Thursday Update

Here is what has been happening the last few days:

Most of Tuesday was spent at another emergency room visit. A number of tests run - some meds administered by IV. Wednesday we had a follow-up appointment with my Oncologist. This was perhaps the most productive meeting so far. We had a long discussion about all the results of the tests and the new symptoms over these last few weeks. He put me on a plan that I am comfortable with and so we will be following this for the rest of the week to see how things go.

I would like to mention how blessed we are to have this particular Oncologist. His name is Dr. Mark Davidner and he is a chubby, white-haired, funny, straightforward Jewish man with 5 grown daughters. He always makes me laugh somehow even in the midst of all the yuck - yesterday during the examination he mentioned that we wear the same underwear - so we have that in common - I said that we also share a belief in the Old Testament - underwear and the Torah! We've had many discussions about Christ and he certainly believes in the power of prayer as he has seen it's healing power over the many years of treating cancer patients.

I like the way he talks straight - he's not afraid to say that the a particular test was bogus or that another Dr. is just guessing. I know he has called around the world for advice on my case and yesterday I found out that he went by the emergency room just to pick up and look at my tests and X-rays to be better prepared for our appointment. A tremendous blessing and provision from the Lord.

The days have challenging - it's humbling to share my times of weakness with you all - as I know each have your own set of struggles too - and there have been some tears shed over these last few weeks. So the sorrows are real. But I must give testimony to my being able to sense the presence of the Lord in real ways at very weak moments. Sometimes it's through a note, sometimes through a hymn, sometimes through a story of a saint gone before us - but most of the time it's through a Scripture brought to mind that launches my mind into the character of God - and then my heart to sense the presence of Christ. He comes in those darkest times to comfort - to sustain. In fact, I think that is when He is most pleased to show up and whisper to our souls who He really is. This has ahappened over and over again and I'm convinced this is in answer to all of your prayers.

I'm up and about this morning and really want to have the strength (and lack of pain) to be able to attend Blake and Mitchell's Spring program tonight at their Christian school - thank you all again and we will see how things go in the days ahead. I hope we are through this particular valley and beginning to come out on the other side.

'I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.' (Psalm 27: 13-14 )