| We are truly abundantly blessed. We have not even had time to tell of our needs, yet many of you are already sensitive and have been caring for us. We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends. Thankyou! As soon as time allows I will send out the very many thankyou notes, but until then please accept this thankyou from the bottom of our hearts... We love you all so much!!! This is a recap of Hospital stays: November 18th Brad had his surgery, Right Hematectomy (removal of right liver lobe) and cholesystectomy (removal of gall-bladder). Discharged November 23rd. Readmitted November 25th with a fluid build up around his liver which caused immense pain. Discharged November 27th. Admitted again December 17th with infection around liver area. Drain placed and put on antibiotics. Discharged December 20th with drain still placed and still on antibiotics. Diagnosis: Two cancers: Colon Cancer - this cancer is in remission and quite likely no longer a worry. Gall-Bladder cancer - This cancer has metastisized to the liver and is a very aggressive cancer with not good survival rates. Currently, six weeks post-op: He is trying to beat this infection. The fluid volume has not decreased yet as we had hoped it would and the color is still questionable. He is tentatively scheduled to have the drain removed this Friday, January 2nd. We have not yet consulted with the Oncologists (cancer Doc), so we do not have any idea what will happen there. As of right now with all the more we know we do not think that chemo-therapy is a good option. God knows and He will guide. How can you help us: Please, please continue to pray. Not only for us but for all the people who are involved in Brad's care. May they see Jesus in us and long for His grace joy and peace in their lives. Pray that we will have continued strength to be ready to always give and account for our joy despite our heart-aches. Pray that Brad and I might begin to rest well at night. When things get quiet and there is time to ponder our circumstances it can become overwhelming. Pray that the sweet Holy Spirit will remind us to pray and quote scripture. The wicked one often attempts to enter thoughts of despair in our hearts at these times, and he is best fought when we pray and quote scripture (as Jesus did in Matthew 4). Pray for the boys. Wayde deserves the kid of the year award. He has broadened his shoulders and risen to all the tasks Brad and I have needed of him. All with no complaints. If you know Wayde, you know this is not a surprise. Skylar has tried to understand as well as an 8 year old can. Regardless of what he does not understand he always smiles and makes us laugh. He is joy to mommy and daddy. Pray for their continued good health and good spirits. WE PRESS ON. We can hardly wait to sing again. We need to comfort the many folks who are hurting. We can't wait to minister to their souls through the songs God gives us. We can hardly wait to put our arms around you all, our many friends. We love you so much. We can't wait to share how God has been molding, changing, blessing our souls. He is truly the Potter and He has been molding us, firmly yet so gently. There is a greater miracle!!! There are miracles that are done immediately and quickly forgotten like a yellow spring tulip lasting only a few days. There are other miracles done over time, like a tall evergreen blown and abused by weather extremes who's roots go deep and it's rich beautiful color endures. May your New Years resolution be: To be a Greater Miracle - Remain Faithful |
