May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22
August 2, 2010
Hello everyone,
It’s me this time. I thought that it would be a good idea to post an update myself with a few more details than mom was able to provide when she blogged for me.
Our “slow growing cancer” isn’t growing so slowly anymore. Bill has been having scans every 3 months since his last chemo in September, and in April everything looked great. But much has changed since then and his July scan showed some troubling differences. There is significant growth of thymoma throughout the left side of Bill’s chest and lung that is inoperable and can’t be radiated.
We knew that this was likely to happen, that he would need chemo again, which is why he kept his port in place. But we thought we had more time. And we expected any degree of recurrence to be incremental and accompanied by symptoms. We are stunned.
Bill restarts chemo on Wednesday. He goes for 3 days in a row and then gets his Neulasta shot on Monday, then (maybe) back to work on Tuesday. 3 weeks later he’ll have another cycle of the same followed by a scan to monitor progress. If all goes as we hope, there will be a reduction in what is there and then he’ll have 2 more cycles for “maximum benefit”. Then we watch and wait some more.
Everyone asks “how are you doing?” And honestly, we don’t even know how we’re doing. I think we’re all still kind of in shock. We take turns with every negative emotion-angry, helpless, scared, more angry, worn-down, numb, depressed, sad, tired. It’s all there.
We are trying to be hopeful, but it’s harder this time. For this we just have to pray.
We need some pink hair and a Monte Python party, but I’m short on inspiration.
Everyday I’m asked what we need. Right now we need 2 things. Prayers for healing, hope and peace. And laughter. lots of laughter.
We wouldn’t get through any of this without all of the prayers and love and support from all of you so for that I thankyouthankyouthankyou!
God Bless and Love,
Lara
Dear Blair Family,
We are so sad to hear of this news, however we know the power of God is immeasurable. His love for each and every one of us immense. Our prayer for your family is that a miracle would be granted to rid this awful disease from your lives and that His grace would surround you in the coming weeks. Much love, The Littlers.
Lara and Bill,
Our prayers and love are with you. We can’t imagine how difficult this is for you, but we
do believe that God’s Grace is still more powerful
than anything that can befall us. Hang in there.
Be strong when you can be and cry when you need
to. We’re with you. Dan and Robin.
Lara and Bill,
Please know that the call has gone out to your Youth Ministries family and everyone has begun their prayers for all of you. In our youth, we called out to these people for stregnth and love. In our adulthood, we still have the support of these wonderful people.
Let us know if you want to hear some funny old stories. I’m sure we can come up with a few anectdotes! The famine was a great time, for instance! I hope you have shared these memories with your family. My kids have heard these stories ad nauseum!
We love you. God loves you. Don’t ever forget that.
Cindy Dummler Bifulco
Dear Lara and Bill;
I will put you on the prayer chain at my church and with my bible study group. My heart is heavy at your news, but God is good. I treasure you guys…but God treasures you more…way more!
Love, Anne
I will update your report on our bathroom prayer wall next to your family picture. I know….it sounds weird but how many times do woman have to go to the bathroom throughout the day, esp when we drink coffee/tea. What a great reminder to pray SEVERAL times a day about the ones we love. We have 20+ female employees, x 3x a day to use the restroom, thats 60 prayers a day coming from the little womans bathroom at the Smoke House. I’ll have them turn up the intensity as well. So hang in there, you keep up your faith & fight and we will keep up our prayers & “peeing”! Sorry this is little bit crazy but it was intended to make you smile! Take care, love you all, Sue Francis
We love you guys and you all are in our hearts.
Hey Lara & Bill,
I am praying for all of you. I will be recruiting some other prayer warriors as well. May the Holy Spirit infuse you with more than any man-made chemo drug could offer.
Laura
I’m speechless and sorrowful. I’ve forwarded your blog to the prayer chain and I will pray and continue to lift your family up. Godspeed dear ones, may God provide for your every need!
PS – I love Sue’s bathroom prayer story above. I admit it was a bit disturbing to think about at first but, hey, God is everywhere…so why not? It’s certainly better than “Smokin’ in the boy’s room” (Sorry…I thought of the song when I saw that the prayerfully peeing bathroom is at the “Smoke House”)
Dear Lara and Bill – know that you all are in my prayers. May you feel the presence of God as you walk this road again, especially knowing how many are praying for your family.
God bless.
Just able to access your blog…..we’re at Jack’s home & they have had computer problems….finally called a tech and are online again…
your mom has been keeping us updated, Lara, and we want you and Bill & family to know that you are in our daily prayers……we pray for you all and for those who are prescribing and administering his care…may the Lord be directed all of this for the best outcome possible….we know He is watching over your family…..I can’t imagine you all having to go through this again….but you have weathered many a storm in the last few years, and I know God’s promises are real that He will never forsake us, or leave us….that He is always near…..may this promise be a source of hope and comfort and peace for you all in the days ahead……….we will be with your Mom & Dad this weekend..really looking forward to this time together…..will plan to have a “group” prayer-in while we are with them…..how does that sound?……God bless you all….with our love and prayers for a brighter tomorrow……love ek & david