update on Lois

 

A  week ago today, on March 7, Lois had her mastectomy surgery.  It couldn't have gone better, according to her doctor, Alfred Chang, a nationally recognized surgeon and breast cancer specialist. There was a good chance that she could go on a pill that would render chemo and radiation unnecessary.

  

Today we got a call from his office saying that there have been complications.  The good news is that lois has stage 2 cancer, very treatable.  The not so good news is that the kind of tumor that was removed had "deep margins" too close to her chest wall for comfort.  That probably means several months of chemo and many weeks of radiation to follow.  The prognosis is excellent.  We were always aware of this possibility but it was a bit of a knock to get this news today.  The journey just got a little longer but the same God, the same promises, the same company of the loving and the faithful remain.

So how can friends and loved ones pray? For the meeting on Monday, March 19 to finalize the treatment plan of chemo and radiation.  For successful chemotherapy to follow. For grace to face the inevitable indignities that go with this procedure (hair loss, fatigue, nausea, etc.).  For decisions about housing and transportation.  For finances as out of pocket costs accrue. And mostly, for faith and hope and love. As we read psalm 126 this morning: "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."  Weeks of sowing lie ahead.  Years of harvest follow.

Love and grace,

Mark for all

 Footnote:  Our missions has kindly set up a medical assistance fund for us that will help with our out of pocket expenses.  So far that amounts to about $10,000.  Gifts for this fund (tax deductible) should be made out to “AIM” (with a note that it is for the Shaw medical fund) and should be sent to:

Africa Inland Mission
P.O. Box 3611
Peachtree City, GA 30269-7611