Merry Christmas!

God has brought us through another year. The last few years have been a huge challenge to our family, but it has made us stronger and our walk with the Lord has been deepened. We are so grateful for how well Tim is feeling now --the doctors are just going to monitor him monthly to stay on top on anything that might develop or change.

The kids are doing well and keep us very busy. Matthew (17) has entered the Job Corps program in Massachusetts. He will be home for a 3 week vacation and then return to the program in January. He is studying the security/military track and seems to be adjusting well. Michael (13) is growing faster than we can keep up with! He will be starting a new therapy in January - he was recently diagnosed with Autism. We are very excited about this program and look forward to seeing him progress in the coming months. Mark (6) and McKayla (7) are two peas in a pod! They love school and are looking forward to being in both the school and church Christmas programs this year.

May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior. Thank you for your love, support and prayers for our family.

-Tim and Stacie

Test Results

One of my doctors called today with the test results that I have been waiting for. I struggle with any explanation because it is very complex and I do not fully understand it myself. Both of my doctors hesistate in saying that I am definitively in remission anymore, but the tests seem to show that my cancer is at least being held at bay. Overall my doctors are cautiously optimistic. I will take that as good news for now. They will continue to monitor me monthly. I feel good and God is in control. My cancer could become active at any time, so continue to keep me in prayer.


We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

-Tim

MRI Results

We received the results from the MRI and they are complicated, but I will try to simplify them as best I can.

First of all, Tim has a herniated disc which is a result of his spinal column being weakened by the cancer. The doctor believes that this is probably the source of his pain and he needs to rest in order for that to heal.

Second, there is new place on one of the vertebrae that is of "uncertain significance." Tim's most recent blood work also showed protein levels that were slightly elevated and so the doctor has ordered a bone marrow test for the middle of November. This test will be more definitive in showing exactly whether the multiple myeloma is trying to become active.

The MRI also showed that many of the lesions that were on his spinal column before the stem cell treatment are "no longer identified," which shows that there has been healing in those areas.

So, we are encouraged and cautious at the same time. We are praying for peace of mind as we wait for the next tests to be completed. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Opportunity to Pray...

About 3 weeks ago, Tim started having some back pain and after an exam at the oncologist's office last week, the doctor was concerned enough to schedule an MRI. Tim had the MRI today and we are waiting for the results. We do not have any idea what the source of the pain is, however it is in the area of one of the tumors on his spine. We are praying for peace of mind until we hear the results. As soon as we know something, I will post again.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

One year later...

September 11th is significant to us for more that one reason: first of all it is the day that we remember and honor those who died or were injured in the attacks on our country and its freedom. I'm sure we all can remember exactly where we were when we first heard about what was unfolding in New York City and Washington D. C. and how distressed we were see our country being attacked in such a horrific manner.

Tim and I also remember exactly where we were one year ago today when we received the life-changing news that Tim had two tumors on his spinal column and they were probably cancerous. After a few more tests in the following weeks, it was confirmed to be just that - Tim had Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the blood plasma. Since then, cancer has become an unwelcome visitor to our home and family. Our routine and life style changed as we began the doctor visits, medication routines, diet changes and more. Even things like lifting a box or bending over to pick up something became an effort for Tim. Our perspective on everything changed, as we now had this invader living with us and affecting our lives in a very significant way.

It has been an overwhelming year of emotions and physical and spiritual challenges, but through it all God has been faithful to carry us and sustain us. We know that nothing can enter our lives without first being approved by our Heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us and what will cause us to grow and become more like Him. We are learning to take the hurts in our lives and make them opportunities - opportunities to strengthen our walk with the Lord, to pray more, to empathize with others on a deeper level and to hopefully show His grace through it all.

We are thankful that Tim is in remission and he is feeling great! We are thankful for the many prayer warriors who continue to carry Tim's name to the Throne of Grace. We keep hearing of more and more people that we do not know but who have prayed for Tim. It is very humbling---we are so grateful.

So on September 11th, we will take time to look back and remember the events of that day nine years ago. We are so very grateful to be Americans and pray that God will continue to bless our country. Tim and I will also take time today to look back and remember all that God has done for us in this past year and thank Him for His goodness to us.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.