Dan

Friday Dan was blessed to have a Bible discussion with one of our sons in the Gospel, a man who has long been a student of the Bible. He uses Skype to study with Dan the heavy questions that he is facing in a distant land. What a joy to know that he is still faithful to God even though many challenging things are happening in his life.

On the weekend, Dan does not have to have radiation treatments. That gave Dan the full day today to devote to mission work - preparing to leave for Romania.

As I was studying my Bible today, God called my attention to Isaiah 45: 18 - 25, "For this is what the Lord says--He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it. He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited -- He says: 'I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness;'

'I have not said to Jacob's descendants, ' Seek me in vain.' I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right. Gather together and come; assemble you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it....there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.' "

" ' Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other....Before me every knee will bow, by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, 'In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.' All who have raged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. But in the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult."

I take great comfort in the Word of God. Tonight, this is especially meaningful to me..."Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you....I am God and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:4, 9. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:54 PM | Permalink

There is much for which we are thankful - Dan's leg has very little swelling now. His skin is still healthy - no radiation burns. His energy level is good. He drives the car anywhere he needs to go. He walks without a cane. His mood is improving. God is good!

Another reason to celebrate is that Richard Baggett, VP of Development for Eastern European Missions, next Wednesday, at 6 p.m., in Room 204 at RHCC, is going to make a video presentation about how and why EEM gives Bibles to people. Richard and the others at EEM sincerely desire to help us get the Hungarian Children's Bibles that we need! God is good!

And the best news came over 2000 years ago when the angel spoke to the shepherds out in the fields. The angel said, " 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' " Luke 2:10 - 14 God is always good! -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:39 PM | Permalink

We have much to be thankful for. Dan's energy continues to be strong. Wearing the special support hose is making the swelling go down in his right leg. After 7 radiation treatments, his skin is still free of burns.

We have started packing some things to ship to Romania. (Dan is only taking 3 boxes of his study library.) Each day is busy - doctors' appointments, getting ready to move to Romania, counseling, and raising funds to help the children of Romania.

Our life is full with good things sent by God for us to do. We are honored that He allows us to serve Him...to be His hands and His feet here on earth. As Jesus said in John 4:32,34, " 'I have food to eat that you know nothing about....My food is to do the will of Him who sent me...' " -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Dan has had very good days lately. His energy level is up. We enjoy 15 minute walks in the beautiful Spring weather. So far, the radiation is not bothering his skin. And, today, he was finished with his radiation treatment in 30 minutes!

And, what about our life? (Life is what happens while you are busy doing things.) We have packed 3 of the boxes to be shipped to Romania. Today we got the local police department to do a background check on us. The police gave us a letter saying we do not have a criminal record. (We have to prove to the Romanian government that we are not criminals if we are to get a Humanitarian visa.)

Another interesting thing - when we got back to Texas last year, the U.S. Passport Department wrote us to say they had cancelled my new 10 year passport. It's a long story that just makes them look stupid, so I'll cut to the bottom line. It took quite a bit of time, but Dan got them to correct their records last November.

BUT we never received a letter verifying that they had reinstated my passport. Today, it only took 30 minutes and 4 phone calls. Finally, we were transferred to a Supervisor, who said, "Did you respond to our letter of last Fall?" (Maybe he no longer has access to passport files?) ; > ) I said, "Let me have you speak with my husband. He's the one who did all the work." After some discussion, the Supervisor gave us the word, "Yes, that passport has been reinstated. It is still good for 9 more years."

Maybe all these things we have to do keeps our mind off of the fact that Dan is still fighting for his life. If we had too much time on our hands, I think our minds might drift into the dark night of uncertainty and fear. God is using you to help us by your messages and prayers to keep our minds on Jesus and His goodness. We are so thankful for you, and thankful that Dan is able to be active. God is helping us in all things. Tonight, He gave me this scripture again, " 'Leave your country and your people,' God said, ' and go to the land I will show you.' " Acts 7:3. Maybe He's trying to tell us something? -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:51 PM | Permalink

Let's forget that the Physician's Assistant said, "You'll be in and out of here in 20 minutes each time you have a radiation treatment." In theory that is the way it is supposed to be. Friday, Dan was there an hour. Dan's sarcoma was in a difficult place to reach with x-ray. The technicians need extra time to position Dan's leg just right so that his femur bone does not get any radiation. We are thankful that they are taking good care of Dan.

