Jane let us know that she had great results from her endoscopy and colonoscopy - thank you Jesus!
Judi updated us on her SIL's success in getting an earlier appointment with the doctor for her brother, Bobby. After reviewing his blood tests, the Dr. was able to identify much needed vitamins to get his counts back in order - He also replaced one of his Alzheimer's medications and added another one. Please continue to pray that the Lord provides him with peace and calm.
We will miss our precious Sister Terry as she returns home. We have been blessed by her fellowship and look forward to staying in touch via the blog and emails.
After class Judi received word about her friend, Luann (multiple colon surgeries, followed by a stroke leaving her unable to speak and paralyzed on her right side). She has been able to say a few words - her speech is "slow and deliberate but definitely understandable". THANK YOU JESUS!
Mary Lou's neighbor Jim is having his lung cancer surgery on Tuesday. Remember his wife Deb had hers about a month ago. We ask for comfort and healing for both Jim and Deb, as well as travel mercies for Deb's sister who is traveling to be with and care for both.
Bette asked us to remember her friends, Jo and Craig. They found a suspicious lymph node tumor which has been diagnosed as stage 3 or 4 lymphoma. Please keep them in prayer - Craig needs the strength to undergo intensive chemo treatment.
Esther's neighbor Lorraine has been experiencing health problems causing her to fill with fluid. They were able to alleviate seven pounds of fluid in preparation for entering the hospital on Thursday to have a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) to look for clots around her heart. Please guide the medical staff to make the appropriate diagnosis and provide Lorraine with comfort and peace.
Carol shared that her friend Kathleen started chemo on Wednesday of last week and is suffering through it. Please pray for resilience and comfort.
Carol's friend Diane's husband Tom has recently undergone brain tumor surgery. Prayers are being requested that the site does not get infected which would compromise the brain.
Betsy shared with us that she is once again part of the Villages Honor Flight escort of 35 veterans to Washington DC on Wednesday. This is her third trip and will be the 25th for The Villages. This flight begins the Vets from the Korean War - there will be about 50/50 for World War II and the Korean War.
The following was received from Shannon (Keith Stepp's wife):
A quick update on Keith: He is on Day 8 of a 30-day regiment intended to destroy all of the cancer cells in his body. Unfortunately, it will also attempt to destroy his entire immune system, leaving him vulnerable to every-day germs. Please keep him in your prayers as we try this new regiment. The hope is that this will knock down his cancer markers enough to qualify him for a stem cell transplant in Tennessee. We are hoping the transplant will take place in early summer. We covet your continued prayers. Love and blessings,
Shannon
While we discussed these on Monday night I neglected to include them in the original publication (my apologies to Lois and Roxy)
Last week we were praying for Roxy's daughter's mother-in-law, Jeanne. I received word from Roxy as follows: Jeanne passed away yesterday afternoon peacefully with her 3 sons by her side. Family seem to be coping well and we all had opportunities to say good bye. Please continue to keep Jeanne and her family in your prayers.
Roxy's husband John's mother Helen is now in palliative care. John is on his way down to see her Dr. to find out more details. She has lived a wonderful life to 101 1/2 years and it seems time for her to say goodbye. Yesterday when we went in she was saying the Lord's Prayer and the nurses say each time they go in she is praying for help and saying long prayers. Bless her heart she so wishes to be home with her maker! Thanks so much for your friendship and prayers. Hugs for everyone! Roxy - Let us pray for Helen, her family and the joyful reunion she will have in heaven when she reaches out and touches Jesus' hand.
Lois' brother Danny fell on Sunday and broke his hip - needing surgery. We learned that he had a very successful surgery where they were able to install pins instead of performing a total hip replacement. Lois continues to plan a trip to see him next week as he continues his battle with cancer and treatments.
Lois' hubby, Charlie had medical issues and was admitted to hospital with concerns that he might have had a TIA. Tests determined that he did not, however, they have been unable to determine what has caused his issues. He was released to return home on Monday and Lois was caring for him. Please pray for resolution to his medical problems, his chronic migraines and insight into what happened to him. Please keep Lois in prayer as she shoulders the emotional weight of both her brother's and husband's illnesses.