NOTE: For the next several days, I plan to update this post at the bottom of what I have already written below. If you have already visited the blog and read the history, simply scroll down to the bottom of this initial posting. I will begin each additional post with the date of the updated information. Thanks to so many of you who have visited and left notes of encouragement. We are being carried by your care for us. Andy
LAST UPDATE: January 10, 2007 12:40 AM (Scroll Down)
December 5th to December 28th
Our first posting here marks the beginning of a new journey of faith for our family. While we wish that we had both the time, and the strength to speak to each of you individually, we simply don’t. Although this medium is not even a close substitute to personal dialogue, we are thankful for technology that allows us to communicate with our family and friends on a large scale. We plan to use this forum in the coming days to keep you up to date and informed.
History
In October, Muggs developed a persistent cough, and experienced some discomfort in her upper chest near the right shoulder. When the pain began to disrupt her sleep, she scheduled an appointment with her doctor, whom we saw on December 5th. When the nurse took Muggs' vitals, she observed that her heart rate was a bit elevated. Because she also complained of some wheezing, the nurse also tested her lung function. The nurse indicated on the medical record that Muggs had the lung function consistent with that of an 84 year old woman. Because of the elevated heart rate, the doctor ordered an EKG, which was normal. The doctor wisely ordered an echocardiogram, chest x-ray and CT Scan.
On Thursday December 7th, we returned to Muggs’ doctor to discuss the results of the tests. The x-ray revealed, and the CT confirmed that there was a “suspicious mass” in the upper lobe of her right lung. For those who may not know, Muggs battled Hodgkin's Disease as a teenager. The doctor suggested that perhaps the radiation Muggs received as treatment could have led to the development of a tumor. She also indicated that the “mass” could be a fungal infection or possibly scar tissue. While the doctor left these open as possibilities, her tone of voice and body language indicated that she thought the problem to be more serious. As you might imagine, we left the doctor’s office very frightened. God graciously allowed our first glimpse into the possibility of a serious trial with cancer.
On Monday, Dec. 11, we met with a pulmonologist. He expressed concern about the mass, and told us that the mass was blocking the bronchus, and had caused the upper right lobe to collapse. The doctor explained a couple of options for further testing, and decided to schedule a procedure to aspirate some pleural fluid that had accumulated around the lung, and to have it tested for the presence of cancer cells. We were told the procedure had a 50/50 chance of revealing the problem. We were scheduled for a follow-up appointment on Thursday December 14th. Our prayer as we waited to hear the results was for a “definitive and conclusive answer.”
God graciously answered our prayers for quick answer. The pleural fluid clearly showed the presence of adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. As we understand it, this is the form most commonly found in no-smokers.
Our Response
We went to the doctor initially, expecting to come away with some "benign" diagnosis, and a prescription, but that wasn't to be. Obviously we were taken aback by the doctor's diagnosis. While we knew there was a possibility that this mass was something less serious, the doctor's behavior led us to believe that what we were facing was much more serious. When Muggs' General Practitioner expressed her concern over what she was seeing, my (Andy) first tendency was to journey down the road of fear. (Even as I write this, my tendency is to become fearful) Down in the lobby of the building, we embraced, still in shock over the news of a "suspicious mass". Having recently celebrated 20 years of marriage, I remember embracing Muggs and recounting God's kindness to us over the last 20 years. He has indeed been so kind - and His kindness towards us is unceasing, even to this present moment.
We have relied on the wisdom of others to help guide us as we have walked through the early days of this trial. John Butler, our pastor here in Atlanta, and his wife, Bev, have under-girded us with kindness, wisdom, instruction, and lots of prayer. Gene and Liz Emerson, our friends from Richmond have also been kind to care for us - giving us counsel and interceding on our behalf. For those who may not know, Gene is the pastor of Kingsway Community Church, the church we attended in Richmond, Virginia. Scott Hollis, our Care Group Leader and his wife Teresa have also ministered to us, and cared for us as we have walked this road over the last few weeks - we are so grateful for their care. So many of you have prayed for us, served us, and cared for us as well. We are so grateful to God for you, and the way you have ministered life to us.
