Thank you for praying for us. We are strengthened and encouraged and we believe our strength and courage is a result of those prayers. We just continue to pray that we are vessels that can be used by Him - no matter what.
We met with the doctor this morning and he reviewed the PET scan from yesterday. It appears that, once again, we are met with challenging news. His observation was that there is "an increase in metabolic activity in the lungs" and that there are new tumors growing. There is also increased activity in the pelvic lymph nodes. Ugh!!! Not the good news we were hoping for. Don said just a little bit ago - "I'm not liking this path we're headed down." No, we certainly aren't liking it.
He did say that there are tumors that have shrunk - that is good, but not good enough to continue the treatment. We have stopped the chemo that I have done up to this point - and scheduled to do this week. We have a couple of options...one is a trial study and the other is another drug combo. If I qualify for the study, I believe we will do that. If not, then we'll do the other. This is still all very "new" and we haven't had time to absorb the shock, once again, of what this really means. But we have calm heads - sad hearts - and we'll take a little time until we hear from Dr. Rose to make our decision.
We are staying in Madison for tonight and taking a little time to rest. We're trying not to be overwhelmed with all this. Like I said before - God is God no matter the outcome. Though it feels like the flames are lapping all around, we will persevere. Thanks for your love and concern.
Much love,
Don & Deb
Oh Don and Deb....I am so saddened by this news. I wish I could wrap my arms around you both and tell you just how much I love you. I know that this feels like a big step backwards but you never know what God has instore for us. If you need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, please let me know.
ReplyDeletePraying.....Donna
I, too, wish I could give all of you a big hug! Donna is right, we never know what God has in store for us. There are many brothers and sisters here praying for you. Sunday night we had church in the mountains. I spoke, sharing some of your last blog entry. (sorry I stole it, but I just had to share) Your faith really spoke volumes to the members of our community. (some of which are still holding out for that final commitment) Your light is so bright and shiny, and you are so salty (like the good, kosher stuff) that everywhere you go, and even places you aren't, you guys are an example to all. I know you didn't ask to be an example. You didn't sign up for it. It's not the life that you want, and maybe sometimes you are wondering why in the world it had to be you. But, whatever human things we are feeling, I am thankful that you are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you. By the end of the fiery furnace story, even the men's eyes were shiny as we prayed that in all of our lives God be glorified.
ReplyDeleteWords and physical distance make it so hard to express how much I really love you both, but please know that I do and that I am praying with all that I have.
Heidi
Debbie (and Don),
ReplyDeleteWe know that this set-back was not what you wanted to hear.....we are so sorry for the news. But where one door shuts - another will open and if you look around there are many doors open with love and prayers aimed at you both. We have been monitoring your blog and want you to know that although we are far away, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please continue your faith - I truly believe that our souls are our map....both of you are amazing and undeniably strong....we admire and respect you. Know that we are here in love and spirit - may God bless you both during this time. Dave, Novice, Alex and Nicholas Buffo
"Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior,
ReplyDeleteI know for sure, all of my days are held in
your hand.
Crafted into your perfect plan
You gently call me into your presence
Guiding me by your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
Through your eyes
I'm captured by your holy calling
Set me apart, I know you're drawing me
To yourself, Lead me Lord, I pray.
Take me, Mold me, Use Me, Fill me,
I give my life to the Potters hand
Call me,you Guide me, Lead me, Walk beside me,
I give my life to the Potters hand.
You gently call me, into your presence,
Guiding me by your Holy Spirit,
Teach me dear Lord, to live all my life through your eyes,
I'm captured by your Holy calling
Set me part, I know you're drawing me
to yourself Lead me,Lord I pray!
Take me, Mold me, Use me, Fill me,
I give my life into the Potters hand
Call me, Guide me, Lead me, Walk beside me,
I give my life to the Potters hand."
Take me, Mold me, Use me, Fill me,
I give my life into the Potters hand."
Isaiah 64:8....We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Praying......With Love, David and Laura
Deb, Don, Jen and Kurt....I am so sorry for this news and that you have a new challenge to overcome. You are so right Deb...God is still God and whatever the future holds....HE HOLDS YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING HANDS! In all that happens you continue to be an amazing witness to others..we thank you and love you both and pray for God's continued guidance in all things!
ReplyDeleteLinda M.
I am broken but not shaken. Our God is still the God that we have grown to love and serve. Amazingly through it all you are still serving. I was touched by how you have reached even to Italy to witness to others. Did you know that you have such a wonderful gift? We have a gift from God too and that is you and Don. You knock my socks off. My prayers are with your family. (((((((((Debbie and Don))))))))))))) That's my hug for you guys. Love you so much.
ReplyDelete