Our Friday began very well. We met with the Orthopedic Dr. at 8:00 AM and after reviewing our MRI he told us that the damaged area of Sharon's hips was very small and would most likely heal itself over the next several months. That made for a very happy drive to the City of Hope for the rest of our appointments. Our euphoria was not to last. Dr. Stein, our oncologist delivered the devastating news that Sharon's bone marrow biopsy showed that her cancer had relapsed and that we had about 16% Leukemic cells. Not something that we wanted to hear at all. We then pursued our options and they appear to be this. We will begin Chemotherapy again on July 8 on an outpatient basis. That will last for one week and then we will wait for three weeks and have another bone marrow test. If we can get the cancer back into remission we will then have a second bone marrow transplant. We have had to deal with a lot as we've processed this news, certainly we had hoped for a much different result. The path ahead will not be easy but we know that with the help of the Savior and with the combined faith and prayers of our family and our many friends that it will be possible.
Greg pointed out a very appropriate scripture in the Book of Mormon. In Mosiah Alma and his people are being subjected to hardship from the Lamanites. In Chapter 24 verse 14 the Lord responds to the silent prayers of the people by promising them that "I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." In verse 15 it says that "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alama and his bretheren were made light; yea the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Then when delivered from bondage (in verse 21) it says "they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God."
We as a family know of a surety that The Lord does visit His people in their afflictions and that only He, the Lord, can deliver us. We are committed to cheerfully and patiently "MOVE FORWARD WITH FAITH."
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3 comments:
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have been searching a lot for comfort, for some kind of answer to this relapse and this was it. Nothing brings peace like the gospel and the scriptures. Know that our hearts are continually poured out in prayer for both of you.
I've always loved that scripture too as it's gotten me through some difficult times in the past. The part that really stands out for is that they bore their burdens "cheerfully". I guess it's not enough to just endure to the end, but we have to be happy about it too. Not always the easiest thing to do. But when I see how well you have both taken this news and how "cheerful" you have been in spite of it all, just enjoying each moment that you have, it shows me that I can do the same. Thank you for your wondeful examples and as always, are prayers are with you.
I hope you find Psalm 27 of comfort, too. It begins "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" and concludes: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord". We are praying for you!
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