Dan is still feeling well. We have both long lists of what has to be done if we are going to leave this house never to return, and become full time missionaries. Today we signed a contract with the Estate Sale lady, Mary. We checked on shipping rates from here to Arizona where the Romanian shipping company is. Dan and I are both seriously cleaning out files, cabinets, making the 2nd decision about what is to be thrown away, what is to go with us, what is to be in the Estate Sale.

Today I made reservations for our Fall Mission trip to St. George. Since we need tickets that can be upgraded to Business Class using air miles, they have to be bought months before we need them. It takes quite a long time on the phone. But it is done now. We will soon be asking our friends to help us pay for the tickets and help provide a Working Fund. We are very grateful that God has blessed us with some friends and family who support our work every month. No matter where we are, they understand that we are busy about the Master's business each day.

I still have to discover if the State Department really did cancel my passport. They had a mixup and cancelled my passport last October. Dan straightened it out. But the Passport Department never did send us a letter saying my passport is reinstated.

The one thing that is on the list every Monday through Friday is that Dan has a radiation appointment at 9:45 a.m. until May 9. We arrange everything else around taking care of Dan. This has been a good day with many important things taken care of.

But, there is unrest in my heart today...like Johan Bojer, wrote in "The Immigrants," -- "If you came back, you wanted to leave again. If you went away, you longed to come back. Wherever you were, you could hear the call of the homeland, like the note of a herdsman's horn far away in the hills. You had one home out there and one over here, and yet you were an alien in both places. Your true abiding place was the vision of something very far off, and your soul like the waves, always restless and forever in motion." Dan and I feel more and more, "Like Abraham, we are looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Hebrews 11:20 -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 09:25 PM | Permalink

When Dan arrived for his 11:00 am radiation treatment, he checked in by placing the bar code on his ID card under the scanner. Going into the waiting room, he wondered, "Why are there so many people in the waiting room?"

"Long story short" - this was one of those days that we had been warned about. The computer was not working! About 11:50, Dan began to worry, "Will I miss a treatment on the 2nd day???" To his relief, at 12:00 the technician came to get him. Once Dan was laying on the table with his legs in the open cast prepared for him, the technician began to rearrange the angle of the x-ray machine. It has to be just right, no mistakes.

Back at the house, I was getting nervous. "Where is Dan? Did I forget he had somewhere else to go?" I wanted to phone him, but he had told me, "I will leave my phone in the car during the treatment. I can't answer it if it rings during the radiation treatment." So, here I was...wondering, "Is Dan alright? Did something happen to him? Maybe I can phone the clinic to find out if he is still there."

At 12:25 the phone rang. You can imagine my relief when I heard Dan's voice, "I'm just now finished at the clinic. The computer broke, but fortunately they repaired it in time to give me my treatment." So, okay, things do not run as smoothly as we had been told. Today it was not so that Dan was walking out, finished with his appointment 20 minutes after he checked in. But...he did have his treatment. It went well. Dan feels fine.

Everything is okay...I allowed myself to worry when actually Dan was safe. Forgive me. I'm still growing. God is not through with me yet. And, guess what verse He gave me tonight. No, not "don't be afraid." He gave me this, " 'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you." Acts 7:3 Could it be that God is reminding me that He does intend for us to go to Romania? -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 09:29 PM | Permalink

We have been praying for this day to come...the day that radiation treatments can begin to rid Dan's thigh of any microscopic cancer cells that may be there. The tissue biopsies taken during the surgery January 8, to remove the large avocado sized sarcoma in Dan's thigh, revealed cancer cells all the way to the very edge of the back of the muscle that was taken out.

I asked Dan Monday and again today, "Do you want me to go with you...to lend moral support?" Shaking his head, he said, "No, I'll be fine. I can do this. Besides, you have many other things crying for your attention." It was almost more than I could do to let him go off by himself for his very first radiation treatment. But, I told him, "You are right. The Dr. said you can drive yourself in the beginning. And, I really need to go buy groceries. We are out of so many things."

When Dan dropped me off at the grocery store, kissing him goodbye, I said, "I'll be praying for you. See you later!" In my heart, I was wondering, but not speaking the words, "Will God choose to make him well? What if He doesn't choose what I want for my Dan?" But, again, I heard a voice saying, "Whatever happens, you and Dan will be alright. You know that."