When he informed our local church of our present situation, our pastor, John Butler chose a passage from the opening chapter of James. These verses have helped frame our approach to this trial, and have helped us get a glimpse into God's purpose for us during this season. We have also received great comfort from a book that Bev Butler (John's wife) shared with us - Secure in the Everlasting Arms, by Elisabeth Elliott. We have since ordered several copies to share with others! Here's the passage from James, followed by some sage instruction from Ms. Elliott:
LAST UPDATE: January 10, 2007 12:40 AM (Scroll Down)
December 5th to December 28th
Our first posting here marks the beginning of a new journey of faith for our family. While we wish that we had both the time, and the strength to speak to each of you individually, we simply don’t. Although this medium is not even a close substitute to personal dialogue, we are thankful for technology that allows us to communicate with our family and friends on a large scale. We plan to use this forum in the coming days to keep you up to date and informed.
History
In October, Muggs developed a persistent cough, and experienced some discomfort in her upper chest near the right shoulder. When the pain began to disrupt her sleep, she scheduled an appointment with her doctor, whom we saw on December 5th. When the nurse took Muggs' vitals, she observed that her heart rate was a bit elevated. Because she also complained of some wheezing, the nurse also tested her lung function. The nurse indicated on the medical record that Muggs had the lung function consistent with that of an 84 year old woman. Because of the elevated heart rate, the doctor ordered an EKG, which was normal. The doctor wisely ordered an echocardiogram, chest x-ray and CT Scan.
On Thursday December 7th, we returned to Muggs’ doctor to discuss the results of the tests. The x-ray revealed, and the CT confirmed that there was a “suspicious mass” in the upper lobe of her right lung. For those who may not know, Muggs battled Hodgkin's Disease as a teenager. The doctor suggested that perhaps the radiation Muggs received as treatment could have led to the development of a tumor. She also indicated that the “mass” could be a fungal infection or possibly scar tissue. While the doctor left these open as possibilities, her tone of voice and body language indicated that she thought the problem to be more serious. As you might imagine, we left the doctor’s office very frightened. God graciously allowed our first glimpse into the possibility of a serious trial with cancer.
On Monday, Dec. 11, we met with a pulmonologist. He expressed concern about the mass, and told us that the mass was blocking the bronchus, and had caused the upper right lobe to collapse. The doctor explained a couple of options for further testing, and decided to schedule a procedure to aspirate some pleural fluid that had accumulated around the lung, and to have it tested for the presence of cancer cells. We were told the procedure had a 50/50 chance of revealing the problem. We were scheduled for a follow-up appointment on Thursday December 14th. Our prayer as we waited to hear the results was for a “definitive and conclusive answer.”
God graciously answered our prayers for quick answer. The pleural fluid clearly showed the presence of adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. As we understand it, this is the form most commonly found in no-smokers.
Our Response
We went to the doctor initially, expecting to come away with some "benign" diagnosis, and a prescription, but that wasn't to be. Obviously we were taken aback by the doctor's diagnosis. While we knew there was a possibility that this mass was something less serious, the doctor's behavior led us to believe that what we were facing was much more serious. When Muggs' General Practitioner expressed her concern over what she was seeing, my (Andy) first tendency was to journey down the road of fear. (Even as I write this, my tendency is to become fearful) Down in the lobby of the building, we embraced, still in shock over the news of a "suspicious mass". Having recently celebrated 20 years of marriage, I remember embracing Muggs and recounting God's kindness to us over the last 20 years. He has indeed been so kind - and His kindness towards us is unceasing, even to this present moment.
We have relied on the wisdom of others to help guide us as we have walked through the early days of this trial. John Butler, our pastor here in Atlanta, and his wife, Bev, have under-girded us with kindness, wisdom, instruction, and lots of prayer. Gene and Liz Emerson, our friends from Richmond have also been kind to care for us - giving us counsel and interceding on our behalf. For those who may not know, Gene is the pastor of Kingsway Community Church, the church we attended in Richmond, Virginia. Scott Hollis, our Care Group Leader and his wife Teresa have also ministered to us, and cared for us as we have walked this road over the last few weeks - we are so grateful for their care. So many of you have prayed for us, served us, and cared for us as well. We are so grateful to God for you, and the way you have ministered life to us.
When he informed our local church of our present situation, our pastor, John Butler chose a passage from the opening chapter of James. These verses have helped frame our approach to this trial, and have helped us get a glimpse into God's purpose for us during this season. We have also received great comfort from a book that Bev Butler (John's wife) shared with us - Secure in the Everlasting Arms, by Elisabeth Elliott. We have since ordered several copies to share with others! Here's the passage from James, followed by some sage instruction from Ms. Elliott:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
We are trusting in God's sovereign plan for us during this season. While we don't know the "why", we are getting more comfortable with mystery, and with walking by faith. One thing we know for sure... God's purpose for us is to conform us to the image of His Son, and trials are a part of this process.
