God is so gracious! The Prayer Army is on the alert and forces are proceeding to the battle! I am buoyed by the grace of God through all of your prayers, confident that the coming challenges will be met head on. I know I am weak but in Jesus I have strength. I am doing my best to rest, trust and keep my eyes focused on the LORD God of the Universe!
Ashley has written on her blog too:
tuesday, january 5, 2010
Fisticuffs at Dawn
Dan had his pre-op appointment yesterday with the anesthesiologist and everything is "go" for his surgery on Friday. Vital signs, lung sounds, labs...all great. The surgeon doesn't even seem too concerned about the cough, which is what we were worried about. So, now we wait.
As the blog title mentions, the fisticuffs (surgery) will begin at dawn-ish to remove the hoodlums (tumors). Hopefully, for good!
Everyone has been asking us: "Are you nervous?"
Dan's response: "Not so much nervous as I just want to get it done. Hopeful. Liking the prospects of being rid of the cancer."
Ashley's response: "Of course. This is huge surgery with lots of risks. I can't be excited about the possibility of a cancer-free Dan until Dan wakes up from surgery and recovers."
Both of us are glad the surgery is happening at Stanford with world-class doctors. Though we acknowledge that surgeons are just people, it is nice to know that Dan's doc has spent years as a fellow at Sloan Kettering and Johns Hopkins.
We are also very thankful for the support of our family and friends and know that it will become even more important during the recovery phase of the surgery. I will certainly be glad to be surrounded by people in the waiting room Friday morning.
For those who are wondering, I will be residing at Stanford with Dan while he's in the hospital. We both feel better being together, even if my bed is a chair for a while. The Sizeloves have graciously opened their home to us so that I can shower and nap here and there. Dan's mom will probably be staying there for a while so that she can be in the area.
Visits will be welcome after the first couple of days as long as you're not sick. Recovery will be pretty rough for a bit, so Dan will need all the rest he can get. Until visits become possible, prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Prayer Requests:
* The complete surgery goes off without a hitch--no complications, no surprise lesions/masses
* Dan only has to stay in the ICU for a day or two
* His digestive system kicks into gear quickly--Dan really likes to eat:)
* Pain is held at bay successfully.
* Recovery occurs much more quickly than the doctors predict
* Cancer is removed completely!
* The wife stays calm and gets some rest and doesn't snap :)
Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
“the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
“the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
“So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
prayer request
Ashley's blog and urgent prayer request:
thursday, december 31, 2009
Sick and Tired
The title should sum up our last week and a half, but I'll elaborate.
Dan and I are both sick. Nick was sick when we got to Santa Rosa. By the time we left SR, Dan was sick. By the time Christmas in Lodi was finished, I was sick. Fabulous.
Generally, I don't get too bent out of shape being sick. It's winter--everyone is sick! But this season, a little more is riding on our health. You see, Dan cannot have surgery if he is sick. Sick with a cold, sick with bronchitis, sick with whatever...sick means no surgery. Thus, we are mildly scrambling to get Dan better by next week. Luckily, the surgeon has prescribed heavy duty antibiotics for him and says that he should be able to still have the surgery done on the 8th. We were told to check in with the surgeon on Monday to let him know how Dan's feeling. The main problem lingering is a pesky cough. As far as problematic pre-surgery symptoms are concerned, coughs are the worst.
Accordingly, a prayer request (an urgent one) is that Dan would get over this cold/infection/virus quickly and that the surgeon would feel confident in doing Dan's surgery on schedule. So, as much as I am not looking forward to the surgery, please pray that Dan can safely have his surgery on January 8th.
Rom 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
thursday, december 31, 2009
Sick and Tired
The title should sum up our last week and a half, but I'll elaborate.
Dan and I are both sick. Nick was sick when we got to Santa Rosa. By the time we left SR, Dan was sick. By the time Christmas in Lodi was finished, I was sick. Fabulous.
Generally, I don't get too bent out of shape being sick. It's winter--everyone is sick! But this season, a little more is riding on our health. You see, Dan cannot have surgery if he is sick. Sick with a cold, sick with bronchitis, sick with whatever...sick means no surgery. Thus, we are mildly scrambling to get Dan better by next week. Luckily, the surgeon has prescribed heavy duty antibiotics for him and says that he should be able to still have the surgery done on the 8th. We were told to check in with the surgeon on Monday to let him know how Dan's feeling. The main problem lingering is a pesky cough. As far as problematic pre-surgery symptoms are concerned, coughs are the worst.
