Final Diagnosis

Apparently a test coming back negative is actually a positive. Huh? That is what I said when my mother called me today. Apparently when you do a myriad of tests only one coming back negative is actually a positive in the diagnosis. The specialist at the University Hospital in Utah called my mother today and walked through the test results and has diagnosed her with Churg-Straas. She has stopped taking the chemo drugs and the cough returned so was discouraged but the doctor never wanted her to stop taking it. So they have put her back on the medication and he has set a new appointment for her in November. And these follow-up tests will be covered by insurance.
Thank you all for praying for my mother now I ask you to continue to pray that the medication will heal her body. That she will continue to trust in the Lord for her daily strength and she will continue to have joy in the midst of this trial. It is a huge praise to have an accurate diagnosis and a course of action to try and heal her body.

When it rains is pours

I wish I had great news to report but sadly I do not. All of the tests have come back negative which translates to a lot of time with no results. The doctors still do not have an answer to my mother's now over 2 year old cough. On top of it the insurance company is denying other testing that the doctors are requesting to attempt to diagnose it. Add to this that things at my mother's job as a nurse are not going well at the moment either. And then add to this that if my dad's area does not meet its goals in 60 days he will loose his job. Pray for James 1:2-5 for my mom and dad. Also pray that the Lord will give them both comfort and peace in the knowledge that our Lord loves and cares for each of His children and will sustain them in any and all situations.

Success and Patience.

First of all, thank you all who prayed for my mother. I just spoke with her on the phone and the procedure went well. The doctors were able to complete the tests and take several biopsy's of her lung tissue. My mom is tired but glad to have it done. Now patience is needed once again as we all anxiously await the test results (which they should have by next week some time). They are on the way to the airport to catch a flight home so she can sleep in her own bed tonight. Pray they can make the 5 pm flight home so she can rest. Please continue to pray with me that a resolution and an end to the pain and discomfort would come quickly. For a son, it is hard to see you mother in pain and not be able to fix it. But we have a Great Physician and Comforter. Thanks again for your prayers and concern for my family.

It's a waiting game

My mom and dad arrived back home from Utah late Monday night. The doctor took a lot of tests. The other doctors have her on so many medications it is hard to get some accurate readings so he is taking her off the medications over the next three weeks and then they will be going back down to Utah for some more tests. So for now it is hurry up and wait.
Thanks for your prayers and encouragements. My mom says she can tell so many people are praying for her and is so grateful.

Surprisingly Chicago

And it was just that. I wish I could have described the look on Frank's face when he arrived home to find me, Gary, the best friend, sitting at the kitchen table. Words can't describe it so I have inserted the picture below -- worth a 1000 words. He was so surprised he could barely put two words together. Frank said that he didn't recognize me at first with my longer hair and tan. He said his first thought was "who is this Dominican Baseball player my wife is dating." :) LOL (and I did) After about 10 minutes by himself Frank was able to compose himself and return for some fun. We stayed up until about midnight catching up on everything from new friends, old friends, jobs, ministry, family and the like. Best friends are great for catching up on life.
Day two was the best day for me. We cleared out the guest/office/cat/storage/junk room. While Fonzell went through the boxes and sorted out the junk from treasure, Frank and I began to tape. After the tape was done and the tarp was down the paint came out. It took us about 3 hours to do the room. . . actually about 4 but that included a reward run to Dairy Queen for blizzards 2 1/2 hours in. Hey, painting is hard work and it always helps to have a yummy promise of a goal met. It was so great to be apart of the new baby preparations. It was a high honour for a soon to be "Uncle Gary" to contribute.
Friday and Saturday we spent tooling around Chicago and Geneva. There was a giant kidney bean in Millennium Park, great views from the skyline boat tour. Dinner at the Italian restaurant was great. Geneva was a cool town also. The working windmill was very impressive. But was most impressed me was just being able to hang out with my best friend and his wife. Saturday night completed the days of surprise with a final surprise Birthday party for Frank back at the house. I cooked up a story about seeing his place of work and being able to get pictures on his truck (included, don't I look truck driverish???). After everyone yeld surprise Frank turned to me and without hesitations stated emphatically "You sit on a throne of lies." It was at that point I laughed so hard I snorted.........yeah I snorted and right in front of 20 people I never met. I am great at first impressions.
All-in-all it was a blessed time with great friends and a refreshing relaxing 5 days. I was just sad to see it end. The time was priceless and God was good to allow it to be a time of refreshment and energizing for all of us.

Friendship to me!!! A male perspecitve.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever the heck you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.
9. This is my oath.....I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; 'because you are my friend.'

Friendship is like peeeing your pants,

everyone can see it,

But only you can feel the true warmth.

Heading to Utah

I spoke with my mother on the phone today. Though she sounds as if she has been smoking 3 packs a day for 20 year she is in great spirits and actually is feeling better. And by better she means not as horrible as the day before. When you have been sick as long as she has the term "better" is very very relative.
On with the update. My dad will be driving my mom down to the University of Utah on Sunday the 10Th. They are currently not sure what to expect or how long she will be down there. They do know they have and appointment with the specialist at 8 am on Monday morning. I am not sure how long the testing takes to get results but as soon as I know you will know.
Please pray for comfort as they travel and that the skill and wisdom of the doctors would prove profitable. Not knowing for sure if the doctors know what she has has been frustrating and somewhat discouraging. Pray also for a continued heart of hope and joy in His sovereign plan being accomplished and my mother and father go through this trial. Hebrews 12:2