Friday~Donor search underway

Sorry I haven't written since Sunday, I am just now coming out of a low time that seemed to get a grip for a few days and there really wasn't much to update on until now so I let it slide. Yesterday Steve and I went to the Fort Wayne oncologist for a check up. His counts are the best they have been since prior to him becoming ill! That is a real praise to the Lord and encouragement for all of us. He is beginning to get some strength back and stamina and endurance are following close behind. I'm so glad, I hoped that he would be strong enough to go to "TheMATCH" golf outing October 9 and with each passing day it seems more of a reality. He is looking so forward to it and his 40th class reunion that evening.

A letter just arrived from the marrow donor bank that said they are now searching for a stem cell donor for Steve. I was relieved to know they are finally actively trying to find a donor. This coming Monday Steve has another appointment with Chicago for a consultation. This past week he and I did more research on myelofibrosis, various experimental treatment options, and clinical trials. Steve's local cancer doctor is pursuing a discussion with a doctor at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas since they are doing research in this area. Basically, Steve and I are prayerfully searching out what is the right treatment plan for him at this point. He has certainly got past a huge mile marker that was laid out before him May 26 when given his official diagnosis at the hospital the prognosis then was that if he did nothing (no treatment at all) he would have two weeks to three months to live. That is the day hope became the most important aspect of my life in a way I would never have imagined and is continuing to grow into an anchor for my soul. Now nearly four months later, thanks to Our Great God, His role in modern science, many prayer warriors, and the generous support of family and friends Steve is doing well. He still has a long hard road ahead but what has sustained him in the past will continue to sustain him in the future.

The saying, "I don't know what the future holds but I know who holds the future" is one I repeat to myself often when I start to waiver in my mind. Knowing Christ bolsters my resolve and helps me carrying on in His Name. Again, it is for God's Glory that Steve and I have dedicated ourselves and the journey ahead, which we know is in His hands. With that one goal in mind it makes this journey much easier to bear.

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Peter 1:3

With love and grace,

Dawn