Thanksgiving

It's 7:45 AM Thanksgiving morning and I just rolled out of bed. We are at Bob and Stacey's for the holiday. I have just finished reading Judy's post and I can't agree with her more. Staring death in the face has given Judy a fearlessness she hasn't known before...not to do crazy or stupid things with abandon, but to face and challenge every day as if it were her last. On second thought, there may be one exception to that last statement:

While we were in Costa Rica a couple of weeks ago, Judy rode a cable car to the top of a mountain and navigated eight zip lines through the rain forest for almost two miles to the bottom. Now that may be a little crazy and out of character for her. Aside from that, her bravery comes from an urgency to not let a day go by without making the best of her situation. Her eyes and heart are always looking for someone in need or some way she can do something good in the name of Christ. You may say that Judy has always been that way, and you are right. However now, she has a new resolve with the challenges that she faces each day.

Every day people are asking me, "But Ronnie, how are you doing?". You may have heard someone say, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". Well for me, I can testify that in my case, Judy's confidence and positive spirit and her "no fear" attitude make things so much easier for me. How can I be down and sad when she is so up and happy? How can I complain when she is so positive? How can I ask God why when Judy is asking God, what do You have next for me?

Our prayer on this Thanksgiving day would be to challenge each and everyone who reads this blog to look for opportunities to do something good for someone else...if maybe just a word of encouragment. If you haven't seen the movie, "The Blind Side", go out today and rent it and watch it with your family. You can make a difference in someone else's life by looking around and behind and then acting on the opportunity that God presents to you.

God called home last Sunday someone who was everything I was just talking about. So many or you can relate an incident or story where Debbie Puett was there when you needed her. Or, you may have gotten a note of encouragment from her at just the right time when you needed it most. That's what I'm talking about! Some of us need to take the baton that Debbie has handed off and run the race.

Judy and I are so blessed to have such a great host of friends who give us support and love and encouragment. I hope you know how much we love everyone of you and thank God for you. Now, dare to do something wild and crazy for someone else and see how God will bless you even more than you can imagine.

From Judy:

It's Thanksgiving morning. There is so much to be thankful for.

It has been 8 months since we began this journey and it has been quite a ride. When I tell you,I have learned something new everyday, I'm not kidding. Mostly, I have learned alot more about the Bible. I can't believe all the love notes God has written to us, that have been new to me. Where have I been!

I have become very brave. This is not something I went after. It just happened.It has been a gift from God. I think about my cancer everyday. I think about the past,the now,and the future. We are very aware of what I have. We know there is no cure. This is a very rare type of cancer. It always ends in death.
However.......they are learning more about it everyday. Before many years they will find a cure.

In the mean time, I do not intend to just sit around and wait. I am moving on. There are many things I need to do and things I need to try to take care of. Besides.I am not afraid. We have such a great support team behind our family and that is one of the things I am very grateful for this morning. Truly,I can not think about how horrible this would be without YOU!

People always say,'God will give you what you need, when you need it.' Boy,they are not kidding. There is such a sweet peace with Christ. When you have no other place to go and the battle is too big for you, He is there. When the future looks bad and it's too hard to look at it, He is there..... Amazing. Believe me,I did not choose this road and honestly, even today, I wouldn't choose it. However.....it is still quite a ride. And as long as He is driving, am in.

I pray for you, that you will have a peaceful Thankgiving. And no matter what is happening to you, remember,there will always be a morning and there will always be someone that loves you a whole lot more than I do...and I love you alot.
Judy

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God Must Really Love Judy

Four months of feeling really good...means the Sandostaten shot is doing it's appointed job. The report from Dr. Phan says the cancer is stabilized and under control. As a result, we continue the current regimen of one shot a month for the next 4 months. Then, we return to MDA for another check-up and scan.

Since God didn't choose to remove the cancer completely, He must have something really good to show us...we are ready. Or, possibly He just thinks we need more time to become totally dependent on Him. He will receive the glory and praise, no matter what faces us in the future.

As an aside, Judy woke up this morning telling me that she had visualized a host of Angels welcoming her to the hospital. A total peace and calmness followed and carried her the whole day. Isn't God neat???

Hello Houston

Well, we are back in Houston for our check-up. Carson, Casey, Judy and I just got back from Trueluck's restaurant. We had a lovely dinner with old friends, Peter and Deb Shipman. They're trying to get me to play spades and I want to get this blog done.

