Hello to All,
In the big picture Ann's toleration of the chemo continues to be remarkable. Again, the doctor was very encouraging in her assessment. The current plan is to attempt the eight round maximum. Our gratitude for your prayers is beyond words.
The recovery period between Rounds 5 & 6 went relatively well. The extra week off helped Ann to regain some semblance of feeling "normal".
Yet, the time was not without a few set backs. Ann developed shingles about mid way through this recovery period. Fortunately, we noticed it early and Ann was able to take an effective prescription. The pain was only difficult for a few days.
Ann again needed a platelet and blood transfusion to sustain her between the rounds. When Ann received her first transfusion a few months ago, she was disappointed. She felt as though she had somehow failed because her body needed extra help to recover from the chemo. However, after enjoying the resulting infusion of strength and energy, she now views the transfusions as a gift from God, as a source of new life not an indication of failure. We are grateful to someone somewhere who willingly gave his/her blood to sustain Ann in this struggle. We are reminded of Jesus Christ who willingly shed his blood to purchase what we could not - forgiveness of sin and life after death.
1 Peter 1:18-19:
You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed--
not by perishable things like silver or gold,
but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, namely Christ.
Leaving the kids and I the day after Christmas to return to Houston was especially difficult for Ann. Laurie accompanied Ann at the hospital for a few days, then Sue took a turn. I flew to Houston for the last few days. Ann and I drove back to Dallas last evening and arrived in time to celebrate New Year's Eve with the kids, indulging in our traditional chocolate fondue.
When we first went to M.D. Anderson in September and learned that the initial sojourn in Houston would be five weeks and every third week after that, we were frustrated, disappointed, and angered. If God were to take Ann's life early, why add to the pain by separating her from the kids for these extended periods. However, the separation has given Ann a new appreciation for Jesus Christ's 30 year sojourn in Israel. The Son of God willingly left his Father in heaven to live among men. He was born in a manger so he could die on a cross. He was separated from His Father when he took our sins that we might be restored to the Father when we trust in him.
John 1:14, 3:16:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Prayer Requests:
- That we can maintain our trust in God's character and hope in his deliverance. At times it is really tough.
- That the tests on January 18th will show that the chemo is continuing to kill the cancer. (To be honest, we are hoping that the cancer is no longer visible.)
- That God would heal Ann in his time and way so that she can know our Grandchildren.
We pray that God will give you a new appreciation for the depth of his love as demonstrated by the death of his Son.
We love and appreciate you all.
Howard & Ann
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