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.
I just got a call from my nephew. The doctors have stopped radiation and are cutting way back on her food and fluids. They say she has 3-4 more days.
I will be leaving soon. I'm bunching this reply up because I must get everyone called and get packed and so forth. I want to be there when my sister is promoted. It will be her most important graduation of all.
It appears she has trumped our prayers for her healing and has decided instead to go home. I always figured that God would never refuse someone who wanted to go home especially if they had to live with a miserable 'thorn in the flesh.' (Phillippians 1.)
I thank all of you from the very depth of my being.
I'm very sure that Donna agrees we me in asking that all continue to Praise God!!! - no matter what happens in this life!
I know, dear sister, you will be enveloped in God's power and presence these coming days.
Praying for you, MrC.
My tears flow too for the hole in your lives your sisters departure will leave behind. We prayed for a miracle and your right, that was not Donna's prayer.
I am so, so sorry my very good friend. Words fail me at this time as I truly expected the miracle of life. May GOD bless you and the rest of the family and may Donna's passing be peaceful and pain free.
Rose
Once again, there are mixed emotions about Donna's promotion. As a child of God, you are sensing where your sister is heading to. Home. To her mansion. She'll actually SEE Jesus, up close and personal. That thought is awesome, heart-lifting.
My prayers still continue. They always have. I'll be praying that when the Lord collects Donna, that He will leave some very tangible evidences behind, to comfort all, to reassure all, and to be cause for celebration over!
You are VERY loved and have the simple prayer that, 'as your day is so shall your strength be'. Keep us posted as you see fit.
Home...what a perfect place of rest and comfort!
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent form the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corin. 5:6-8) NKJV
Amen and amen!!!
God's precious grace and peace, that goes beyond understanding, be with you and your family.
What more can be said? Spending eternity with the Lord is joy beyond our comprehension.
A-G, you and all of your family remain in my prayers. Your faith is beautiful and I know you are so very close to our Lord at this time. He knows your praise and will give you peace through these difficult days. Donna will know the glory of Heaven while the rest of us finish our work here on earth. Heaven is really our home, we are just visitors here.
While our dear Alamo-Girl is away ... could y'alls help bump her Newcomer thread ... it has been sadly silent these many days ....
This should not be .... We need her hard work ~~~ and hard truths front and center these days ...
Plus ... it seems the least we can do, no?!
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