Continuing the journey

Mike has had two dilations since the last post. The one on July 16th didn't help much but the last one on August 13th seemed to make things better. He hadn't closed down and they were able to dilate him from a 15 to an 18. Much better than a 10 to a 14 as before. The good news is that he hasn't had any food get stuck since the Aug. 13th procedure. The concern (from Dr. Bismar) is that he isn't seeing any improvement in the ulcerated places. These were caused from the radiation. He has been on meds for the acid reflux for months. So Dr. Bismar is suggesting that he be tested for H-pylori bacteria. He can treat that. He also wants Mike to return to M.D. Anderson for the next dilation so Dr. Stroehlein can see what is going on. Pray that this ulcerated area heals.

An interesting thing happened during this last procedure. Dr. Bismar called me into the room so I could see what he was seeing. After Mike was taken to recovery we talked about all of the above and I asked him about an article that was emailed to me. It disturbed me when I read it. It was written by the head of the Esophageal Cancer program at M.D. Anderson. The point of the article was to explain all about this cancer and tell how they have made progress in the life expectancy now to 3 yrs. I read that and thought well, we have just finished 1 yr. and fear hit me. Does this mean this is the best they can do? Do we have 2 yrs. left? My doctor ( a Suni Muslim) looked at me and reminded me that I had professed to him last year that we were believers and that our faith was in Jesus Christ. He also reminded me of the truth that I already knew. He said, "only God knows the number of our days, it could be today or years from now". Don't put your trust in an article. Mike has done remarkably well. Better than I (Dr. Bismar) even thought her would do. " I knew all that. It was moving to be reminded by this Muslim doctor. I started grinning on the inside. I sort of felt like Daniel might have felt hearing Nebuchadnezzar proclaim truth.

Mike also reminded me not to look at the normal ..... that he isn't " normal". Can I get a witness, those of us that know him well...?

Anyway, God is the God of the impossible and the abnormal.

Mike also reminded me that even if he knew his time was short that he wouldn't change a thing that he is doing right now. He loves getting up every morning and spending time with the Lord. He loves leading the Band of Brothers ministry, teaching bible study and working on the ranch, taking care of God's creation.... ( Mowing and weedeating anything that grows)

Pray for continued healing, the ulcer the scar tissue, his weight gain, strength and stamina.

Pray that I won't fall into a pit of fear and that the Lord will send His messengers to remind me of the truth when I need it.

Now, I need to find some tracts for our doctor. Pray for him.

Our continued thanks for your prayers,

Jan and Mike