Accordingly, a prayer request (an urgent one) is that Dan would get over this cold/infection/virus quickly and that the surgeon would feel confident in doing Dan's surgery on schedule. So, as much as I am not looking forward to the surgery, please pray that Dan can safely have his surgery on January 8th.
Rom 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Dec 29 - surgery in 10 days
Today was the date first given to us for Dan's surgery, but the reality is that the surgery was changed to January 8th. It is a big and long (8 hours) undertaking which involves removing a portion of several organs and challenging the liver to regenerate in order to remove an additional portion of it in 6 weeks after the first surgery. Wow! That is a great deal to recover from. Dan needs all your prayers for a smooth and speedy recovery. The hope is that he will emerge from all this with a complete cure which will make all this definitely worthwhile. We appreciate your faithfulness to present these requests before the throne of God in our time of need.
Here is a link to Dan and Ashley's blog:
http://footballandstethoscopes.blogspot.com/
Philippians 4:6-8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Here is a link to Dan and Ashley's blog:
http://footballandstethoscopes.blogspot.com/
Philippians 4:6-8
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Dec 21
monday, december 21, 2009
Dan and Ashley's blog says it all; please pray, pray, pray:
Surgery
So, about 2 weeks ago, Dan's oncologist called and said that she presented his case to the Stanford Tumor Board (surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, etc). Rather than wanting to do Cyberknife, the Board felt that now is a "window of opportunity" to remove all of the cancer.
That is good news in that there is a possibility of a cure! However, "removing" means surgery.
Dan and I just met with the surgical oncologist and the plans have been made for Dan to have a Whipple procedure on January 8th. Basically, that involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, some of the stomach and some of the stomach then reattaching passageways for enzymes, bile and food. Along with the Whipple, the surgeon also wants to resect the cancer on his tumor. Some of the tumors will be removed in this surgery and the rest will be removed 6 weeks later in a separate surgery.
This surgery carries with it many risks and is accompanied by complications in 50% of patients. Fortunately, Dan is young, healthy and resilient--a combination that usually makes recovery a bit easier. Dan will be in the hospital for around 10 days and then will need to lay low for a while.
At this point, we are trying to enjoy our time with family and friends. It's a blessing to be able to spend the holidays with everyone.
Please be in prayer that this surgery is the right thing to do and that it will be successful.
There are several scenarios in which the surgery would be cancelled: tumors "hiding" from the CT scans, more severe disease in the liver, etc. Pray against these complications.
Pray that the recovery period is free of complications and fairly quick.
Pray that Dan would be able to finish his teaching credential by next year and that I would be able to graduate on time.
Finally, pray that God brings us peace in this situation.
Pray for wisdom as we decide when to return to Southern California.
I will be updating this blog often during and after the surgery.
Stay tuned.
Posted by Dan and Ashley
Dan and Ashley's blog says it all; please pray, pray, pray:
Surgery
So, about 2 weeks ago, Dan's oncologist called and said that she presented his case to the Stanford Tumor Board (surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, etc). Rather than wanting to do Cyberknife, the Board felt that now is a "window of opportunity" to remove all of the cancer.
That is good news in that there is a possibility of a cure! However, "removing" means surgery.
Dan and I just met with the surgical oncologist and the plans have been made for Dan to have a Whipple procedure on January 8th. Basically, that involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, some of the stomach and some of the stomach then reattaching passageways for enzymes, bile and food. Along with the Whipple, the surgeon also wants to resect the cancer on his tumor. Some of the tumors will be removed in this surgery and the rest will be removed 6 weeks later in a separate surgery.
This surgery carries with it many risks and is accompanied by complications in 50% of patients. Fortunately, Dan is young, healthy and resilient--a combination that usually makes recovery a bit easier. Dan will be in the hospital for around 10 days and then will need to lay low for a while.
At this point, we are trying to enjoy our time with family and friends. It's a blessing to be able to spend the holidays with everyone.
Please be in prayer that this surgery is the right thing to do and that it will be successful.
There are several scenarios in which the surgery would be cancelled: tumors "hiding" from the CT scans, more severe disease in the liver, etc. Pray against these complications.