So...here's our schedule: Starting at 11 AM tomorrow, Judy starts her tests. We should be done about three or so. Then, we meet with Dr. Pham at 10:30 Wednesday to get the results of the tests. We will drive back to Mesquite that afternoon. You can look for a blog sometime Wednesday afternoon.

We covet your prayers for us to be totally and completely receptive to what God has planned for us. We will praise Him for healing, or we will praise Him for not healing, knowing that His purpose is holy and perfect. We cannot possibly understand His will, but we are totally committed to His Plan. When Judy awoke this morning, she had such peace and felt no fear. Isn't God so sweet?

See you again Wednesday,

Ronnie

Gearing Up

Well, we go to MD Anderson for tests and scan next Tuesday. Although we know that many of you have been praying regularly for Judy, we want to ask you to pray specifically for complete healing, evidenced by a clear CT Scan. We know God is quite capable of removing the cancer from Judy's body, if He so chooses, in order to accomplish His purpose to give witness to His mighty power and grace.

Judy and I are trying our best to have faith for complete healing, but our humanness keeps creeping in with doubts. I guess we just fear failing in our faith...what will others think if healing doesn't happen? Pray that we can walk so closely with God that we will know comfort and purpose no matter what comes our way. God has already used Judy's cancer to touch many people for His glory. If He has more He wants us to do with the cancer, then, to God be the glory! If He wants to use miraculous healing to accomplish His plan, then, to God be the glory!

We want to thank everyone of you for your friendship, encouragement, your support, and most of all, your prayers. We will be on the blog next Wednesday with news from the doctors. God bless every one of you in a very special way.

Ronnie and Judy

Melt Down

From Judy:
I had a melt down last night. That is the third time. I couldn't sleep so, I got up and unloaded the dishwasher, then went back to bed. I still couldn't sleep,
I got up and played games on my computer. I still could not sleep. That went on for several hours. I kept thinking about some really sad and really hard things that are happening in our family at this time. Things that have nothing to do with what's going on in my body.

About 3:00 am, I went into the living room and just sat there in the dark. Suddenly the tears came and then the sobs. I felt completly 'out of gas'. Why was God letting all this stuff happen, especially at this time? I begged Him to do something. I told Him that I needed to see that He knows about all this stuff. My history and faith knew that He was aware of everything, but my heart hurt.
Finally I went to bed about 4:00....nothing resolved. I must have fallen asleep right away.
This afternoon God moved and let me get a glimpse into how he was working behind the scene. It was a small thing in the worlds eyes, but hugh in my eyes right now. How very dear and sweet He is.
My friend,Olevia',called and told me about something that was said in Bible study 20
yrs.ago and how when she gets like I was last night, she just thinks about God picking her up and holding her in His rocking chair. I had spent hours sitting in a yellow chair when I could have been in His lap!!!!!!

This whole thing has been quite a ride. I hope I learn something everyday...something that will cause me to crawl up in His lap and just go to sleep and let Him run the world.
Judy

Update

Judy is still feeling fantastic...can you believe it? Yes you can...God is sooooo good.

We are in Fayetville, Ar. tonight and will be going to Little rock tomorrow, visiting the Scott boys and their families. Had a wonderful meal of K-Bobs and casseroles with Philip and Karla in their beautiful mountain home.

I'm so anxious to get back to M.D. Anderson Sept. 14...I have a really good feeling that God wants to show us another miracle! Please continue to pray for complete healing. Thank you all,

Ronnie and Judy

Surprise...we're back

Well, it's been quite a while since we last posted. However, since Judy has been doing so well, we just didn't have too much to say. But, we should have been thanking so many of you for continuing to pray. We know that Judy's absence of sickness and pain are a direct result of your prayers.

Judy got her third monthly shot on Friday and has experienced absolutely no reactions at all...praise God. We will be going back to MD Anderson on Setember 14 to have another octreotide scan to see if there has been any progression since the last scan in April. We are praying (and we would ask each of you to pray), that the scan will reveal no tumors.

The Lord gave us this scripture this morning: II Corinthians 12: 7b-10 "But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good,I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This is from the New Living Translation.

We love you all and praise God for your friendship,

Ronnie and Judy

All Clear

Casey got the "all clear" from her EEG. Everything is normal...praise God!