Taking a deep breath, with a prayer on my lips, I went in the store and focused on buying groceries. Just as I got to the checkout counter, my phone rang. It was Dan saying, "I'm all finished. It went well. I'll tell you all about it when I pick you up." It was raining "cats and dogs" as we say here in America, but Dan made the drive just fine.

As soon as I got in the car, I said, "Tell me about it. What happened?" Dan, with a very calm, but serious voice, said, "It took a little longer than expected. The technician had to reposition my leg a little bit. After that, they moved the x-ray machine into the proper position, radiated my thigh from above. Then, they moved the x-ray machine a 2nd time, and radiated my thigh from below."

He said, "It was just like when you have an x-ray taken...I did not feel anything." Looking very solemn, Dan said, "It is a very powerful x-ray." Ten minutes, no pain...but Dan is aware that he is fighting for his life. On the one hand, we long to go Home to be with God and all those who have gone before us. On the other hand, we believe that God still has work for us to do for Him on this earth.

Please, pray that God will remove all cancer cells, make Dan healthy, and let no damage be done to his bones, muscles or skin...and that God will be glorified through this experience. We want nothing more than to be tools in the hands of the Living God. I wonder, if a shovel could talk, what would it say when the workman uses it to dig a trench in a huge hole full of rocks? (Dan did that exact thing all one summer to earn money to pay for his 3rd year in university.)

Can you guess what scripture God gave me tonight? Well, He did it again. "...'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?....The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!' " Matthew 8:26-27 My Jesus controls the winds and the waves. He will do what is best for us. But you might ask Him to heal our fears and fill us with the peace of God, please. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:51 PM | Permalink

We praise God that Dan's energy level is back to where it was before surgery! His day today included going for the "test run" for the radiation treatments which will begin Tuesday - yes, that's this Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 11 am.

This afternoon, after we took a nap, Dan took down all 30 of his storage file boxes that were in the loft in his office, lined them up against the walls so he can go through them...and send most of them to be shredded. I thought it took him a very long time to do that. When he came in, he said, "Do you want to go for a walk?" (I'd been working all afternoon choosing photos for our web page.) "Yes," I said, "are you sure you're not too tired? I'm stiff as a board from sitting so long."

When we walked out the front door, Dan surprised me with, "See the rose bushes? I trimmed all of them!" I praised him lavishly, "Oh, thank you! What a surprise! I really wanted to get that done! Now, we'll have lots of roses in a few weeks!" We have 8 antique rose bushes in our front yard that will be in full bloom soon. After we walked for about 20 minutes, Dan said, "I think I'll trim a few more bushes while you fix supper."

Can you believe it - a day of fine, productive activity for Dan! Please, continue praying that God will make Dan healthy and strong, remove all cancer cells from Dan's body, protect his skin so there will be no painful radiation burns, and bless us with peace and energy AND get done what is needed to move out of this house that has been our home for the past 8 years. Tonight, once again, God gave me this scripture -- "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers in to his harvest fields." Matthew 9:37-38, and, "Do not be afraid..." Matthew 12:28a -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:26 PM | Permalink

Today, sitting in the radiant sunshine on the patio while we ate breakfast and, later, lunch, we enjoyed the birds' songs. The wild violets that God surprised me with many years ago are blooming all across the rear of our back yard. Our big pear tree, and the smaller plum trees are covered with white blossoms. God faithfully causes them to bloom every Spring. The sun and the flowers always return in our life after Winter.

The questions Dan had for the doctor have been answered. The swelling in his leg is almost gone. He has a nice, strong incision that has been healed for several weeks. He walks well with strong steps...without a cane. As we sat enjoying the Spring day, Dan said, "Let's ask God to bless us with tickets we can upgrade to Business Class if it is His will." Bowing our heads, we told God, "You know what is best. It is our great desire to go to Romania in May. If it is your will, provide us with Business Class seats."

When we finished praying, Dan raised his head, looked at me and said, "Go ahead and buy our tickets IF you can get tickets that we can upgrade to Business Class." I stared at him, and asked, "Now?" Smiling, he said, "Yes, go see if you can find upgradeable tickets for May." Well, guess what! I got on the computer, then the phone, and...I bought upgradeable tickets on Delta to depart May 26 -- 3 weeks after the last day of radiation.

