We're Still Here

Wow! Where has the time gone?

Sorry it's been so long since we've updated the journal. We have been busy. Busy with Christmas things and with Donna's medical situation.

First, we hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas. We had a great time with family and friends for Christmas and the girls got some great gifts. Rachel got a unicycle, which she totally loves. She keeps riding it around the kitchen and living room. She is getting pretty good on it so far too. One of Emily's favorite gifts was a bunk bed for her American Girl dolls. Donna made the bedding for it too. She got the fabric from JoAnne's and made it special for Emily. Emily really like that.

Second, the stone is still wreaking havoc on Donna. There have been times of severe pain and discomfort. She says it is the most pain she has ever felt. It also has occurred during the most inopportune times, like the middle of the night. Last night was pretty bad. She was not able to get comfortable, the pain was excruciating. She ended up taking a bath, which helped, and some pain medication to help, but that really wipes her out, and she does not like doing that if she can avoid it. But, this was unavoidable. Yesterday, we went again to have the stone zapped with the ultrasound machine. They said there was still a small stone in there, and this should take care of it. We'll see. We have not been really thrilled with the care she's received from the urologist during this time, but we are hopeful the end is in sight. She is scheduled to get the stent removed next Monday. We hope that this will all end then. Get this stent out and get back to fighting the cancer. She has not had a chemo treatment in awhile. She was not able to get one at the last appointment, because her white blood count was too low. The next one is scheduled for January 9th. Check the calendar at the bottom of the journal for times and dates.

We still need to tell all of you how covered in prayer we feel. God is good. Even when we feel like we cannot do this anymore, God is faithful and something happens that renews our hope. We are also very thankful for the time off I have right now from my job. I don't go back to work until January 5th, so I'm able to stay with Donna and be with her all the time.

We are truly blessed with people who love us and care for us. I have to also tell you what a trooper Donna is. Her persistence and perseverance is quite amazing!

Thank you all for your comments and prayers. We are having a tough time right now and need prayer for peace and hope that there is an end to this.

For specific prayer, please pray for:

1. No nausea for Donna from either the pain of the kidney stone or the pain medication itself.
   
2. The kidney stone fragments would pass quickly and easily in the next couple of days.
3. The stent would come out next Monday.
4. Donna would renew her strength spiritually and physically.

Thanks!
~Scott