Judy will be going in to the Oncologist on Friday for blood work and her second Big Shot. She still, thank the Lord, has not experienced any sickness or other side affects from the medication. She is working her two days a week at the Dr's office and then her normal routine the rest of the week.

As you may remember, we will be going back to M D Anderson on the 14th of September to do more labs and another Octreotide Scan. Please pray that we won't find progression of the tumors then.

Going Smoothly...OOPS!

Judy got her Big Shot two weeks ago today. Can you believe (sure you can), she hasn't felt sick for even a minute. We will go back to M D Anderson on Sept. 13th. They will do another octreotide scan and compare it to the first one to see if the tumors are growing or spreading. If not, we will continue the monthly shot for another four months. If the tumors are progressing, they will add another treatment, but still no chemotherapy.

Now the OOPS! Judy and I were at Fair park for the performance of "Wicked" yesterday when I got a call from Casey's boss, saying that Casey had collapsed at her desk with an apparent stroke. We hurried off to Parkland Hospital and met the ambulance bringing Casey to the ER. She was totally incoherent and had paralysis on her right side. So, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 AM this morning was spent getting stablized and running tests and CT scan and MRI. She gradually improved through the night and incredibly walked out of the ER at 6 AM this morning.

After sleeping a couple of hours at our house, she woke up with a headache and some fever. Judy called her Internist, who amazingly got her in to a Neurologist, who gave up his lunch hour to see her...thank you Lord. After consultation, he was certain that she had not had a stroke, but a spontaneous seizure. She is at this moment getting hooked up for a 48 hour EEG. If this test indicates a cause for the seizure, we will deal with it. If not, she will go on about her business for the next four months, when she will have another MRI to compare with the other one.

Well I guess we just can't be satisfied with status quo in the Rawls family. God has given us supernatural strength through all this and we see no reason why He won't continue to do so. We love you all and thank God often for you. May God bless each of you real good!

From Judy:

When I look back over the last 7 weeks, I am shocked that it has only been that long. It seems like years. So much has happened. How can your life be changed so greatly in such a short amount of time? Ronnie and I are well aware of the seriousness this rare cancer. We are still looking at Stage 4. Not a pretty sight.

However...... there have been many more pluses than negatives. What a strange thing to say unless, you have seen what we have seen....miracles.

1st The fact that my cancer was discovered when it was, almost by "chance".

2nd I am STILL not sick. There is not pain and there is no nausea. That is
almost impossible!

3rd The doctors here and at MD Anderson,as well as Ronnie and me,saw
the lesions slides taken of the pancreas. But, after a very advanced scan
was done in Houston, THEY ARE GONE!!!!

Why? We don't know. Where these miracles came from....yes. From the Father, and we thank Him and promise never to forget to tell His story.
Judy

Trail Ride

Well. Judy got her once-a-month shot of Sandostatin Friday morning, sending us off on a wild weekend. We went straight way to College Station for niece Stephanie Watts' graduation from A&M. After the graduation party, we headed for Goldthwaite, Tx for the annual Cowpokes For Kids trail ride, benefiting New Horizons Ranch. NHR is a residential treatment center for abused children that Judy and I have been involved with for 40 years. Son, Bob came down for the event and donated two horses to the ranch's horse program. We really enjoyed our time with Bob and Casey and our hosts, Del and Joy Barnett.

You know, it seems strange in a way, but Judy and I are happier today that we have ever been before. The prayers and support of our family and friends have brought us to a level of peace and joy that we have not known. I know we keep saying "thank you", but you will just have to get used to it...we don't know what else to say.

"The Big Shot"

We faxed the records from MDA to our Oncologist, Dr. Orr today. His nurse called back and said he wanted her to come in tomorrow morning to start the Big
Shot. We will continue that for the next four months, at which time we will return to MDA for another Octreotide scan, to measure it against the first one. If everything is the same, we will just continue the treatment for another four months.

We continue to rejoice and praise God for His goodness and mercy.

She's not dying with cancer...she's living with it

On Monday, Dr. Phan told us that it seemed certain that the primary source of the cancer was the pancreas. But, it was very important to be certain about the source of the cancer. Thus, all the tests and procedures. Judy held up very well for all the stuff she had to endure for three days.

We were very aprehensive going into today's consultation. When the doctor told us the pancreas was clear (no tumors), we were initially shocked. But, very quickly, we knew exactly what had happened...God had performed a miracle. The source of the tumors turned out to be the small bowel. We now know for sure that the diagnosis is, get this, Mid-gut, intermediate differentiated, small bowel, neuroendocrine carcinoma.