We'll land in Bucharest, Tuesday, 27 May. Lord willing, Rosemarie Hitesman, one of our wonderful LST team members from '07, will be with us. After spending the night in Bucharest, we'll drive 4 hours through the beautiful Romanian Alps. Then, St George!

We'll come back 30 July for Dan to perform Steve's wedding,the brother in law of our son, Scott, in California. That gives Dan a week to see all his doctors here before we go on to CA. And, NOW, each day, 1/2 a day will be devoted to cleaning out this house, and packing the few boxes for Romania. Many boxes of business files are yet to be sorted...most of which have to be shredded. Stay tuned for the next episode of "Walking in His Will Instead of Mine." We can do this because, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...." Romans 8:26 -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 06:59 PM | Permalink

Your prayers worked! I found the perfect flight schedule all the way to Bucharest and back to DFW with upgrades to Business Class all the way. BUT before purchasing the tickets, I had a conversation with the radiologist's PA (The PA stands for Physician's Assistant which means a registered nurse who has advanced education and experience). She explained that Dan's skin may possibly become blistered from the radiation - like a very bad sunburn. If that does happen, he will need treatment at a special center after the radiation is completed. She also said that it is quite possible that he will not have severe radiation burn. But, she said that Dan needs to be in this area for 2 or 3 weeks after radiation just in case.

The other delay that I have mentioned earlier is that instead of beginning the radiation last week, it was delayed until this Friday (today), but then it was delayed until next week Tuesday. They have to wait until they can work him in. THE GOOD NEWS is that the swelling in Dan's leg is very much improved, almost gone! The pocket of fluid in his upper thigh is quite small. We have much to be grateful for.

In the midst of this, a precious couple who have been long time encouragers and helpers sent this card:

"In every circumstance, God is working on our behalf.
His heart is moved with compassion,
His purpose is guided by love,
and his ways are paved with grace.
You are a part of a perfect plan
designed by the God who loves you completely.
You're in His thoughts every moment --
And they're filled wit the desire to bless you."

This is the wise personal message that they wrote: -- "We plan - and God redirects us...We love you both so much and know you are in His service no matter what road you find yourself on! We are praying for Dan's treatment, strength for you both and a safe and easy transition to Romania when He decides to send you! "

We pray that you, too , will be blessed by these uplifting words. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:14 PM | Permalink

Below is a message that came today from a dear friend who went to church with us when Dan preached for the Cedars Church of Christ in Delaware. G gave us permission to share his message with you. He knows us so well. He said exactly what is on our hearts. G & B have been close friends of ours for 43 years. We hope you have some friends like them.
- Anne and Dan

"D’nA (I’m sure you’ve thought many times how your DNA has linked you to the Lord’s over the years),

I don’t know how to feel about the recent news (yesterday’s included). In most ways, it seems to describe developments that lean toward almost-finality (not the end of life, but treatment that begins the end of some long days of waiting and healing). Yet I can imagine that the trust you place in earthly physicians must be what it is because you have been asking the Great Physician for medical guidance and healing, knowing that He will likely be working through DFW physicians for the restoration you seek.

Placing things in God’s hands is not always easy. Eagerness to return to Romania, I’m sure, is not easily replaced with resigned anticipation like “Well, it’s in the Lord’s hands now,” “Well, He has given me/us a long life of kingdom service,” etc. Whatever the many mind-flashes are that can come only to one who has lived close enough to the Lord to consider daily the transitory nature of this physical life, I’m also sure that things are still unsettling if not difficult.

I can vividly recall the best preacher* Cedars ever had exhorting us to remember that we’re but strangers “here, within a foreign land” whose “home is far away, upon a golden strand” and who need to realize the nature of our ambassadorship and how important it is in our “message/business” for the King.

I hope these few words don’t sound dark, gloomy, even morbid. They aren’t meant that way at all.

Just trying to put myself in your place (and I would, if only for 6 weeks — but guess that’s not possible or even necessary).

Will pray hard. -- G & B"

*(Dan)

Posted by Anne at 02:28 PM | Permalink

Life threw us another curve - Don Scott was buried in Oklahoma today. He and his wife, Peggy, were some of our best friends when we lived in Velma, OK in the 50's. We named our 2nd son, Scott, after him. Don died suddenly from a heart attack Thursday night. Dan was struggling wanting to go for the funeral, but Dyann and I finally convinced him that his health will not permit this trip right now.

