Prayers Are Already Being Answered

Chemotherapy began yesterday with three different drugs being administered. We are reminded again how powerful these drugs are as we were given an explanation of each one with the side effects that may accompany them. Believe it or not, one drug may temporarily turn the whites of Jim’s eyes blue! These three drugs will be given every day for 5 days. The doctor seemed confident that he would be able to get Jim in remission quickly. If Jim achieves remission, he will then be referred to IU Med Center for a bone marrow transplant.

A few people have asked if they could be tested to see if they are a match to donate bone marrow. We were told that the best chance for a match would be with Jim’s siblings and then possibly other family members. Jim has two brothers who have both agreed to be tested to determine if they would be a match for Jim. If they are not a match, we will then be given the criteria to see who would qualify to be tested as a bone marrow donor. Please pray that Jim would go into remission quickly.

The news of Jim’s relapse has hit us hard. The last few days have been difficult for us. However, already I can see prayers are being answered. Jim was feeling better today and sat in a chair most of the day instead of being in bed. His attitude is positive and he is good-natured. His peace about this situation helps to calm me as well. I also realize again what a man of faith he is and that encourages me look toward his source of strength as well. We were given a devotional book and together we read the entry for September 10, the day we were given this horrible news. It refers to Paul who in 2 Cor. 4:8-9 says, “’We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.’ We can’t attribute Paul’s inner perseverance to any other source than the Holy Spirit.” The devotional goes on to say, “No matter how difficult or discouraging our own circumstances become, we have the very same Spirit. If we’re hindered, we don’t have to be frustrated. If we’re puzzled, we don’t have to be in despair. If we’re persecuted, we don’t have to face it alone. If we’re dying from a physical disease, we can be alive in heart and spirit. Our outer person might be exhausted and hard-pressed, but we have the assurance that our inner self is being renewed with fresh strength daily from the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 4:16) Please pray that we will continually seek God's strength and peace in this situation.

Brad came home from college to see his dad this weekend. Here is a picture from that visit.