The other good news is that we can do the treatment here in Dallas, And, we will still do the once-a-month shot of Sandostatin. We will return to MDA in four months for another scan to see if the growth of the tumors have been abated. If so, the same treatment will continue. If there is progression of the tumors, another treatment will be added. The good news here is that it will not be chemotherapy.

As I mentioned earlier today, we so appreciate your commitment to prayer for us and for our caretakers. Do you ever wonder how some people without praying friends and a living and miracle-working God can stand up to adversity such as this? Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

God is good...but we already knew that. It's just so exciting to watch Him in action. We met with Dr. Phan at about 3:30PM today. We got great news...the spots they saw on the pancreas were not cancer! I asked, "what were they?" The Dr. Said, "
I have no idea".

I'll go into more detail tonight, but we wanted to alert everyone as soon as possible. We are on the road to Mesquite, sending this from my I Phone. Thank you is so inadequate for all of you who have prayed so diligently...see you tonight.

MDA Today

Well, we arrived at MD Anderson at 9AM this morning and are still here at 8:30 PM. Judy is at this moment getting her CT Scan. She had to drink some kind of goop for an hour before the scan. It's been a pretty long day, but we still feel good and are encouraged by what we have seen and done today. We saw the lead Doctor this morning, had chest x-rays, did bloodwork, and now the scan. Tomorrow, we will have the octreotide scan after an infusion at 8 AM. We should be done by noon tomorrow. Then we will see the doctor on Wednesday for further consultation and to see if they need any more tests or procedures.

One thing different that we did learn today is that Judy's tumors are of the intermediate type, meaning that the cancer is not slow-growing nor fast-growing, but somewhere in between. Also, it is important to know the origin of the cancer cells, which is something we were told was not important with this type of neuroendocrine tumor. Thus, these procedures and tests are for the purpose of determining from whence the metastises originated. It's important because it will determine the type of treatment we will need.

Before I forget, I want to thank Casey for staying at the house and John Hobbs for taking care of our newly planted roses and ferns, and especially for watering my garden!

I must tell you that we truly feel your prayers and thoughts for us during these hours and days of tests and procedures and more tests and procedures. As we continue to pray for complete healing, we also are praying for utter dependence on God to take us where He wants us to go. We would rather go with Him down a rocky path than to take any other path without Him.

Until we know something more...thank all of you and know that we love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow (sounds like good lyrics for a song).

Progress...Yea!!

We started Judy's shots yesterday. I'm giving them to her morn. and nite and she is doing the noon one. Many thanks to David Guidrey, who came over after work and showed us how to administer the injection. He also drew the ninety vials to complete the thirty day initial treatment. Judy will then go once a month to the doctor's office for the shot.

The other great news...just as I was leaving for Rotary lunch, MD Anderson called and started rattling off the schedule for Judy's appointments, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10 AM. I had to stop the guy and tell him how I appreciated their promptness, but that we had friends from Georgia here and other friends from South Carolina coming in tomorrow. I asked if we could possibly start the program next week. The nice young lady scheduler was very accomodating and said she would work on it and get back to me. Boy, we almost got caught in a whirlwind before we knew it.

We will do what we have to, even if it means to go on this week. If the schedule cannot be changed, we will just assume that God knows something we don't and we will just follow Him. I want everyone to know that Judy and I are together 100% on whatever happens. We don't think anything is happening without God's hand on the process. Our faith looks up to Him for guidance.

We will be talking to you again whenever we know about MDA. We love every one of you more than you can know, because of your faithfulness in prayer and your many cards and letters and phone calls, E-Mail, Facebook, etc. We are truly humbled by it all.

MDA vs Treatment

We have been awaiting word from MD Anderson as to whether we could start the Sandostaten shot and still be accepted as a patient. Well, yesterday, we got the good news that we could do both.

We have sent all the records and slides to MDA and once they review the file (Monday or Tuesday), they should let us know in a couple of days if they will see Judy. WE will pick up the prescription on Monday and self-administer the shots for ten days to be sure Judy can tolerate the medication. Then the shot will be given monthly at the doctor's office.

We are very pleased about the progress we are making to get verification of the diagnosis and treatment. Then we can settle down to concentrate wholly on either a miraculous healing or on the battle to defeat the cancer. We are ready for either one, because if God is in it (and He is), we can't lose. Please pray that Judy will continue to feel healthy and strong.