Even though our confidence is in God, I (Andy) have battled fear along the way - usually at some point in most every day. But God does not give us faith for our imagination - hear what Elliot has to say:
"We are meddling with God's business when we let all manner of imaginings loose, predicting disaster,contemplating possibilities instead of following, one day at a time, God's plain and simple pathway. When we try to meet difficulties prematurely we have neither the light nor the strength for them yet. 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be' was Moses' blessing for Asher - in other words, your strength will equal your days. God knows how to apportion each one's strength according to that day's need, however great or small" (Secure in the Everlasting Arms, Elisabeth Elliott, 2002).
First Oncology Appointment Today ... Hospital Tomorrow!
Muggs saw the oncologist for the first time today (12/28). The purpose of this visit was to review the results of the P.E.T. Scan - this is a procedure that shows the metabolism and the function of cells. Basically, an isotope that is injected "lights-up" any cancer cells and allows the doctors to know whether the cancer has metastasized or spread to other areas. The scan showed that the cancer has spread to one lymph node, but nothing beyond this one node. While our hope was that the tumor be isolated to the one area of the lung, we are very grateful that there is no cancer present in any other organ or system. Praise God for this!
However, since the one node is involved, surgery is not an option at this point. Unfortunately, neither is radiation therapy. Because Muggs received radiation treatment in her teenage years, the doctors are concerned about tissue tolerance from additional radiation, particularly since the lungs, and spinal column are in the radiation "field". So, at present, the doctors will be treating the cancer with chemotherapy. The initial plan is for her to take the chemotherapy once every three weeks, for a total of 6 treatments. There will be a CT Scan after every other treatment to monitor the size of the tumor, and a P.E.T. Scan at the end of the chemo treatment.
Lately, Muggs has been experiencing severe pain in her chest and shoulder area. She has also experienced significant pain in her hip. The doctor believes that these are all related, and are being caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural cavity. So, the oncologist has decided to admit her to the hospital on Friday (December 29th). A thoracic surgeon will drain the fluid around the lung - he will leave the chest tube in for a couple of days so that the fluid drains completely. He will also inject a substance into the pleural cavity to cause the wall of the lung to "cling" to the wall of the chest cavity-hopefully to prevent a recurrence of the fluid build-up. We expect Muggs will be in the hospital for 4 -5 days. While Muggs is in the hospital, the oncologist plans to administer the first round of chemotherapy, and experiment with some additional pain relief treatments.
God was faithful again today! We have been praying for a plan of action to start quickly, and couldn't be more pleased with the speed at which the doctors have moved along the testing, diagnosis, and treatment. In the the meantime, we covet your prayers for us. Here is how you can pray specifically:
- That God would continue to give us His peace during this trial, and that we would respond by "pressing-in" to Him, and walking in the good of His care for us.
- That we would hear from Him and not be tossed about by our fears and imaginations.
- That God would heal Muggs
- That God would give the doctors wisdom as they treat Muggs, and that she would have relief from the pain she is experiencing
- That the cancer would respond completely to the chemotherapy
Please visit the blog again, as I will post updates as there is new information to share.We are so grateful for your love and care for us...
For the family,
Andy
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27
UPDATE: December 30 6:30 AM
UPDATE: December 30 6:30 AM
Yesterday was a marathon day for us! We got Muggs settled into her room at about 11:30 am - then the waiting began. The initial activity is amazing. Medical questions, vital signs, fluids, blood work, etc. Let me provide some perspective... when we saw the oncologist for the first time on Thursday, we made her aware of the pain and shortness of breath Muggs was experiencing. That's when she ordered the procedure for which Muggs is now hospitalized. Here's the rub... of the three doctors in the thoracic medicine practice, one was on vacation, one is semi-retired, leaving only one surgeon working this week. The oncologist called the practice, and found that the earliest that Muggs could be seen for a consultation was next Wednesday January 3rd. However, the staff person at the practice said to the oncologist: "You know, Dr. Mayfield is on call this weekend". This was all the oncologist needed to hear, so she wrote orders to admit Muggs this weekend, knowing that Dr. Mayfield would see her on his rounds, do the consultation, and schedule the surgery - so, the oncologist ran a "trick play" and here we are!