We are sad. We did not expect to lose Don right now. He was healthy. Dan is the one who is not well. Don was planning a trip down here because, he said, "I want to see with my own eyes that Danny is alright." But he never got to make the trip. He took another trip...he went Home to be with God.

His death has made us take another look at our mortality. It is very sobering...especially when Dan knows he is fighting to win the battle over cancer. We did not expect Dan to ever have cancer. Now, we truly realize that each day here on earth is a gift. We are ready to go home to God, but we think He first has work for us to do in Romania.

We are thankful for the comfort we find in the Lord. Paul said, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 If your heart is troubled, we hope you will let God comfort you. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:37 PM | Permalink

Today we are both more aware that Dan is still fighting a battle against cancer. It is a very sobering thought...and not one that we like to dwell on. How can we manage our fear when it rises? Do you know the meaning of Immanuel, which is one of the names for Jesus? In Matthew 1:22 - 23, we read, "The virgin will...give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel!-- which means, 'God is with us.' " God is with us! Yes!

Dan had a C-T Scan today to determine the angles for the radiation treatment. Monday he goes back for a "trial run" to see if everything is ready. Radiation begins the next day, Tuesday, March 18, finishing Tuesday, May 6 = 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week.

In setting up the C-T scan today, first the technician had Dan lie down on the table with his legs on a pillow that is like a bean bag. The technician put Dan's legs in just the right position for the radiation treatments...and applied a vacumn to the pillow which drew all of the air out of the pillow. That created a cast for Dan to rest his legs in each time he has radiation. The radiologist put a metal wire around the area of Dan's leg where the radiation is to go. The physicist will set the machine to send rays only to that area.

The radiologist predicts that Dan will have a minimum of fatigue since none of his organs are in the treatment area. We are grateful that Dan's energy level has been almost back to normal the last 3 days. Dan's personal doctor, Dr. Hendrickson, assures us that we will be able to go to Romania.

Tomorrow, l will search for plane tickets for May 15 that we can upgrade to Business Class using our air miles. As I began worrying about finding the right tickets, I remembered Jesus' words, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28 - 30

As you pray for Dan's health and our peace of mind, please, also pray that God will provide tickets for us to go to Romania May 15, and return in early August (Dan is honored to be invited to perform Michelle's brother's wedding in San Francisco in early August.) God is good. God is always good. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:06 PM | Permalink

To those of you who have been praying mightily for the swelling in Dan's right leg to decrease, we say a great big, "Thank you!" Today, for the first time, we see a significant improvement especially in the area of his knee. His ankle, though improved, is still swollen.

A dear sister in Christ sent us a devotion by Max Lucado for last Friday that speaks of what is happening --

"God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day.
Luke 18:7 (NCV)

Jesus tends to his sheep. And he will tend to you.

If you will let him. How? How do you let him? The steps are so simple.

First, go to him. David would trust his wounds to no other person but God. He said, "You anoint my head with oil" (Ps. 23:5 NKJV). Not, "your prophets," "your teachers," or "your counselors."

Your second step is to assume the right posture. Bow before God.

In order to be anointed, the sheep must stand still, lower their heads, and let the shepherd do his work. Peter urges us to "be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes" (1 Pet. 5:6).

When we come to God, we make requests, we don't make demands. We come with high hopes and a humble heart. We state what we want, but we pray for what is right.

We go to him. We bow before him, and we trust in him."

You see, it's that simple. But it is not simple to develop a humble heart, to admit that we need help, to let go of what we want in exchange for what God wants. What God really wants is our heart. Once He has our heart, it is much easier to walk with Him...whether it is through the dark valley of pain and loss, or on the mountain tops of peace and joy. Thank you, all you Loving Hearts who are praying for us. God is honoring your humble requests. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:38 PM | Permalink

Wednesday I said I will only give updates on Mondays or whenever something significant happens. Thursday was an "almost normal day." Today was not so "normal." Dan met with the surgeon today. The good news is that the surgeon dismissed Dan today. Dan is to see him only on an "as need" basis.

However, he said that the swelling in Dan's leg is going to be there for some time...that it may remain a chronic problem...that Dan will have to wear a full length support sock on his right leg the rest of Dan's life. While that may seem like a small thing compared to most other challenges of life, it is just one more thing to have to deal with.

