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.
But remember -- and this is the best part -- even if the worst comes, it's only temporary!.
Prayers for Donna, for you and your family.
I don't know how to comfort you except to let you know that you have shown me, by example, a better way. I am sure that your sister shares the heroic qualities that you have shown us all.
I pray that God reveals himself to you and Donna and that his mercy and comforts fill you. I wish I myself could help you and Donna in some manner, My prayer for all of you.
Love,
Rick in Ashland, Missouri
ROSE!
each thread has links to the prior threads.
Phil
When I was a young boy, we brough my maternal grandmother to live with us while she faced her last months of life as a result of cancer. In those days there was little which could be done. She was a great blessing to us all her life. I still remember those days so well, so I know a little of what you're going through. That grandmother was one of the great loves of my life. I am looking forward to seeing her again in a place where there is no more pain, and no more parting. It really will be wonderful when we all get together again.
In the meantime, I hope and pray that you and your sister have a great many more loving years together. Yes, miracles do happen. But if God allows another outcome, then it's only a matter of time until we'll have an eternity together with those of ours who love our God. What hope we have because of his love.
I wish all of you the best - and the best is nothing less than the blessings of our Lord. He is faithful, even in these times.
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