We saw Dr. Long about mid-afternoon, she dropped-by - more as a courtesy I think, just to check on Muggs. (I'm sure there will be a bill for that!) However, we did not see Dr. Mayfield until about 10 pm last night - his day was longer than ours! We were grateful that he made it to her. He was very helpful and kind, and was patient as he asked all of the pertinent questions, and answered ours. He explained the procedure that Muggs would be undergoing, and what we could expect. I won't take the time to explain it here, but it is a relatively simple (for him)procedure, involving three small incisions. Dr. Mayfield told us that benefit from the procedure would be immediate, and that she would be feeling and breathing better by this afternoon. We praise God for that! We expect the surgery to take place sometime between 12 and 1 today.
Please pray that God would give HIS wisdom to the surgeon, and guide his hands as he operates on Muggs - and that the surgery would accomplish its intended purpose. Please pray also that Muggs does well in recovery, as she doesn't tolerate general anesthesia well. Thanks for standing in the gap for us. We love you!
UPDATE: December 30th 2:15 PM
I met with he surgeon, and Muggs did well during the procedure. It will take a couple of days until they know the "clinical success" but he expects a good outcome.
I was once again besieged with fear as I considered the battle ahead. As I exited the parking garage to take Muggs' mother back to our house, the Lord spontaneously brought one particular stanza of an old hymn to my memory, and it resonates in my soul. Perhaps you are fighting fear as well - if so, then hear God's heart for you:
"When through fiery trials your pathway may lie; My Grace all-sufficient shall be your supply. The flame shall not hurt you my only design, your dross to consume and your gold to refine".
First, thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to post comments to the blog. Many readers have indicated that the updates have been helpful to them, but perhaps we are the ones who receive the greatest benefit. As the comments come across (I receive them almost immediately on by blackberry) we are reminded of God's specific care for us through his people. How encouraging it is to be sitting by Muggs' beside and while there receive word that someone is interceding on our behalf. Late into the evening last evening, Jeff Fornier left a comment and included a verse from Isaiah. Before leaving the hospital a bit ago, I read this scripture to Muggs as I prayed for her.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I am with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you".
Although I am not able to respond to the comments as I receive them, please know that I read them immediately. Many times, I pass them to Muggs right away. Early this morning, she was re-reading them. Thanks so much for taking the time to encourage us.
Muggs had a very hard day yesterday, battling significant pain, mostly post-operative pain. She tried to go for a stoll about mid-afternoon, but fainted and fell along the way. They think the cause is mostly low blood pressure. We are grateful that she wasnt injured by the fall. She was on oxygen for most of yesterday, but was weened from the oxygen during the evening. This morning, her oxygen levels are at 97% this morning, and they are pleased with that.
The thoracic surgeon is pleased with her response to the procedure. We are also pleased, as she is breathing much, much better, and the procedure relieved most of the the coughing she was experiencing when she talked. She has also not complained of any hip pain, but she hasn't moved around much either, so we are hopeful that the hip pain has disappeared as well. Please make this a matter of prayer.
Muggs is battling some pretty significant nausea this morning, and we think this is related to the pain medication. Her pain seems to have abated some this morning - Praise God for that. When I left her, she was resting well. The oncologist had planned to administer the chemotherapy today, but has decided to wait until tomorrow, so that she can spend a little more time treating the nausea. So the plan is for her to receive the chemotherapy beginning tomorrow.
In closing, I would like to again express our profound gratitiude for you. Thanks for lifting us up in prayer. So that you can pray more specifically, I am going to leave you with a few prayer requests.
- That Muggs would experience God's grace through the pain, and that He would bring relief from the pain and nausea
- That Muggs' appetite would return. She has not eaten anything of substance in a couple of days now.
- That she will soon be free of the chest tube - its not very comfortable.
- That she would be well enough to receive the chemotherapy tomorrow.
- That the entire family would continue to walk in the good of what God is accomplishing through this trial, and that our hearts would be receptive to what is is speaking to us.
- That we would trust Him completely as the Sovereign One
For the family ... Andy
UPDATE: January 3, 2007 - Wednesday 12:29 PM
First, I want to take the time to express our profound gratitude for each of you. You're prayers and care for us has been such a means of God's amazing grace over these last days. Words are really inadequate to express our gratefulness to each of you.
