over the last month, so I had a nuclear stress test on Wednesday. The cardiologist concluded that my stints were open and my heart was functioning fine. Apparently, I'm just a bit stressed out. The great news is that my cholesterol had dropped down to 117. I will keep eating that chicken, but will also indulge in a few more chocolate desserts.

Ann has enjoyed being home these last two weeks. She has been able to see Matt play football, watch Drew play soccer, help Hannah recover from surgery, and shop with Paul for his girlfriend's homecoming mum.

The second week was much better than the first, both physically and emotionally. (It seems that emotional strength is often impacted by how one feels physically.) She and her mom decorated the house for Fall on Thursday, which was a pleasant surprise and a welcomed symbol of normalcy.

The highlight was spending yesterday afternoon and evening in a nearby state park with friends from our Bible study who were camping. It was great to be out of the city and to see trees instead of buildings and to hear silence rather than traffic.


Prayer Requests:

• That Ann would have emotional strength to return to Houston on Thursday, to meet with the doctor, and to begin Round 3.
• That the tests on Thursday and Friday would show that the cancer has at least stabilized.
• That God would show his love and power to the kids while we are gone.
• That God would completely heal Ann in his time and in his way so that she might know our grandchildren.
  

Psalm 34:17-18:
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.


Thanks for praying and caring for us,
Howard & Ann

Hey, It's Good to Be Back Home Again (10/2/2006)

Hello to All,

Ann and I returned from Houston this afternoon, having completed her second round of chemo, just in time to eat supper together as a family. We are now thankful for things we previously took for granted.

The second round of chemo was tougher than the first - both physically and emotionally. We have heard from fellow warriors that this is often the case. We will return to Houston on October 19th for tests to see if the cancer is growing, has stabilized, or is shrinking.

Some of the kids spent the weekend with friends; some stayed here at home. Fortunately, the house was still standing when returned and truly looked great. Each child has stepped up in his or her own way to help out.

Ann will be here in Dallas for about 2 1/2 weeks to rest and recover. Her mother comes from St. Joseph on Wednesday to help handle some of the "mom" things, so that so that Ann won't try to.

Prayer Re-Runs:

• That Ann would enjoy being a mom without acting like a mom while here at home.
• That the tests on October 19th would show that the cancer has at least stabilized.
• That God would completely heal Ann in his time and in his way so that she might know our grandchildren.
  

Psalm 30:2-3:
O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

Thanks for your prayers and concern,
Howard & Ann

The Second Round (10/1/2006)

Hello to All,

I stole a few minutes to watch part of Cinderella Man a couple of weeks ago. Towards the end of the movie James Braddock drove off to Madison Square Garden to fight the bigger, stronger, younger world champion. His wife fearfully avoided a ringside seat, but walked to her church to pray for his safety. She found a packed house when she arrived – dozens of family and friends had already filled the pews to pray for his safety and victory. Their prayers impacted the outcome of the fight.

Even though I had seen the movie before, I was especially gripped by that scene given our present circumstances. Thank you for the calls, cards, and emails. There are times that we feel like throwing in the towel. Your encouragement keeps us fighting. Thank you for praying for our safety and victory. Your prayers are impacting the outcome of this fight.

Round 2:
Laurie drove Ann back to Houston this afternoon so that Ann can begin her second round of chemo on Thursday morning. I fly down on Saturday and hope to bring Ann back Monday afternoon. She will then be at home for a little over two weeks before the next cycle begins.

Prayer Requests:

• That God would strengthen and heal Ethan and Darla; Chris, Ray, and Linda; Lisa, Nancy, and Judy… each is in their own ring with an overwhelming foe.
• That Ann would respond to this round nearly as well as she did the first one.
• That God would heal Ann so that she can know our grandchildren.
  

Exodus 17:11-13:
As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-- one on one side, one on the other-- so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Thanks for holding us up in this battle.

In Christ,
Howard & Ann

The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful (9/25/2006)

Hello to All,

In his book "When Heaven is Silent" Ron Dunn writes, "Good and bad run on parallel tracks, and they usually arrive about the same time."

Cancer was evil this week, but God has countered with good.

The Bad. We met with the doctor on Friday to learn the results of the MRI and bone scan. Both tests confirmed that the cancer had spread to her pelvic bones and to her spine.
The Good. Though the tumors are in a number of her vertebrae, the cancer has not invaded the spinal column that surrounds her spinal cord. Also, there is no immediate danger of bone breakage.

