As summer turns into fall, we are reflecting on the fact that it has been almost a year since our unexpected journey began. It was just about a year ago exactly that Don began to experience back pain, while training for his 12th marathon. A marathon he still intends to run by the way! For the last couple of weeks he has been running 3/4 to 1-1/4 miles on the bike trail once a week with the help of his walker, a couple of friends and a number of "rest" breaks . It has been such an encouragement for him to be able to do that! He was also able to do some swimming and found that to be the most pain-free form of exercise he can do. He also set up his new bicycle (the one he got for his birthday but isn't allowed to ride outside) on a stand and has been riding it as a stationary bike. He is up to 8 minutes on the bike and so glad that he can do these forms of exercise to get strong again!
We were also encouraged by our visit to the oncologist on Monday. The cancer has crept down to a 1.2, after remaining at a 1.4 for 2 months! Although not a huge drop it is still movement in the right direction and we'll take it! We are getting closer to the number needed for the stem cell transplant. Don has begun another round of outpatient chemo which will take him through to almost the end of September. We praise God that this chemo has not caused him to suffer strong side effects and he is able to continue working.
Marcie is back to school and getting back into the routine of early mornings, teaching, lesson plans, grading papers, etc. She and Don are especially thankful for friends and family who help with transporting Don back and forth to work and doctor's appointments. Also for those who keep us supplied with delicious meals several times a week. And we thank God for meeting all of our financial needs through many generous friends. We are truly blessed by all of you!
You know how a song gets stuck in your head sometimes? Well, here is the one that has been stuck in mine for quite awhile now. It comes to me often first thing in the morning and again while I am driving. "The steadfast love of the Lord never faileth. His mercies never come to an end! They are new every morning, new every morning; great is thy faithfulness oh, Lord, great is thy faithfulness!" We pray that you are experiencing His mercies anew every morning and His great faithfulness every day!
Prayer Requests:
- That the cancer would continue to drop and - this is the important part - stay in remission until the stem cell transplant.
- That Don would be protected from any infections since cold and flu season is just ahead.
- That the Lord would go ahead of us in preparing all the details and timing of the hospital stay for the stem cell transplant.
Don and Marcie
