A Difficult Week

We will be celebrating Easter an entire 24 hours before most of you but in actuallity we began celebrating God's continued love and graciousness to us big-time on Thursday. A few of you know what a trying week this has been for us but for you that don't let me fill you in on the details.

A couple of weeks ago Mark had a 2 cm lesion removed from his right shoulder blade. It is a site where a mole had been removed about 5 years ago, since that time it had slowly turned into a keloid scar. He had it examined a couple of times in Virginia and the Dr. was not concerned. Recently a couple from New Mexico where here with the Southern Cross Mission project and they had rave reviews of a dermatologist here. I obtained her information and scheduled an appointment for Mark.

When Dr. Anna examined this growth she advised having it removed because in her past experience she had seen a similar lesion become malignant. A few days later we learned that Mark's was also malignant and was diagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Over 25 years ago Mark's tumor was also classified in the sarcoma relm. Initally we were not too concerned until we learned that if the lesion had already metastasized the prognosis was very poor, 2 years or less of expected life.

It was a long 4 days waiting for the results of the CT scan. We struggled with fear of the 'what-ifs' and really much dread thinking about going down the cancer road again. We had very little sleep, it was a continual process of handing over the fear and anxiety to the Lord. I listened to some excellent sermons on-line several nights regarding fear, after giving up on sleep and growing weary from prayerfully, crying out to the Lord so much. I particularly love John Piper's, Desiring God's website if anyone is struggling with trusting God with all things. Why do we think that we can plan best for our life, we REALLY do want what God has planned for us-right?

Thursday we received the news that there were no signs of metastasis-O Praise Him! O Praise Him! Did you guys feel our collective sigh of relief over there on Wednesday night?! Now, it's just a matter of removing all the existing cancer and perhaps having some radiation. The borders on the 4 cm that were removed from Mark's shoulder blade were not clear of cancer so there is no way of knowing how much the cancer has invaded that area. If they are able to get it all with the second surgery the prognosis is very good.

Yesterday, we met with a surgeon at the Bangkok Cancer Center, the physician we were referred to. We have been praying for wisdom about where to do the next surgery. It was quickly evident that we weren't supposed to have it done there. Mark needs a MOH's surgical procedure, where a pathologist is in the OR and while the surgeon is microscopically removing flesh, muscle (hopefully no bone) they are finding the borders of the cancer and then take out a wide margin past that point. The old method of just 'guessing' and taking out a lot of the exposed area and waiting on the frozen section after the surgery to see if they got it all, isn't an option. It could require further surgery if all the cancer isn't removed and perhaps radiation.

There is one other reputable hospital in Bangkok where the MOH's should be offered, if not we will travel back to MD Anderson for the next surgery. Sadly, Dr. Plager, Mark's cancer Dr. from years ago retired a few years ago. It's hard to believe that it has been so many years ago that Mark was a patient at MD Anderson and Dr. Plager was in his 50's then. It's amazing how quickly so many of those memories started flooding back this past week, making it seem like only yesterday. Mark can even remember his patient number!! Please join us in praying that God will show us where he wants Mark to have his next surgery.

We have much to celebrate this Easter! Not only that Christ came and died for us and rose to new life, and made a way for us to spend an eternity with Him after this fleeting life here...but gave us a clear CT scan-we are so thankful!

We have a busy Easter weekend planned. Last night, our entire church was here for Good Friday (about 45 people), the fellowship was especially sweet even though Mark and I both were so physically tired. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed singing in our dining room! Last night, How Great Is Our God was especially poignant!The pastor led our congregation in a special time of prayer over Mark and the coming days. We are so thankful for all of our praying friends!! We love you!