Dearest Ones,
J.C. asked me to write so that you will be up to date on his reports. We are always mindful of the many who have written, called, sent cards, and have been praying for him — for us — and we want you to know how much your love means to us. I can’t imagine going through this ordeal without the support of God’s family. Thank you.
J.C. had the CT scan of his spine done on Saturday, along with a brain scan. Dr. Smith looked at the films Monday with me but was not conclusive in his opinion so he wanted the radiologist who works at the hospital to go over them with him. He had not been able to meet with him when we were there today, but they did have the report of the findings of the other radiologist who saw them. He felt that the spot which had taken up the radioisotopes on his spine is actually an area of arthritic degeneration, and not a tumor. Also, he didn’t see anything abnormal in the brain scan. We have an appointment with Dr. Smith Friday. He intends to consult with the first radiologist before that time, to have a second opinion, so we will see what they say then. But, for now, we are both so very relieved and thankful for the report today.
The hope now is that after the treatment Friday he can be treated with oral chemo at home, with infusions alternate weeks or even less often — whatever it takes to keep the marker under 3 and the cancer controlled. Certainly, this is a disease which must be dealt with one day at a time, with a lot of patience. It is the greatest challenge we’ve had, so it is the greatest instrument for strengthening faith, submission to God and dependence on Him, and one of the greatest opportunities to see His providence at work in our physical lives.
Each turn of events is an evident answer to prayer, or a waiting period for faith to grow. It is so wonderful to be in God’s family and to know that regardless of what happens, He will make it work out well.
When we went first to the Mayo Clinic, J.C.’s doctor’s secretary turned out to be Karen Fox, daughter of Frank and Mary Fox whom we had known in Thailand when they had done mission work there. Their home has been our home whenever we have gone to Jacksonville, since that time.
Today we found an opportunity to return the service! When we walked into the clinic, who should be there but Dale and Prissy Sellers, long-time missionaries to the Philippines! Dale has prostrate cancer and has decided to take treatments at the Greenwood Cancer Center, so we invited them to stay with us in Winona during the weeks they are here. I am sure it will be a blessing all the way around.
Mother had her knee replacement surgery yesterday in Greenwood and is doing well. True to form, she has been asking anyone in a uniform when she is likely to be able to go home! Eulene had her hip replacement surgery in Memphis today, and the doctor says she is doing well too. He says there will be no paralysis, as he had warned was a possibility, since her hip had been in such bad shape for so long that the nerve had shrunken. If it had been stretched too much during the surgery, he said it would leave her paralyzed, but we are so thankful that she has only to recuperate now. Knowing her and Mother, they will soon be leading the pack again!
My “note” is too long again, but then we have a lot going on here! It has become a center of faith-building exercises!
God bless each one of you. Know that we love you. J.C. and Betty