Dear special, praying friend,

Do you remember the days when you first learned to swim and could only be in deep water if you wore an inflatable ring? During these days of deep waters I have felt buoyed up through everything. I know that sense of being held up is only by God's grace and your prayers, as I face one thing after another. Thank you for lifting me up.
You're probably wondering about the biopsy.
Things went well during the procedure. I was so grateful for the companionship of two of my dear friends here in Dallas, Judy and Helen, during the long day. The handsome young doctor did a great job with the biopsy, leaving me with just a tiny bruise under my arm.
Last Monday I returned to see my oncologist, Dr Juarez. She confirmed our suspicions that the tumors in my lungs are indeed Sammy Sarcoma's offspring. Now we have to decide what to do.

There are no treatments that will cure this nasty type of cancer. But, I could have some chemotherapy that MAY slow the disease. These drugs are much more unpleasant than the last course of treatment. However, in 40% of people with metastatic lung sarcomas, these drugs have been shown to slow the progress of the disease. At this point I'm inclining towards at least one dose of the chemotherapy, and, even more than one, if it works and I survive the first dose. Smiles!  My oncologist is a fun, Spanish lady with a great sense of humor. She feels, if I am to try any treatment at all, we need to bash these young Sammys, rather than just tickling them!

This morning we realised that pain will be an issue for me now. I woke with severe pains around my shoulder blade and ribs. I've always preferred not to take any medicines unless I am desperate. Now I'm having to absorb the new approach that pain killers have to be taken regularly to reduce the pain enough for me to function. I know, too, that God is using, and will use your prayers to help me with both the pain, and the increasing breathlessness that I'm experiencing. At the moment my lungs are working fairly well, thankfully. The oxygen concentration in my blood has not yet fallen to a level where I have to use extra oxygen to help me breathe. That is a definite praise.

As I enjoy being buoyed up by God in answer for your prayers, I would love you to pray for my friends here who are rallying around and caring for me while still coming to terms with the news that this disease will eventually win and that my perfect healing will be heaven. Please also pray for the friends who are not able to be here, and wish they could do something to help. Brian and Val Hodgkin are back in Dallas, staying with me at least until early June. Please pray for their family back in England. Brian will be away for ten days at the retreat where all three of us had hoped to be on staff together. Please pray for Val and me to make wise decisions about my care as my condition changes from hour to hour.

I cannot express how much it means to me to know that through your prayers you are keeping me afloat. Thank you.

With lots of love, and much appreciation,

June.