Tonight, something significant happened -- a beloved friend and family member sent us this gift - the gift of prayer from God's Word. I know many of you are struggling with life's challenges, so I offer this gift, Psalm 20, as a prayer for you. When I have a helpful verse to share, I will write it, for you, on the blog.

Our loved one wrote, "When I read Psalm 20 this week, it seemed to especially apply to your situation.

This was my prayer for you today:

Psalm 20

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save O King!
Answer us when we call!"

-- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 06:36 PM | Permalink

First, we want to thank all of you for your prayers on our behalf, and for your encouraging messages. This is a very challenging time in our lives, but we now have every reason to believe that God will be gracious and make Dan free of cancer.

The Bottom Line - I wrote earlier that we spent last week at MD Anderson in Houston. Their recommendation for treatment is the same as what was recommended by our local team of specialists - radiation. Texas Oncology, Bedford, has an outstanding reputation for success. They use advanced methods. Today's meeting with Dr. Dubey, Dan's radiologist, was an informational meeting with signing of "consent to treat" form. Actual radiation treatments will begin late next week.

After today, Updates will be given on Dan's blog each Monday, or sooner if there is a significant development.

That may be all you want to know. If you have the interest and time, here's the rest of what Dr. Dubey told us:

These things must take place first:

1. Dan's surgeon, Dr. Elieson, will inform us Friday if he is going to leave the pocket of fluid in place to allow the fluid to absorb on it's own inside the cavity in Dan's leg. 2. C-T Scan on Monday. 3. Dr. Dubey will draw a line on the x-ray around the area to be treated 4. The physicist at Texas Oncology will design the best angles to be used by the radiology machine. (They will try to target only the area where the tumor was and any area that might have cancer cells.)

Monday, they will arrange Dan's treatment schedule. They will tell us at that time how many weeks they expect to treat Dan. The treatments will be at the Edwards Cancer Center, next to HEB Hospital, Bedford. Each appointment will be the same time each day, 5 days a week. Each treatment appointment is for 20 minutes. Dan may be able to drive himself to his appointments for awhile. He may possibly not experience extreme fatigue because the radiation will be on his leg. (Extreme fatigue comes when the radiation affects the organs, or mouth/throat.)

Radiation will not affect Dan's Parkinson's. (The radiation will be on the leg. Parkinson's is controlled by cells in the brain.)

Possible Side Effects:

After a few treatments, the skin on Dan's leg will be tender to the touch -- like it is sunburned. If it gets pink, a gel will be prescribed. If it is more than just pink, a cream will be prescribed. If it becomes extreme, a bandage will be used to protect the skin.

Edema in the right leg will get worse. There is a treatment center to help with this if needed.

Possible Delayed Side Effects After 10 - 15 years:
Some soft tissue scarring may develop. Some nerve damage may show up.

Other questions people have asked:

What does "reactive lymph node mean? -- That there is an inflammation or irritation somewhere. But it is not anything to worry about. It is just something to watch.

How did bone cells get into the muscle of the sarcoma? -- The cells that form bones and muscle begin at the same point near the joint. One cell did not form properly. This sarcoma was completely outside of the bone, not attached to the leg bone.

Thank you for continuing to pray for his complete healing, for peace and strength. We are learning that it is God, and God only who can help us manage to keep going. In 1 Peter 5:6, Peter says, "Humble yourself...under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast ALL your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." We humbly keep giving God our anxiety...every time we feel afraid. He takes it, and gives us peace. Praise God! -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:01 PM | Permalink

We enjoyed the sunshine today, a real Spring day! Dan paid bills, etc. while I had a very rewarding counseling session. After lunch, we voted in the Primary, went by the bank, took a nap, talked with a friend in one of the Eastern European countries...just "regular stuff." We need this kind of a day now and then.

One joyful thing that happened today is that Eastern European Missions said they will help us order more Hungarian Children's Bibles. We can buy 1000 Bibles as soon as we raise $8,810. They have given us 600 in the past! But that is not nearly enough. We have many more requests for Bibles for children whose first language is Hungarian in and around St. George, Romania. Already, several people have said they want to help buy these Bibles! We'll let you know more soon.

