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.
You also know, Mighty God, how satan is setting traps and snares for us all...because his time is now infinitely small. he is attempting to hurt and discourage us with every weapon in his arsenal...including, and especially the destruction of those closest to us.
Please, Most Merciful Father, allow Donna to tarry with us...for her love for her sister, for her devotion to You, for her commitment to her country, for her ability to see into the enemy's camp and the willingness to fight him at every turn. We need her, Dear Lord, and it would be a very great blessing to us all for You to heal her of this invader who is robbing her of strength and life. Alamo-Girl is right, such complete healing is "no big deal" to You. With the smallest of thoughts, You can heal her, and so I humbly ask...please heal Donna of this terrible assault.
Your decisions are perfect, Father, and You never do anything for only one reason...and I am trusting in You to make the right decision for Donna. Whatever the outcome of Donna's illness, I know You only have the best plans in mind for her. Thank You Father! In Jesus' name...Amen!
Leni
I am sure that you don't remember, but I mentioned to you that I had several family members who had lung cancer, since then we have had another family member come down with cancer. My sister-in-law is dying of multiple myeloma in a Boston hospital.<p.I will pray for you both.
Except that it may be to bring us closer to God.
My prayers are with you all.
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