Judy got a text from her sister Betsy that said, "Don't tell God how big the storm is...tell the storm how big God is". The message came at just the right time, when Judy was feeling a little blue.

Preparing for MDA

Today we worked on getting together all Judy's files and reports to fax to M.D. Anderson. We were able to get all but one doctor's report. The pathology slides have already been over-nighted to MDA.

We did finally get the lab report on the urine test, and it verified that we are dealing with a carcinoid tumor. That's what the Oncologist needed to be comfortable in administering the shot that we talked about earlier (Sandostaten). However, we don't want to start the treatment until we get an OK from MDA. We should know that within the next few days.

Although I haven't been able to concentrate on my work over the last few weeks, God is so good and He has really blessed my business, nevertheless. He never seems to amaze us with His grace and mercy.

Please pray that we can get into MDA quickly, so that we can get into a routine with some stability.

Weekend

We had a good weekend with our friends, the Gonzales' and the Hearrons. Just a relaxing time of good food, fellowship and playing lots of Spinner. Thank you Bob and Stacey for the use of your lake house.

Tomorrow, the results of the urine test should be in. The doctor will call with the results, hopefully giving us the go-ahead and start the shot treatments. I will also be talking to M.D. Anderson about setting up an appointment to do their evaluation of the pathology and CT slides. I will be faxing the records and over-nighting the slides. Then, they will contact us to set an appointment.

Judy is still feeling great and has joy and especially peace regarding the future. When people ask me how I am holding up, I simply say "Judy makes it easy for me, because of the grace and confidence she shows daily". God is so amazing!

Doctor's Visit

Well, today we saw Dr. Orr (Oncologist)To get the results of the blood work and 24 hour urine draw. The appointment was a little premature, as the results of the urine were not in, but should be either Mon. or Tues.

We now understand why the two tests...together, they should cofirm the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcidoid tumors...or not. Assuming agreement with the diagnosis, we can start the treatment (once a month shot). The doctor also suggested we have an echocardiagram, to be sure the cancer in the liver hasn't caused any damage to the heart valves. He does not suspect that it has.

Then, we asked about going to M D. Anderson for evaluation. He said he recently had a patient with the same tumor to call MDA, and they wouldn't see her because she had already started treatment, albeit, chemotherapy. So, we are going to talk to MDA immediately, to see if we can get in prior to starting treatment. The doc said it would not be a problem waiting to begin treatment, because this is a very slow growing type of cancer.So, we should hear from the doc on Mon. or Tues. concerning verification of the cancer type.

Here's how all you wonderful prayer warriors can help...pray that MDA will see us really soon, so that we can moove on to the next level, that being starting treatment.

We are leaving in a few minutes to go to Bob and Stacey's cabin at Lake Texhoma for the weekend. Sam and Barbara Gonzales are picking us up and we will hook up with Frank and Mary Hearron at the lake. We are going to have a wonderful weekend and we pray that all of you will too. All praise be to God.

From: Judy

Early yesterday morning, I went up to Baylor for some lab and blood work. It was my 1st time to go to the lab. I was going straight to my wonderful ,15 yr, part time job, after I finished w/the lab.

As I was filling out the paperwork, a queston came up asking about the stage of cancer I had. No big deal, it's stage 4. When I looked at the possible answers, I saw for the 1st time, that there was no cancer higher than stage 4. It took my breath away and my heart sank. How could this be?
As soon as I could get a signal, I called Ronnie and told him what I had just read. For a moment, there was silence on the phone. Then he said in a very soft voice, "Numbers don't mean anything to God." I asked him did you know this and did his heart sink when you heard this? He said, no he didn't know it and yes it took his breath away also. But, he said, "We don't have to be afraid and we are not in this by ourselves" And we are not.

Everytime I think about our situation, I think about how blessed we are to have the support we have...to have people to "come along beside you" to "stand in the gap" for and with you. What a blessing you all are to us. Your thoughts and prayers mean so very much to us. God is so kind and we feel Him around...everyday.

Judy
Ps 34:4

TW3

Well, I'm back on the Blog, after a week off. I hope you understand that I don't want to post just to continue blogging. I won't write unless there is news of import to report to you.