Pray that the recovery period is free of complications and fairly quick.
Pray that Dan would be able to finish his teaching credential by next year and that I would be able to graduate on time.
Finally, pray that God brings us peace in this situation.
Pray for wisdom as we decide when to return to Southern California.
I will be updating this blog often during and after the surgery.
Stay tuned.
Posted by Dan and Ashley
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Another great report!
Just got back from Stanford and Dan's appointment with his doctor. His CT scan yesterday revealed no new growth in his liver "spots"or pancreas. He does have dense areas in his liver that may be remnants of the dead tumors or scar tissue but they are virtually unchanged from December's or April's scans. That is wonderful news! The next scan will be in 4 months. Dan starts his teaching credential program in September at UC Irvine while Ashley finishes her last year of nursing school at Biola. No further changes on his hip necrosis were seen on the CT also. Thank You Lord for a great report! Thank you for your prayers.
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Shouting Loudly
Just can’t keep this inside anymore – have to shout it out:
Dan’s radiologist emailed him and said that in his estimation
THE LIVER TUMORS APPEAR DEAD and there are “dimples”
where the tumors used to be!
HALLELUJAH!
Thank You our LORD God!
You are so GOOD to us; Your mercies are new every day!
We praise You and rejoice in Your lovingkindness and great power!
More praises for Dan’s Magna Cum Laude graduation on Saturday!
A day of celebration and joy!
And my mother is doing much better, some days better than others,
but generally she is on the has made real progress.
Rom 12:9-15
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Dan’s radiologist emailed him and said that in his estimation
THE LIVER TUMORS APPEAR DEAD and there are “dimples”
where the tumors used to be!
HALLELUJAH!
Thank You our LORD God!
You are so GOOD to us; Your mercies are new every day!
We praise You and rejoice in Your lovingkindness and great power!
More praises for Dan’s Magna Cum Laude graduation on Saturday!
A day of celebration and joy!
And my mother is doing much better, some days better than others,
but generally she is on the has made real progress.
Rom 12:9-15
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
5/21/09 Dan graduates this Saturday!
Forgive me for not writing sooner. Bob and I are settled in home (Lodi) from our wonderful trip to Israel. More on that later. (Several picture albums can be seen on his facebook “Robert Howen”) As my mother was miraculously doing much better when I returned, I visited her after my jet lag improved, and she got better and better with each passing day. She has continued to improve with slight bumps in the road. That’s a long way from “almost dying”! Thank you so much for your prayers for her. We affectionately call her “the Phoenix” because she rises from the ashes to fly again and it seems like that is what has happened here. We are so happy the Lord has had mercy upon her and us.
On another very bright note, our son Daniel Christopher Howen, graduates this Saturday from Biola University, Magna Cum Laude, and will be pursuing a teaching credential to teach high school math! He will attend UC Irvine while his beautiful wife Ashley finishes the last year of her nursing degree at Biola. They hope to move out of the LA area into the northern part of the state and Ashley would love to work at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.
GOOD NEWS!
More good news from John 8 and 10 as Jesus the Messiah declares Himself to be the “I AM” and the One who brings us freedom from sin and its penalty and gives us the gift of eternal life.
John 8:28-32
So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.
"And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, {then} you are truly disciples of Mine;
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John8:56-58
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw {it} and was glad."
So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM."
John 10:27-30
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
"My Father, who has given {them} to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch {them} out of the Father's hand.
"I and the Father are one."
On another very bright note, our son Daniel Christopher Howen, graduates this Saturday from Biola University, Magna Cum Laude, and will be pursuing a teaching credential to teach high school math! He will attend UC Irvine while his beautiful wife Ashley finishes the last year of her nursing degree at Biola. They hope to move out of the LA area into the northern part of the state and Ashley would love to work at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.
GOOD NEWS!
More good news from John 8 and 10 as Jesus the Messiah declares Himself to be the “I AM” and the One who brings us freedom from sin and its penalty and gives us the gift of eternal life.
John 8:28-32
So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.
"And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, {then} you are truly disciples of Mine;
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John8:56-58
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw {it} and was glad."
So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM."
John 10:27-30
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
"My Father, who has given {them} to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch {them} out of the Father's hand.
"I and the Father are one."
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