Posted on 09/18/2001 10:29:42 AM PDT by Alamo-Girl
This is an update on my beloved sister’s condition and another request for prayer. I appreciate more than words can say all of your prayers for her and the family since this whole thing began last May. We have already experienced the abundant answers to your prayers in her having two full months of happiness and health this summer! Donna has been back in the hospital because – after the last chemo treatment, while she was midway in her Leukine shots - the cancer spread aggressively into the bone. They have been doing radiation and chemotherapy and she has been “out of it” under morphine. She hates the morphine because it makes her incoherent, but she grins and giggles and mutters sometimes quite coherently about good times in the past. My niece just spoke with the doctors. Donna’s lungs have refilled with fluid and they said that would happen again even if they drain it again, though the level would not increase. So they can’t see putting her through any more of those painful treatments. The draining of fluid from her heart did seem to help her though. Likewise, the doctors have stopped chemotherapy because there is no point in making her miserable. They will however continue the radiation to help control the pain of the bone cancer. She will be moved into a rehab area so she can go home as soon as possible. They will bring in hospice at that time. They’ve moved the prognosis from 6 months to 1-2 months. I know that God can do a miracle for us and restore my sister to complete health. It is no big deal for Him. But frankly, when I saw my sister so far “out of it” and so very happy - I wondered what her spirit was saying in prayer. I am confident that God would not refuse someone who wants to come home – but at the same time I pray earnestly that He will delay her homegoing because we need her here and now – along with His people everywhere to stand against this darkness that has become evident to all in the events of last week.
According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Biggest, warmest, continuous hugs, dear A-g, and we are keeping you both in our prayers. Hospitals are hard places...but we are lifting you up.
Lord, please be with our friend and her sister wherever they are right now. Be a very real Presence in that room, obvious to all who are there. Please give them comfort physically, spiritually, and emotionally -- give reprieve and comfort! .....Through all the hard things going on in our own lives and worldwide, may we all draw closer to You. We especially pray for those who've never cared about You before to open their hearts, as well. We praise You, and look forward to the Day when we all praise You together around Your throne! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I just got back from spending yesterday and overnight at the hospital with Donna and the family. Today is her 56th birthday!
She was very drugged with morphine on drip plus another powerful medication. Most of the time she was sleeping and groaning and when she talked, the words weren't understandable.
I told her children that the groanings were their mother and the Spirit within her speaking to God. I showed them these verses from Romans 8:
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
This morning, much to my delight, she and I had a brief conversation. She was able to understand me and respond with words that I could understand. Her last words to me when I left were I love you, too!
Praise God!!! for all He has already done and for all He is going to do!
Oh, this is just the happiest news I've had all day! Thank you Father!!! Continuing prayers, dear sister!
Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,...........In Jesus' Name, Amen!
God's grace and blessings to all!!!
May God be with your sister, you and all your family at this most difficult time. You'll be in my prayers.
Mike
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.