Judy will be taking her 24 hour urine specimen to the oncologist in the morning. She will also be giving blood for some additional testing the doctor wants. Then, it's wait again till Friday, when we have our next appointment. Our understanding is we will begin the treatment, the shot of sandostaten then. Judy will self-administer the first week to ten days, giving two daily injections of a lower dosage, to be sure she can tolerate the medication. Afterwards, she will get one shot per month at the doctor's office. We are told that there should be very little side affect, if any at all.

We still intend to have Dr. Orr send the slides and pathology report to the doctor in New Orleans. Also, we intend to get an appointment with M.D. Anderson as soon as we can. Assuming agreement on the original diagnosis, we will be comfortable with the current treatment plan. If there happens to be disagreement, we will cross that bridge at that time. Please pray that we have the correct diagnosis, so that we can move on and fight the demon that we know is the enemy.

We must once again express our sincere appreciation for the literally hundereds of cards and letters from you, plus the phone calls of concern. We truly didn't realize how many wonderful friends we have out there. We thank and love you all, including our very special family.

Meeting with the Oncologist

Today we met with the Oncologist, Dr. Douglas Orr. He was a very affable man and he listened and answered all our questions. I'll go ahead and let you know what our next step is in the process. On Monday, Judy will turn in her 24 hour urine specimen and do some lab work. Then, we will see the Dr. again on Friday to go over the test results. We expect at that time, we will start the treatment. The good news is the shot of sandostatin will only be administered once a month, with most likely no side effects. We will also be setting an appointment to go to M. D. Anderson, to get another opinion of the biopsies. Also, Dr. Orr knows a well-known MD in New Orleans who is the expert in this type of tumor and we may also let him do an evaluation.

So, all-in-all, we are still looking at a disease called neuroindocrine carcinoma. It is a stage 4 cancer, with a prognosis of successful treatment for 7 to 12 years. Judy's reaction was "I can't accept that...I plan on living to age 107". Who would have thought? It really doesn't matter the origin of the disease because the treatment is the same. We looked at the pictures from the CT Scan. We could see the numerous tumors on the liver and those on the pancreas. He also showed us two spots on the kidney, indicating that they were just cysts that probably been there for a long time.

We are encouraged and we hope you are too. We plan to continue to pray for complete healing...we ask that you do the same. God will absolutely get all the glory!

Myrtle Beach

Our first full day at Myrtle Beach and it was really nice. Jim and I started the day at Myrtle's Donna's Kitchen. Had the regular "Quick Pick", eggs, grits, wheat toast, bacon. Judy and Bonnie slept late. Then, we strolled the beach and picked up shells. I really found some beauts.

Judy is still feeling well and is just moving on like nothing has happened out of the ordinary. But, isn't that what you would expect of her? The boys went to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball game. Anyone know what a chanticleer is? Please respond if you do.

We'll be talking to you again tomorrow.

A Little R&R

We are now in our little borrowed condo in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We plan on coming home Sunday evening Interesting place. Very pretty too. My buddy, Jim Needs and his wife Bonnie from Upper Sandusky, Ohio invited us down for a visit. Only plan is to go to the Carolina Opry on Saturday night.

Though there's not much to report, I am compelled to enter a correction regarding last night's post. Judy wants everyone to know that she is not giving cancer credit for her weight loss...she has worked hard to lose those pounds over the last two years. I stand corrected!

Good night

D-Day (D for Diagnosis)

It's 1:30 and Judy and I are preparing to go to the doctor's office.We feel the prayers of all of you who are praying. With that kind of intercession, whatever the news, we will rejoice. No matter the outcome, we will praise Him, He who is all-knowing, omnicient and ever-present will be glorified. Will return to finish this Blog...

So, here's what we learned from the pathology report: Let me be clear that what I tell you is subject to change, once we see the Oncologist on Monday.

1) The tumors have a name...neuro-endocrine. It is a fast growing cancer, but most treatable.
2) It probably originated in the pancreas, although it really doesn't matter. The treatment would be the same.
3) Besides the pancreas, it involves the liver and three lymph nodes.
4) It's not operable, but the treatment with a stando staten injection daily should keep the tumors from growing or spreading.
5) These type tumors produce a high level of seratonin, which caused the diarrhea and weight loss.

All in all, if it has to be cancer, this is the best kind to have involving these organs. My tough little lady is going to live a long time...she may even make her goal of age 107! Again, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and caring, and especially the prayers of many righteous people.

