And Exhale...

I feel like I have been holding my breath for a couple of weeks. Today we got to exhale and breathe again. The bad news is that the tumor has grown a bit. The good news is that the growth is very small. Since October it has grown 1 centimeter in width and 2 millimeters in height. So, technically, the disease is progressing but at what the doctor terms as a "glacial pace." While it didn't shrink and it isn't unchanged, we are okay with the slight progression. It has not spread to other organs and remains slow growing. The small increase should not keep us from getting surgery. Deep breath. Exhale. Sigh.

Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for us. We are kind of numb and tired tonight from the stress of the week. Amazing how much worry can take it out of us. I guess that's why God tells us not to do it -- one of the several reasons, I suppose. Go figure.

We continue to have lots to pray for: Details of the trip, concerns about the operation, logistics to work out, etc. I will update here some refined requests in a few days. Tonight, though, I am going to ask for some special prayers for a new friend. We met her up at the hospital when Marc was getting treatment. They are the same age (six days apart). She has two children (ages 2 and 5). We have enjoyed visiting with her and her husband over the past few months. She has been in treatment for three years now, being diagnosed just after her son was born. She had a CT scan this week, too. Only hers shows new growth and spread. They are starting her on a new regimen next week. Please pray for this family. While we were comforted today by our news, it is so hard to rejoice knowing that someone else didn't enjoy the same encouragement. So much about this woman has touched my heart. It could be that she and Marc are the same age with a very similar disease -- hers is just a more aggressive monster. Perhaps it's the fact that she is a mom with kids she wants to see grow up. Or, it might be the look of sadness and desperation on her husband's face. I know that look. Simply put...we know in some small part what these folks are going through. It's brutal and ugly. While we covet your prayers in the coming weeks, we would be honored if you could spare a few for "Our New Friend"

With love and gratitude...