21 weeks

I was thinking I ought to mark the occasion in some way today - not that "21 weeks" is (as such) anything special , but just to acknowledge that it was 21 weeks ago today that Sue went into hospital for the first time.

Not that we had any idea what the problem was at that stage; a blessing yet in store! She went in, in great pain (which, in the end, was actually diagnosed as pneumonia) very early on the Saturday, and went from A&E onto the ward within a few hours. They did all sorts of tests and x-rays and scans over the weekend, followed by a liver biopsy on the Thursday (9th); but it was not until the following Thursday (16th) that the consultant confirmed his diagnosis of cancer. However, even then we were at peace, having prayed ourselves and knowing that we were being prayed for.

Much has happened since then; but, in it all and through it all, the Lord our God has been SO GOOD to us and blessed us in so many ways that we have to publicly give thanks for all His grace and mercy. Some dear brothers and sisters in Christ have offered financial help; others have provided practical help, such as two or three meals per week, or just phoned/visited to ask how we are. Thankyou to all those who have ministered to us in such ways!

The Lord has also prompted many people to pray for us, in many fellowships far beyond ours, and in several countries; if you have been (and are) praying for us, I thank the Lord for YOU and your concern for us. Please be assured that your prayers are being answered as we continue to be upheld by the grace and mercy of the Lord and the love of His people. Many of you I do not expect to meet this side of glory; but it is surely a proof of the reality of the bonds of "love in the Lord and for His sake" that so many people have pleaded for us at the throne of grace. I look forward to meeting you there!

As regards the current situation, it is certainly true that Sue looks different to how she looked 21 weeks ago - and how she looked (say) 10 weeks ago. Over the weeks of chemotherapy she has lost virtually all of her hair, and about 30lb in weight. But whereas there was a time when (with the chemo and the painkillers etc) she looked tired most of the time and "glazed"/"not quite with it" around the eyes, and had a job to put two words together, now - thank the Lord! - she is much better most of the time. She still gets pain, to some degree, most days at some point; she is still weak and wobbly, and feels "safe" in bed; and sometimes her hands are quite shaky. But the smiles are more frequent; conversation is getting easier; and there is often something of the old "sparkle in her eyes" that is VERY GOOD to see! We hope that, as the lighter evenings come and the warmer weather, we will be able to go for more walks - short and slow, but nonetheless a breath of fresh air.

This week she is due to go into hospital for the next overnight stay/intravenous chemo, if there is a bed...... then the two following Tuesdays will be visits to the outpatients clinic; then at some point she will have another scan, to see how things are doing - and then the consultant will say what happens next (either more of the same, or have a break for a bit). It is all in the Lord's hands, and we are more than content to leave it there!

Psa 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.