Wednesday, Dan sees the radiologist. Funny thing happened though - tonight, Dan got an e-mail from MD Anderson telling him that he has an appointment for his first radiation treatment at MDA in Houston this Friday. They don't listen well. Dan told them that he chooses to have radiation done by his doctors here in our area. The Edwards Cancer Center, Bedford, where Texas Oncology is located, is a beautiful, quiet place. They are very kind, helpful. They have a very good reputation.

Paul said, "....The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus....whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is exellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:5 - 8 We thank God that He is near us. In the midst of this strange path that we are walking, we can have the peace of God. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:31 PM | Permalink

Today Dan made appointments with 3 of his doctors - Wednesday, 3 pm, Dr. Dubey, Radiologist; Thursday, 10 am, Dr. Alkersham, Neurologist, Friday, 10:15 am, Dr. Elieson, Surgeon. We hope radiation treatments begin this week.

We're thankful that at last we are moving forward on Dan's path to healing. We know that prayers are the most important part of the process, but God, as part of the process, also led us to good specialists beginning with our personal doctor, Dr. M. Allison Hendrickson. She arranged for all of Dan's care with doctors she trusts.

After we moved here in 2000, we prayed that God would help us have an excellent doctor. As I was looking at the list of doctors in our area, Dr. Hendrickson's name kept calling my attention. I prayed again, asking that God would help me get an appointment soon with the one He wanted us to have for our doctor. I phoned 3 offices. No one had immediate openings, but her assistant worked it out to get me in the next week. Imagine my delight when I came to know her - she is an outstanding internist, specializes in gerontology, and is a fine Christian.

The swelling in Dan's right leg is a little better than a week ago. Today he got his custom made full length support stocking. Getting it on is a challenge, but it is much more comfortable than the elastic bandages he was using. This is encouraging.

We are encouraged by phone calls, e-mails, but your prayers, and us reading God's Word helps the most. Many times when I am allowing myself to worry, I ask God to give me a Bible verse to help me. At least 10 times now, He has given me the story of Jesus stopping the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:23 - 27, "....Jesus said, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

The man who stopped the storm on the lake is calming the storm in our lives. Have you ever watched a pottery maker at work? The wheel spins quite fast, then slower as the pottery takes shape. Well, we're on the spinning potter's wheel. It's not always fun. But God is "growing us," shaping us so we can be all He wants us to be...while Jesus calms the storm in our hearts. -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 08:09 PM | Permalink

What a blessing to be back in Bible class this morning! The discussion opened with Ephesians 6:1 - 18. It seemed designed to help us in Dan's fight against cancer. For years, we have been asked, "Why do good people suffer?" Now, the question comes, "Why should Dan have cancer? What has he done to deserve this?" I believe an answer is in Ephesians.

I took portions of this long passage and put them together. You can look up the entire passage if you wish. Ephesians 6:1 - 18 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against....the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms....Stand firm then, with the belt of truth....shield of faith....pray in the Spirit....be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (By the way, the word saint here means anyone who is a Christian.)

Being reminded of this passage, we face Monday with courage as we arrange appointments to begin the radiation treatments. We thank God that today was a day of encouragement, rest, and peace for us.
-- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:41 PM | Permalink

A part of me feels like we were shot through space in a rocket from some strange planet called MD Anderson, and now we must orient ourselves to another maze. It seems like everything here in North Richland Hills is the same...the house, the street, the people. But we, being changed by the "C Word," cannot go on with any semblance of our normal life. We feel adrift at sea with no chart or compass. However, feelings are neither right or wrong. They just are. God will help us deal with these feelings.

People are asking, "What is next?" We're not really sure. Monday we will phone Dr. Dubey, the radiologist, to discover the steps that lead to radiation treatments for Dan. Once we have his treatment schedule, I can set up my work schedule using Skype to help those whom God has brought to me for counseling, and supervising cases in Romania and other places as well.

We pray God will be gracious and allow Dan to have good energy in spite of the radiation so that he can use his time well studying with others, encouraging them in their daily walk. And, of course, we pray that God will clear Dan's body of all cancer, make him strong, and use us both as tools in His hands...staying out of the way of His goals being accomplished in our lives. "Praise the Lord, all His works everywhere in His dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul....He opened the rock, and water gushed out, like a river it flowed in the desert." Psalm 103:22, 104:41 -- Anne and Dan

Posted by Anne at 07:30 PM | Permalink