Moday MRI Update

Wonderful news... Kate's MRI today was good, for which we are rejoicing and thankful!! The next MRI will be in 4 months instead of 3, which is a positive step. The more time that elapses with clear scans, the doctor begins moving the scans a little further apart. Kate's flu-like symptoms are the result of a very nasty virus. She came home from school feeling bad and continued to deteriorate through the weekend - cough, severe sore throat, no appetite, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. She's feeling miserable. During our clinic visit, she received IV fluids, and an IV dose of morphine for the throat pain. This throat virus is so very painful. I had it this fall and nothing touches the pain. We did a culture for strep, but given the presentation of the symptoms it is more likely the virus. The doctor wrote a script for Tylenol with codeine and we hope that helps the pain. Kate's doctor doesn't want her to go back to school for a few days until she's feeling much better. Please continue to pray for Kate as she battles this virus.

Once again thank you for standing in the gap for us and holding us up in prayer. God's hedge of protection was definitely around us this morning as we departed in 6 inches of newly fallen snow which was still falling. Travel was slow, but about half way there it was as if we crossed a line and the snow stopped and the highway was only wet. School here was delayed. The people at the hospital, where there was only an inch or two, couldn't believe it when we told them about our morning snow storm. While there is always some degree of anxiety associated with each MRI, God's presence and peace were felt by both of us. We continue to thank God for using Kate's journey for His good and glory. Upon hearing a bit of Kate's history, the MRI technician, shared with us that tomorrow he and his wife will take their five year old son to the doctor to determine if he has lymphoma or not. We assured him of our prayers for his little boy. He proudly showed us his son's photo and so that we could put a face with his son's name as we pray.

Today was still another amazing grace day. Thank you for playing such a strategic role "on your knees" in Kate's journey. ALL GLORY TO GOD!!

MRI Monday

Just a reminder that tomorrow morning, Monday, February 23rd, Kate will have an MRI. As always we are grateful for your prayers each time Kate has an MRI, which always brings some level of anxiety with it. We are to be at the hospital at 6:30 am and the scan is scheduled to begin at 7:00 am. At 10:00 we will have a check up in the clinic with Kate's oncologist. Please pray for God's presence and peace to fill Kate as she endures the long time in the tube. We are thankful for our always present God, who goes before us, goes beside us and comes behind us through each MRI.

We have enjoyed a relaxing and low key weekend. Kate has had flu-like symptoms - sore throat, cough, aching all over, so she has especially appreciated resting in the comforts of home rather than in her dorm room. Kate, Maggie and I have enjoyed being together, and had a couple of fun movie nights.

As we have shared over the years, Kate's journey has been one of amazing grace. We are all recipients of God's grace and mercy. At times I have found it impossible to comprehend or put my mind and soul around God's wondrous gift of grace. On a recent trip to Malone to get Kate, I read this quote that so perfectly articulates that grace, which embraces and carries us through life.

"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." Anne Lamott

Only by grace,
Elaine