31 July 2006

Doc confirmed that the tumor is growing bigger in the pelvic region. We can actually feel it (towards the left pelvic side) and it is protruding out when Luan lies down. Not a good prognosis--doc is very concerned. Giving her another drug on top of the 3 drugs she received in the first round. This will have more side effects and cause the blood count to go down even lower. She is given medicine to counter the possibility of the kidney bleeding. Doc said surgery to remove tumor is "cosmetic"--not really contributing to the controlling of the cancer spread. The good thing is that the blood and urine tests show that her blood count has improved, and the kidney is still functioning normally. She has begun to experience some pain at the lower back and also some discomfort at her lower abdomen--the tumor is pressing against these spots. Luan's hair has dropped significantly and so she put on a scarf today when we went for the chemo.

The Lord is taking Luan deeper into the valley of cancer--so that when God's answer comes--it will be so much more glorious. God has shown Himself to be our Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides for us through the giving of many churches and individuals). For both of us, our Sovereign Lord is stretching our faith in Him as the Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who Heals). We are hanging on to the words of Jesus to Jarius--only believe, she will be healed even though the Healer seems to be delayed in coming to the help of Jarius' daughter (Luke 8.50).