March 2010

March 31, 2010

When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting!

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad!  Psalm 126:1-4

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It has been some time since I last wrote an update on Jan’s journey.  To date, we are still in Houston, living just off of Hermann Park minutes from M.D. Anderson Hospital.  I will not keep you in suspense as I know you want to know how she is doing.  It is a delight to report that she is doing very well, ahead of the curve, the joy of the many lives she touches at MDA and looking forward to life after cancer.

For many of you, I could stop this note after that first paragraph.  I have told you that yes, your prayers and the prayers of hundreds around the world are being heard and answered by our Heavenly Father.  All praise to Him… all glory to Him who hears, responds and walks with us through every valley.

Now the particulars:

• Today is Day 71 out of 100 days that Jan has been in daily treatment.  To date, there have been no major setbacks which is a wonderful gift considering the life altering treatment she has endured over these past months.
• She was released from the daily infusion lab this past Monday which means that all of the intravenous drugs are now oral medications.  This is a huge step in the process and she is tolerating it well.
• Doctor Popat, her transplant specialist, has cautiously said that she is in remission.  A long way to go, but a model transplant patient to date.

The last day she was in the infusion lab, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and practitioners all came in and thanked Jan for her care of them!  I heard person after person thank her for listening and praying for their families, jobs and relationships while she was there each day.  One called her the “confidant” and asked what she should do when she needed Jan to pray.  Of course, Jan invited them all to New Braunfels to stay at our home and go to church with us… building the apartment in the back was the best decision I ever made.

The Book of Nehemiah has directed my path for many years.  It is the story of the re-building of Jerusalem that had been completely razed and left desolate.  Nehemiah is commissioned by God to “rebuild the walls and rehang the gates” allowing what was desolate to be inhabited again.  At the halfway mark, weariness and fear had set in and the people grew impatient.  Nehemiah challenged them with these words,

“Do not be afraid of the enemy.  Remember the Lord who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Every person I talk to concerning Jan’s journey asks the question, “What can I do?”  With all sincerity and candidness…. PRAY.

• PRAY for her continued progress through this long process.  Beyond the 100 days are the next 12 months of continued treatments, home care, and challenges to stay the course.
• PRAY for her blood counts that continue to fluctuate, especially her platelets that are chronically low.  Also, she has been plauged with severe and chronic headaches and other issues connected (we think) to blood counts.
• PRAY for our ongoing care of Jonathan who we meet with once a week for mentoring and fathering.
• PRAY that the gospel will go with Jan as she takes the love of the Father with her to each and every part of M.D. Anderson.

Friend, FIGHT for her!  The Christian fights on his knees, battles through prayer and wages war against the schemes of the enemy.  We cry out to the God who is there and praise Him who never leaves and never forsakes.  Finally, I know Jan would love to hear from you.  Though “chemo brain” is definitely a issue, your cards and emails are graciously received and appreciated.

Thank you, from both of us, for walking, praying and praying more.

And it came about when all our enemies heard, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.  Nehemiah 6:16

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