The Bad. A mom separated from her kids, husband, home, and friends.
The Good. A surrogate family and several friends in Houston.
The Good. A road trip by the four kids, well-stocked with junk food from friends, to spend the weekend with Ann. We waded in the waves and played football on the beach on Saturday.
The Good. A road trip back to Dallas with Ann in the front seat. Much to the surprise of the kids, the doctor had released Ann to go home early because her blood counts had rebounded.

The Bad. Ann's hair began to fall out over the weekend.
The Good. The chemo is killing fast growing cells in her body, like hair and cancer.
The Beautiful. Joan, Laurie, and Shayne gave Ann a "trim" and then took her to Starbucks for comfort. Her new hair looks great.

Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.

The Kids:

• We will learn the results of Paul's bone marrow biopsy on Friday.
• Drew's liver and heart are both clear.
• Hannah will have arthroscopic surgery on her knee on October 9th.
• We continue to hide Matt from all medical personnel.
  

Prayer Requests:

• That Ann could enjoy being a mom for a few days without acting like a mom.
• That the chemo would halt the growth of the tumors.
• That God would heal Ann so that she can know our grandchildren.
  

Thank you all for your prayer and concern.

In Christ,
Howard & Ann

What's Up with the Kids? (9/21/2006)

Hello,

Ann warned me that my last email was too brief. Based on some of your responses, I guess I should have listened to her.

Hannah hurt her knee sometime this summer and appears to have aggravated it this fall in volleyball. We went to the family doctor who sent us to an orthopedic one. He suspects that her swelling is caused by “placa” (swollen tissue) in her knee and ordered an MRI to confirm this. We will find out the results on Wednesday. A scope procedure on her knee may be required.

The family doctor found two abnormalities with Drew at his annual physical. His blood work showed a possible problem with his liver in that his bilirubin counts were high. They were normal when tested again last Thursday. Also, his heart appeared to have some abnormal thickening in the walls so he sent us to a cardiologist. Drew had an echocardiogram today and the cardiologist confirmed that his heart was functioning perfectly. The thickening is typical of young athletes.

The family doctor found that Paul’s platelets were elevated this summer. They remained at an elevated level when he rechecked them a few weeks ago, so he sent us to a hematologist last Friday. That doctor said the slightly elevated levels were common in teenagers and that he did not suspect any problems. However, he ordered a bone marrow biopsy just to be safe. We find out the results of that test a week from Friday.

Matt will not be getting a physical anytime soon.

Thank you all for your love, concern, and prayers.

In Christ,
Howard

Good Wig Hunting & More Testing (9/17/2006)

Hello from Houston & Dallas,

From Houston:
Ann had a good week this week and is regularly encouraged by emails, cards, and phone calls. She is well cared for by her new friends, but misses being home with us. She is completing her first of two weeks of “rest” between chemo treatments. She has felt well physically and only had slight nausea on a few days. Ann handled her MRI courageously and without incident.

The highlight of the week was the visit by two friends from the neighborhood who brought Hannah. They spent the weekend with Ann and visited the beach in Galveston for a bit. Most importantly, they accompanied Ann on her successful hunt for a wig – a task for which I am not well suited.

I will return to Houston Thursday evening and we meet with the doctor on Friday to learn the results of the MRI and bone scans. The kids will join us on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Everyone is genuinely looking forward to the family reunion.

From Dallas:
Hannah had a MRI on her knee on Wednesday. Drew had a blood test for his liver on Thursday (Its ok!); he visits the cardiologist on Monday. Paul had a bone marrow biopsy on Friday. Please pray for Matt.

I stayed home from Houston this weekend to rest my heart.

Plays of the Week:

• Joan, Laurie, and Hannah visiting Ann and helping her bag an awesome wig.
• Meals, groceries, gift cards, and airline tickets from family, friends, neighbors, and soccer moms.
• Going to breakfast with each of the kids prior to their doctor’s appointments.
  

Prayer Requests:

• That the results of Ann’s MRI and bone scans would confirm that the cancer has not spread to her bones.
• That the results of the kid’s tests would be negative and no follow up would be required.
• That Howard’s heart (figuratively and physically) would stay strong.
• That God would heal Ann so that she would live to know her grandchildren.
  

1 Corinthians 10:13:
No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others.
And God is faithful: he will not let you be tested beyond what you are able to bear.
But with the trial will also provide a way out
so that you may be able to endure it.


Believing that His word is true,
Howard & Ann

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

Why even bother to pray? (9/8/2006)

Hello to All,

A few months ago I had a rare deep thought:

"Since God is sovereign, knows the future, and has everything planned, then prayer is an exercise for relating to him. When we pray for others, we fellowship with God and will be blessed for serving others. However, it doesn't make an ultimate difference in any outcome."

