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.
If you live in the shelter of Elyon
and make your home in the shadow of Shaddai,
you can say to Yahweh, "My refuge, my fortress,
my God in whom I trust!"
He rescues you from the snares
of fowlers hoping to destroy you;
he covers you with his feathers,
and you find shelter underneath his wings.
You need not fear the terrors of night,
the arrow that flies in the daytime,
the plague that stalks in the dark,
the scourge that wreaks havoc in broad daylight.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
you yourself will remain unscathed,
with his faithfulness for shield and buckler.
You have only to look around
to see how the wicked are repaid,
you who can say, "Yahweh my refuge,"
and make Elyon your fortress.
No disaster can overtake you,
no plague come near your tent:
he will put you in his angels' charge
to guard you wherever you go.
They will support you on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone;
you will tread on lion and adder,
trample on savage lions and dragons.
"I rescue all who cling to me,
I protect whoever knows my name,
I answer everyone who invokes me,
I am with them when they are in touble;
I bring them safety and honor.
I give them life, long and full,
and show them how I can save."
Psalm 91
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; ... that you may ... know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19 (portions)
Praying for you, Donna and all your loved ones.
Amen.
We will say prayers that Donna can remain pain free. God works his miracles every day, so never give up hope.
Magoo
In his hands.
Dear A-G, our thoughts and prayers continue with you and Donna's family -- joy, yes, but mixed with pain, even though I never met your dear sister...take care.
We will cry with you, but we will also rejoice. Tho we all hope for a miracle, God's will is ours to accept.
Please kiss Donna for us, and I hope all of our thoughts and prayers will ease this difficult time for you and your family.
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