Judy and I are leaving tomorrow for a few days in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with a Baylor buddy and his wife. We will be back Sunday evening, looking forward to what God wants for us in the future. Praise be to His Name!

From : Judy 11:25 PM

Tonight, the warrior is a child.....we cried. Our lives will change forever, no matter what. I almost don't want it to be morning. But it will be morning, and with that new strenght will come.

I am holding on to something my friend Cindi gave me last week... Psalms 18:1-19.
It talks about how God heard my cries. And He raced out of heaven to rescue me and HE WAS MAD!! I especially like that part. Then He scattered my emenies and reached down into the pit and lifed me up and took me to a safe place because He loved me.

I like it when God gets mad at the enemy. I beleive God will be there in the doctor's office tomorrow. And maybe He will have a sword. But the important thing is that He will be there. We will not be there alone. Maybe He will bring a few angels.

Because of you,my family,friends,and strangers, we will make it. Thank you,from this warrior, for helping us make this journey. I win,no matters what happens.

Good night,
Judy

Pathology Eve

I didn't Blog yesterday because I didn't want to write just for the sake of writing. Also, I'm certain you don't want to take your valuable time read some babble. That being said, I do have some substance to report to you all who have encouraged us in this exercise. Technology can sometimes be a very good thing.

Judy and I both went to work today and tried to act as normal as possible...Judy is much better at that than I am. I know that many of you never have deemed me to be normal anyway. Judy is now reading the stack of cards that came in the mail today. The outpouring of love and con-
cern Judy and I have received over the last week has been incredibly touching and humbling. We simply marvel at God's grace and peace , knowing that whatever path He takes us down, we will be walking with Him. How can that be anything but wonderful?

We have a previously scheduled appointment with the Internist tomorrow at 2 PM. I called the GI doctor's office late today and learned that the lab results are in and have been faxed to Dr. Chung (the Internist). So, it looks like we will find out the source of the cancer and the type of cancer we are dealing with. That will give us the information we need to determine treatment options. For the first time, I feel myself being anxious about tomorrow's consultation. Judy keeps me grounded with her unbelievable faith and trust.

I told our son, Bob a while ago...it's time to "ramp up the volume" and start beating the drums. I would also like to ask you to do the same.

Good night,

Judy and Ronnie

Resurection Day

Today we celebrate the first resurection...He's alive!

The services at Shiloh Terrace Baptist today were awsome...there new menbers and one young man surrendering to the ministry as a missionary. Bob and his family were with us for the 11 o"clock service. Dr. Christina delivered a wonderful message of hope...1,100 in worship, $70,000. offering and 6 new members!

I for one, will be watching the Lady Bears take on UConn tonight in the semis. Now, that's scary!

Took a break to visit with Frank and Mary Hearron. It's 17 to 8 Uconn.

We are looking forward to a great week ahead. We expect to get a pathology report, so we can determine what options we have. In the mean time, Judy feels physically great, spiritually and emotionally at peace. UConn 26, Baylor 12...maybe I should go to bed..nah.

Well, we've had a big Saturday with Bob and Stacey and the kids. What a beautiful day to be at Williams Stadium in Garland watching Ashlyn run in a track meet...no medal, but she ran very well in the 100 and 200. We went to Ft. Worth for dinner with Mom Lucas at Mama Mia's.

Not expecting any news over Easter weekend, we concentrate on the best news...Christ arose and lives today. Let's look forward to the next resurection, when all who know Jesus as Savior meet Him in Heaven. If anyone reading this blog doesn't know the joy and peace that Judy and I know in the Lord, you can have the assurance of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and all His children. You can call on the name of Jesus right where you are; acknowlege your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness, receive Him as your Lord and Savior. He is ready and willing to receive you just as you are, no matter what your past. His death on the cross paid for all your sins past, present and forever. His resurection, which we celebrate tomorrow, guarantees you a mansion in Heaven.

If you want to know more of what it means to be "saved", feel free to contact Judy or me. It's a free gift...all you have to do is accept it.

Good night and a blessed Easter Sunday tomorrow.

Good Friday

This Good Friday has been very Good. Judy has been out shopping all day with Stacey, Ashlyn , Casey and Mattie. They were looking for fabric to recover our dining room chairs. Then, the rest of the day looking for a prom dress for Ashlyn. The boys (Bob, Blake and Lucas and Carson) went to AMC 30 to see Clash of the Titans. I also got my garden tilled, finally.



