The Good News

It seems that when we have experienced difficult times and trials in the past, we are always able to find "the good news." With Kyle, we found out quickly that we experienced many blessings by having a child with Down syndrome. With Steven, the good news is that even though he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, he presents mildly and has been able to maintain his health. Each day since Jim has been in the hospital, I have been praying that God would give us that "good news" to hold onto. Here it is: DNA studies are done from the bone marrow biosy. A chromosomal study was done and showed that Jim has an inversion of #16 which indicates that he has a good prognosis given the chemotherapy treatment. Jim asked the doctor to write this information down so I've kept this note in full view in my kitchen where I can look at it often.



Further studies have been done which confirm this finding so the word "possible" can be removed. Today, Jim reported that after 3 days of chemotherapy, the doctor told him the "blasts" in his blood went from 50 to 6. Very good news that the bad cells are being killed off. They have also confirmed that there is no more bacteria in his lungs. His pneumonia is resolving and he is breathing much easier.

We have also been so blessed by the network of people around us that are praying for us and loving and supporting us. From family who have dropped everything to be with us to friends who are providing meals and goodies and child care. We love and appreciate you all but especially appreciate your prayers on our behalf. The diagnosis Jim received has been overwhelming to us but the love and the prayers of so many have been equally overwhelming. God is using so many to supply our needs.