Ross and I wanted to update you as to where we are on this 8-year journey of living with Squamos Cell Carcinoma (cancer of head and neck). After 6 surgeries, 4 radiation treatments, and 2 chemo treatments, the doctors in Houston have drawn these conclusions: That radiation, though the preferred treatment, is not an option. The risks are greater than the benefits. (One of the cancerous spots even returned in radiated tissue.) Also, it is predicted that, based on prior behavior, this cancer will return. Therefore, the only viable option is chemotheraphy. That can be done here in Dothan. We do not know the regimen or time that will actually begin. So, we, like so many of you, need a miracle of healing. We all see miracles everyday. The doctors are in awe of how well Ross has prospered throughout this journey. They still call him their "poster boy". Ross is feeling well and continues to work everyday. We are in the process of thinking through some future decisions while we continue walking out this journey. Meanwhile, he is in the midst of "tax season" and the next couple of months are my busiest speaking schedule. We are "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, struck down but not destroyed."We are walking with God together through this and we have learned that guidance in specifics comes out of an intimate love relationship with God. We are pursuing that!
love, margaret
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
RETURN FROM HOUSTON
Ross returned from Houston (3rd trip) recently to remove stitches, receive pathology report, and suggestive further treatment.
Out of the 7 nodes removed, 2 were malignant - one was encapsulated and one was not. What does that mean? One was contained to that spot and one was not therefore enhancing the chance for spreading elsewhere in the head and neck region. Ross receives checkups every 3 months so we feel confident that his situation is being closely monitored. However, for 8 years, we have played the game of "hide and seek" with this cancer. It hides and the doctors seek until that find it. It is removed and treated with radiation and/or chemo. We do not feel that radiation, though it is the preferred treatment, will be an option. We will hear in the next few weeks after the doctors consult with one another.
Though we humans are playing "hide and seek", our God is not playing. Because there is nothing hidden from His sight - all things are naked and opened before Him, and because as our shepherd, He goes before us, Ross and I are choosing to trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
Thank you for your prayer support.
You are soooo appreciated.
love, margaret
Out of the 7 nodes removed, 2 were malignant - one was encapsulated and one was not. What does that mean? One was contained to that spot and one was not therefore enhancing the chance for spreading elsewhere in the head and neck region. Ross receives checkups every 3 months so we feel confident that his situation is being closely monitored. However, for 8 years, we have played the game of "hide and seek" with this cancer. It hides and the doctors seek until that find it. It is removed and treated with radiation and/or chemo. We do not feel that radiation, though it is the preferred treatment, will be an option. We will hear in the next few weeks after the doctors consult with one another.
Though we humans are playing "hide and seek", our God is not playing. Because there is nothing hidden from His sight - all things are naked and opened before Him, and because as our shepherd, He goes before us, Ross and I are choosing to trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
Thank you for your prayer support.
You are soooo appreciated.
love, margaret
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
San Francisco!
"I left my heart in San Francisco" is much more than merely a song to me this week. As I am reflecting about my weekend retreat there, I am humming the tune and thanking God for each of the women who became a part of my life. I surely left of peace of my heart there. It was such a blessing to actually be "among" the women and closely connect with them - heart to heart. God began "a good work and He will be faithful to complete it". I am praying for each one of you and I thank God for my remembrance of you. Your faces are before me!
Ross is returning to Houston today for the pathology report and plans for further treatment. It was so good to see him on my return. This trip was difficult for me to make, yet I went with the peace of God all over me. I think that's how we are instructed in His Word to "step out in faith." It is not always easy nor comfortable but it is the just the way we walk!
God is so trustworthy so step forth my friend!
love, margaret
Ross is returning to Houston today for the pathology report and plans for further treatment. It was so good to see him on my return. This trip was difficult for me to make, yet I went with the peace of God all over me. I think that's how we are instructed in His Word to "step out in faith." It is not always easy nor comfortable but it is the just the way we walk!
God is so trustworthy so step forth my friend!
love, margaret
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