Fortunately, my deep thoughts are rare. Perhaps I was punch-drunk from suffering a heart attack the day after graduation from seminary and dealing with Ann's on-again, off-again, on-again threat of cancer. Perhaps it just the logical conclusion of one who focuses in God's sovereignty without appreciating his intimacy.

I still steadfastly hold to the first and second sentence. However, thanks to all of you I have had to eat the words of the third sentence and confess my lack of faith.

Wednesday evening Ann was very apprehensive about the procedure for inserting the CVC lines (semi-permanent IV) and for starting the infusion of chemo into her system. It's no longer a bad dream from which we hope to awaken, but our reality. Yesterday, you prayed for Ann to courageously face the first chemo treatment. She was calm all day. The insertion of the CVC line went well and she wasn't fearful. Then the infusion almost seemed like a non-event. Ann didn't wig out or even cry. Her peace was truly beyond understanding. Yesterday's outcome was impacted by your prayers.

If this was the first time that we had seen God answer specific prayer in the last few months then I could write it off as coincidental. I have seen enough to know that fervent prayer impacts the outcome of our lives. I am encouraged to pray with more confidence about our situation, and about the sufferings of family and friends.

Please be encouraged to pray for your and our situation with boldness.

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for Ann's continued good response to the chemo. So far so good. No nausea or other side effects. She will be receiving chemo through Sunday evening.
• Please pray for Ann's complete healing so that she can know our grandchildren.

James 5:16:
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.


Thanks for standing with us.

In His love,
Howard & Ann

Discouraged, but Steadfast (9/7/2006)

Hello,

This is the latest from Houston.

The Storm:
We received great news from last week's tests - no sign of cancer in the lungs or the cavity where the spleen was. Also, the fluid in her chest cavity had not returned.

Unfortunately, we also received some discouraging news. "Too many to count" was the report's description concerning the cancerous lesions on her liver. Also, the doctor is suspicious that the cancer has spread to her bones in the pelvic region and in her spine. Ann will have some more tests in the next few weeks to verify this suspicion.

Ann starts chemo this afternoon around 3:00 pm. One chemo will be slowly dripped for 72 hours. The other will be received once per day for four days.

Play of the Day:
I started a new computer consulting job in March (http://www.blogger.com/www.tribridge.com). Little did I know what a God-send this job was. Not only am I no longer self-employed, but the environment is very supportive. I work with great people.

I had already used up more than my allotted vacation time due to my heart attack in May, so I was concerned how this time in Houston would affect things. Tuesday, I received word that several people had donated some of their vacation time to me. This is particular amazing because some of the folks work in Florida, and I have not even met them.

Prayer Requests:

Courage to face the chemo this afternoon. I'm sure the first one is the most difficult emotionally. Healing in God's time and way so that Ann can know her grandchildren.


Psalm 112:7:
He will have no fear of bad news.
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Thank you for standing with us.

In His love,
Howard & Ann

Separation Anxiety (9/5/2006)

Hello,

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.

Psalm 91:1-4:
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

Trip to M.D. Anderson (8/28/2006)

Hello,

We are trying to get a more bit organized about getting information out to our friends and family, so here is the first email update on Ann.

As most of you know, Ann was recently diagnosed with angiosarcoma. This is a rare cancer of the blood vessels, with about 60 new cases reported per year in the US. Her specific type originated in the spleen. There are only about 150 cases of this type of angiosarcoma reported in the medical journals. The good news is that her spleen was successfully removed a few weeks ago. The bad news is that the cancer had spread to her liver. The weight of that diagnosis has been overwhelming.

Ann and I will be heading to Houston on Thursday to visit the sarcoma unit at M.D. Anderson hospital. Our first appointment is Friday afternoon and we may be there for 3-5 business days. My mom will be down to stay with the kids and keep the house in order while we are gone. The purpose of the trip is to learn what treatment options are available and then make a decision.

We would appreciate your prayers. We have seen God graciously act in numerous ways thus far and we are confident that he will continue to be with us. Here are some specifics:

• Pray for our emotional strength as we are again confronted with the reality of our situation.
• Pray for wisdom as we consider treatment options, including possible clinical studies.
• Pray that God would heal Ann in his way and time, so that she can live to know our grandchildren (specifically Matt's, who is 10).

I have always heard people say that they appreciated people's prayer as they went difficult storms. It is not a cliché.

We love you and appreciate your heart-felt prayers. We know that God loves us because of family and friends who demonstrate his care.

Ps. 33:16-18
No king is saved by the size of his army;
No warrior escapes by his great strength...
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
On those who hope in his unfailing love,
To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Thanks,
Howard and Ann