More Than We Can Ask or Imagine

About a week before Jim was discharged from the hospital, Steven and I were guessing when Jim might be released. Steven wondered if his Dad might be able to come home in time to go to ISSMA State Finals in Indianapolis for Marching Band with us on November 1st. I told him that even if he was released by that time, I was sure his Dad wouldn’t be able to go to State because, with low blood counts, he wouldn’t be allowed to be in a crowd of people. I didn’t want to disappoint Steven, but I didn’t want him to have any false hopes either.

Today, Jim saw the nurse practitioner at his doctor’s office. He blood was drawn and all his counts were at a normal level. All diet restrictions are lifted, and there is no longer a need for him to wear a mask. He is also allowed out in public. He asked if that meant he could go to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy for State Finals, and the answer was yes! We were so happy we cried. Those of you who are not familiar with the band program may not quite understand this, but THIS IS BIG. Our kids work so hard in band and going to State Finals is the ultimate reward. The entire time Jim was in hospital, we were certain that he would not be able to attend State Finals. Ephesians 3:20 immediately came to mind. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” This is truly a gift and we are careful to give the praise and glory to God.

Jim will return to the doctor’s office on Monday for his bone marrow biopsy. His next round of chemotherapy is scheduled for Monday, November 10 when he will be admitted again to the hospital. If the results of the bone marrow biopsy on Monday are good, Jim will start the Consolidation Phase on November 10. If leukemia cells are found in his bone marrow, Jim will then repeat the first phase again, called Reinduction.

Please thank God with us for the good results so far and for the gift of being together as a family at State Finals. Also, continue to pray that the bone marrow biopsy would show no leukemic cells and that Jim would be declared in early remission.

We would also like to thank you for your prayers for Kyle. We have seen a wonderful positive change in his behavior as he has become more settled with his Dad being home. Please continue to pray for him as we will have many weeks ahead with Jim being in and out of the hospital. Thank you for lifting us up before the Lord.