The surgeon removed the chest tubes last evening about 7, and is pleased with the result of the procedure. Muggs has experienced relief from the pain that she was having before the surgery, but the post-operative pain, has been difficult. Late yesterday and last night, she was feeling much better, so we are most grateful for that. The oncologist ordered the two chemotherapy drugs and they were infused last night, finishing about one this morning. She seems to have tolerated them well so far.
As I write this, Muggs is on her way home from the hospital. Both physicians have released her. We praise God for this, and are glad to have her home. She is resting comfortably in her own bed. She has been battling some nausea, but I think it has been managable so far.
Several have asked about our children during the hospital stay. Our three youngest have been visiting with their Nana Jane (Andy's Mom), while Chandler and Maggie have been at home, and engaged in various activities - mostly involving staying up late - which they could never get away with if Muggs was home!
For those of you posting comments:
Please forgive the repetition, but the comments have been so very helpful to us. We have been encouraged, and strengthened - at times by your reminding us that you are praying, and at other times by the scripture verses you have shared, like a "word in season". A few of you have posted the same verse, and I want to share with you the sigificance of this particular verse from Jeremiah. Before Muggs and I married, we felt as if God gave this verse to us as our "life verse". In fact, we had this engraved on the inside of our wedding bands. Just last evening, a dear friend of Chandler's named Lauren, shared this verse with us. I am leaving it for you to close our this update:
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to hurt you. Plans to give you a future and a hope". (Jeremiah 29:11)
For the family .... Andy
UPDATE: January 4, 2007 - Wednesday 12:35 PM
All-in-all, Muggs had a pretty good evening, but awakenen during the night with a great deal of coughing and shortness of breath. We believe this to be post-operative related. She had the same symptoms yesterday morning as well. She didnt really experience any of this until the chest tubes were removed, so perhaps this is "normal". She does have a good bit of congestion that could be normal post-op "stuff" as well. The oncologist listened to her breathing yesterday, and was not concerned enough to keep her in the hospital. We have a call into the doctor today for counsel.
Good news is, she has not experienced significant nausea from the chemotherapy, and we're very thankful for that. We do expect her to become more fatigued over the next few days, as that is a side-effect of the medication. Our Camille, Annie and Bridgette are returning tomorrow after a visit with my mother, sister, and their cousins. It will be absolutely great to see them - but they do escalate the activity level in our home. :)
All of our friends and family continue to minister grace to us on what seems to be a moment-by-moment basis. I don't think I can communicate too many times just how grateful we are for your care for us. Many of you who have posted have been appreciative for the specific prayer requests that I have left here on the blog. Here are some current requests ... Thank you so much for interceeding on our behalf.
- Thanksgiving that the nausea has been minimal, and that Muggs has not had to continue with the pain medication.
- Relief from the coughing and shortness of breath that is disrupting her sleep.
- That the chemotherapy would have its full effect, and kill every cancer cell present
- That Muggs would have supernatural strength, despite this common side-effect of the medication.
- That as a family, we would continute to seek the active presence of God in our lives, and receive the new mercy and grace that He has already appropriated for each day.
Thanks for walking along side us as we walk this road. Andy
UPDATE: January 5, 2007 5:35 pm
Since coming home from hospital. Muggs has been experiencing heavy coughing and shortness of breath. She has also had a good bit of chest congestion. This is problematic for her mostly at night. Her oncologist ordered a chest xray late yesterday, which revealed some fluid in her lungs. The most likely cause of this is over-hydration while hospitalized, so the doctor prescribed a diuretic, that we hope will bring relief. It is excruciating for me to see my precious wife struggle with not feeling well. I am continuing to "press-in" to God during this time, yet trust doesn't always come easily for me...perhaps because in my pride and arrogance, I presume to know more than God. I'm thinking you may have been there too! Some of our friends shared these encouraging words from Psalm 16 with us on a post late last night. I prayed through these verses as I prayed with Muggs this morning before leaving for work. I leave them with you now in the hope of encouraging you...
"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord;I have no good apart from you'...The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me;because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken...Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;my flesh also dwells secure...You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16
UPDATE: January 5, 2007 11:10 pm
I came home this evening to find Muggs extremely fatigued, and experiencing pain in a variety of areas. It appears as if we are dealing with the cumulative effect of the surgery, and the chemotherapy. I spoke with the oncologist who was on call, and he confirmed that this is likely the case, saying that the symptoms are characteristic of one the chemotherapy drugs. While that provides some comfort, it is still very difficult to see her in this much "distress". We will evaluate her tomorrow, and if necessary the doctor will see her.We are desperate for your prayers on Muggs' behalf. If you happen to be reading tonight, please lift us up.