Another day of no news from the pathology lab...which is good news. Don't really expect to hear anything till next week now. Every day that passes brings Judy and I a greater peace and comfort, knowing that God is weaving His plan to bring glory and honor to His name through wichever path He wants us to follow. The really good news is that we know that we won't be walking that path alone.



From: Judy

This has been a good week. Our family and freinds have made it pass fast. It was Tues morning before I heard myself laugh. It sounded so good and even felt better. I love to laugh, it's good for the soul.

Maintaining

It's 1PM on Thursday and there's nothing of substance to report. Judy is running errands and doing the things she ordinarily does on her days off. Well, there's one piece of good news...we are going this afternoon to get my pants taken up in the waist. I've been losing about five pounds per month since November...cutting back on calories and exercising about an hour each day. Those who know Judy well, know that she is a "Care-Taker", it's her gift of the spirit. She's always concerned about everyone else's well-being, sometimes to the detriment of her own.

Looks like God needs me to be in shape. I'm not good at giving mercy and Judy is not good at receiving it. So, it's time we both learn a new role for a while.

Bob and Stacey and the kids (Ashlyn,Blake and Lucas) are coming tonight. We feel extra comfort when they are here. This closes day #3 since the biopsy with no pathology report. Every day that passes gives us hope that the prognosis will be more promising for treatment. If you are one of our prayer partners, please continue to pray for healing. Maybe if enough folks continue to pester God, He will just throw up His hands and heal Judy, just to get us all off His back.lol

Each day that passes we are a little more encouraged, not hearing from the doctor about the pathology of the tumors. The way he explained it, if the cancer is the aggressive type, we should know in two or three days. The longer it takes, the more likely it is a type of cancer that will be much more treatable.

You know, we wonder and speculate about what may come, but then we simply say, "God, show us what you want us to learn...let us share in the miracle You want to perform." Nothing we could dream up or wish for can hold a candle to what God has in store.

Judy worked again at the doctor's office today. She's the oldest person there, including the doctors. Judy is the "mom" and they all get scared if something is wrong with her.

I told her good friend, Bonnie, that we had a great nite last nite. We got in bed and just snuggled and caressed each for about an hour, before going to sleep. She said that was a good exercise and we ought to sleep well...we did. See you later.

The Journey Begins

Judy and I have had the privilege to travel most of the world during our 46 years of marriage. Some trips were a few days and others were a few weeks. But every journey had a beginning and an end. Last Thursday began a journey that we don't know where or when it will end. But we know our Travel Agent and He will guide us all the way to our destination.

To bring you up-to-date to the present...Judy had been experiencing some digestive problems for quite a while, self-treating it for this or that, never getting better. I finally convinced her to go to the doctor. She was in between primary care docs and had a time finding one to accept Medicare. Any way, when she had her appointment, the doctor tested her for a number of things, giving her a prescription for an antibiotic. When that didn't seem to help, he decided to do an abdominal sonogram. That being inconclusive, he scheduled a CT Scan, which was performed on the 18th.

Judy had a follow-up appointment scheduled for the 25th to get the results of the Scan. Since we didn't hear anything from the doctor in the mean time, we assumed everything turned out well, and I decided not to go with Judy to the appointment. That was a mistake. Judy came by my office after-wards and gave me the news that there were lesions on her liver and pancreas. I was so shocked and so sorry that I was not with her when she got the news. We cried together for a while and then determined to pray for a miracle, or at least a malfunctioning CT Scan.

The next step was to go to a gastrointerologist to perform an endoscopic ultrasound, to take tissue samples from the liver and pancreas, allowing a pathology report to determine what we are dealing with. We had the EUS done yesterday, after which the GI Doc informed us that he found cancer on the liver and pancreas, and on three lymph nodes. We now have another wait of three to ten days to get the pathology report back, telling us the type and source of the cancer. That will give us the information we need to determine our options for treatment.

So far, nothing has turned out the way we wanted. Nevertheless, we know that God has a wonderful plan for Judy, a plan that will be far greater than we could ever imagine. We are still going to pray for a miracle healing, but short that, we want God to show us His plan, so that we can join with Him to His glory and honor.

I want to thank all of you who came by, called, E-Mailed, or commented on Face Book. It is because of the host of friends and family praying and even fasting, that we both have a calmness and peace that passes all understanding. Please continue to pray that God will be glorified through this journey of faith.