November 17

I am sure you are eagerly awaiting news of the CT scan on Dan. We are too. Hurry up and wait. Bottom line is that the docs in southern Cal did not do the tumor size comparison with the scan done in August as was requested and had not even sent the scan to Stanford. The scan does show the presence of tumors in the liver and pancreas, but that is not really new, is it? Dan brought up a scan copy for our records which we gave to Stanford and they are in the process of doing the comparison study. So we wait. Patiently, right. I have been saying recently that I am learning patience. I guess this will show that one way or the other. Dan had a good check up and received his chemotherapy, then he and Ashley drove right back to Biola. My brother commented, "What a champion!" I agree. Good news - the PICC line (a long term intravenous catheter) was removed and his labs continue to be normal. I am sure that first shower without his plastic sleeve on will feel great. It definitely served its purpose, but it is nice to be free of it.
Other "breaking" news: this morning we received a phone call that my mother had fallen and had broken her hip. She is awaiting surgery to pin the bone. Please pray for her. She is not a great candidate for surgery because of her heart problems. Please pray for no complications in her surgery and recovery and that she would know not only the peace of God but the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Glory and Messiah of Israel.
In this time of remembering to be thankful, (something we should be every day), I hope that you will take some time to thank God for His many gifts of life and loved ones.
A friend came by yesterday when we were at Stanford and shared this Psalm with me that so encouraged me. Hope it will do the same for you:
Psalms 112:1-8
"Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what He commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of Godly
people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy, and their deeds
will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the Godly,
light will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and
righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil
circumstances. Those who are righteous will be
long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless and can face
their foes triumphantly."

Psalms 111:10
"Reverence (fear) for the Lord is the
foundation of true wisdom.
The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey Him.
Praise His name forever!"