Undeservedly Blessed

I am really taken back by the amount of care and concern is being focused my way concerning my mother and her Churg-Strauss Syndrome. I have people whom I barely know asking after her and letting me know they are praying. Don't get me wrong, this is a great thing, just a bit overwhelming and, I don't know why, but unexpected. I say "I don't know why" because Placerita Baptist Church and those who attend are an amazingly loving and caring family. I have seen them be this way towards so many others. It has just taken me by surprise that the person is now me. I am so thankful to the Lord because of it and humbled by the loving God I serve ministering to me and my family through his church. Enough about me, lets get to the update on my mother.
For the past 3 to 4 years she has had a cough that comes and goes. The doctors have prescribed various medication and they have all been focused on the symptoms, which they have relieved temporarily. Ever since she returned from England in January the cough has come back and with a vengance. Many of you may remember that early last year she was hospitalized becuase of her cough and her current situation has her close to that state again. Even last spring they doctors missed the diagnosis.
So what is the diagnosis? Well after a lung biopsy and some blood tests they feel she has Churg-Strauss syndrom. Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is an extremely rare disease that results from inflammation causing injury to organ systems. The areas most commonly affected by CSS include the nerves, sinuses, skin, joints, lungs, intestinal tract, heart, and kidneys. Almost all people with CSS have increased numbers of “allergic type” blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils can be found in elevated numbers in the blood and often in tissue biopsies in people with CSS. Some of the most serious manifestations of CSS are related to the presence of vasculitis. What is vasculitis? Vasculitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the blood vessels. When blood vessels become inflamed, they can only react in limited ways. When inflamed, the blood vessel may become weakened and stretch in size which can lead to aneurysms, or become so thin that they rupture resulting in bleeding into the tissue. Vasculitis can also cause blood vessel narrowing to the point of closing off the vessel entirely. This can cause organs to become damaged from loss of oxygen and nutrients that were being supplied by the blood. And for my mother the organ of choice is her lungs.
The current therapy of high doses of steriods and now chemo drugs has not been working. God in His providence has my mother working for a medical group that has connections with specialist at the Univeristy of Utah. They are currenlty working on sending her down there to get the help and proper medical attention. At this point my mom is in good spirits and keeping a God center focus. She sees the blessing and hand of God in having her work for doctors with the connections they have as well providing so much help from her own local church body.
Even so this disease is taking its toll on my mother. She is tired and weak and is looking at what things to cut from her schedule. Now for those of you who don't know, my mother is just like me in the number of events and ministries involved in. We both just love to serve the Lord in His local church and it is not easy for us when we realize something has to go.
I would covet your prayers for a continued God centered perspective during this time, for my mothers health to improve and that when she does meet with the doctors they will come up with a successfull treatment.
Again, thank you for your inquiries.................and don't stop asking! I wouldn't trade your love and care for a second.