Update

Dear Friends,

        This past week was supposed to be an “off week” between cycles of three weekly chemo treatments, but it wasn’t really a rest time for Del. On Tuesday, March 21, Del had to go into Allegiance Hospital and have a “port” surgically inserted in her right shoulder area—the opposite side from her pacemaker. For the other chemo treatments she has had a PICC line in her arm, which is temporary and has to be flushed every day (I tease Del about having to have a veterinarian flush her PICC). The port makes receiving IV fluids so much easier, and blood samples can be taken from there without trying to hit a vein in her arm. Also it only has to be flushed every 4-5 weeks.

        This coming Monday, March 27, Del will start the next cycle of three weekly chemo treatments. We are so grateful to God for how well she has tolerated these reduced doses of Taxol. We are praying, of course, that the chemo agent is killing the cancer in the affected lymph nodes and elsewhere, without damaging other organs.

        As always, we would appreciate your prayers that her neuropathy (numbness and cold) would not increase in her hands and feet. It’s getting harder for her to do up buttons and other fine finger movements. Her appetite has picked up some, for which we are very thankful.

        Bless you for your partnership in prayer with us on this journey. Every day is a walk of faith and dependence on our heavenly Father. He alone knows what direction the journey will take, and we lean heavily on His promises like Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I [God] am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I willstrengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

                Warmly,

                     Bryan Coupland, for Del too