UPDATE: January 6, 2007 11:07 pm
I woke up this morning anxious about what today might bring - given that Muggs has such a tough day yesterday. But God provided fresh mercy and grace... Muggs had a much better day today as the fatigue subsided. She's actually felt pretty well for most of the day today, after resting this morning. We are also thankful that, for the most part, the nausea has subsided, and she has been able to eat at each meal - and keep it down!
I don't think I can adequately express to you what an encouragement your posts have been to us. We are being sustained by God's grace, as expressed through your words of encouragement and prayers on our behalf. We continue to be amazed by grace, and grateful for each of you. Andy
UPDATE: January 10, 2007 12:40 AM
Since I haven't provided an update in a couple of days, there is much to communicate. The last couple of days have been difficult ones. We finished the day strong on Saturday, as Muggs felt much better as the day progressed. It seems that the mornings are most difficult, and Sunday was no exception. Again, as the day progressed, she felt better. However, during the early morning hours, she became very nauseated and began vomiting. During the morning hours she became very weak, so we called the doctor who saw her right away. Muggs had become very dehydrated, so they gave her some IV fluids and more nausea medication.
Later yesterday, she felt better than she has felt in several days. That was to be short-lived, as about 3am this morning, she again battled nausea and vomiting - with even more intensity this time. We called the doctor as soon as the office opened. Again, she received more fluid and nausea medication. She did not recover nearly as well today as she did yesterday. We have an appointment for Muggs to receive an ultrasound of her abdomen in the morning. The doctors want to be certain that there is no blockage in the digestive track, or problems with her gall bladder. Muggs has always been very sensitive to medication, and we believe that the medications are causing the problems with the nausea and vomiting.
On another note, we have an appointment for a second opinion tomorrow afternoon at 3pm. While we are very comfortable with her oncologist, we just want to ensure that we are getting the best possible treatment for the cancer. There is more to say about how God orchestrated the events surrounding tomorrow's appointment, but I plan to save that for tomorrow's post.
God has not been absent during the struggles of the last couple of days. He continutes to mercifully sustain us, and remind us of His care for us in ways we don't expect. I want to tell you more about this, but want to do so with a clear mind. I think you will be encouraged to see how God is moving in our circumstances to demonstrate His grace and provision. In the meantime, we are eager for your prayers on our behalf. Here are some specific requests:
- That God would grant Muggs the gift of sleep tonight. The fact that we need sleep is a reminder that we are dependent on Him to sustain us.
- That her night would be free from any nausea or coughing that might disrupt her sleep.
- That the doctors would find no additional problems tomorrow during the ultrasound, and that God would give them wisdom to address the nausea.
- That Muggs would continue to gain strength, and be free from fatigue. (Praise God, she has experienced relief from much of the pain she was having)
- That the second opinion tomorrow would either confirm that the primary oncologist is being adequately aggressive, and directionally correct in the treatment plan, or that God would, through this doctor, reveal a more effective therapy. However, please pray also that there would be clarity, and not confusion which could result from differing opinions.
- That the chemotherapy medications are having their full, intended effect, and are destroying all cancerous cells.
- That God would heal Muggs
- That we would receive the new mercy and grace that He has for us tomorrow.
In closing, let me say again how grateful we are for your carrying us on your hearts, and interceeding for us. You are a means of God's grace to us. For those of you who have posted comments, you have been used mightily by God to minister grace to us. Tonight, as I was preparing to write this update, I was fretting about the night ahead, and concerned that Muggs might have another tough night. Just at that moment, we received a comment of encouragement from some friends of ours. I didn't ask their permission to share this, so I will omit their names. But this serves as such a powerful reminder of God's specific care for us, I felt compelled to share it with you. May it build your faith... More tommorrow night.
"(We) can see your house from our upstairs window. Before we go to sleep, we wanted to pray that God will settle in close to you all, surrounding you with His loving care, strength, and healing presence and touch. Eloquent words fail us, and I know that when we have no words the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. God in His mercy and wisdom has given us His Word - the sword of the spirit to deflect the barbs of the enemy - The Lord knows the plans he has for you...are...good...to give you a future and a hope - Jeremiah 29:11. We pray you all sleep well, especially you Muggs. That you have strength renewed in the new light of tomorrow. God Bless you Annie, Bridget, Camille, Maggie, Chandler, Andy and Muggs"
