Stronger day by day

Good Monday morning to everyone.  It's been a few days since we posted an update so I thought I'd take a moment to write one to fill you in on the latest and what we have coming up. Since my return from the last stay in the hospital I've been losing the battle with trying to get consistent sleep but I believe that has a lot to do with the medications that I'm on.  The good news is I'm almost finished with those medications and look forward to getting back to a good sleep routine soon.  Aside from the sleep issue, the most difficult thing to get used to is the heightened sensitivity to my senses.  Every touch, odor, sound, and taste is magnified and creates an unusual and unpleasant response.  Even my sense of sight is affected when we go out in public.  The shear numbers of colors we see in a grocery store create a slight level of confusion and discomfort.  Again, all of these things are more than likely caused by the medications so I really look forward to getting off them.

Pain has really not been an issue thus far so the only pain medication I take is one tablet at night to help me to fall asleep.  The only discomfort that I feel is from the drain bag that is connected to my liver to help drain the excess bile. That bag is destined to be removed in about 2 to 3 more weeks.  So as you can see, I'm making very good progress and get stronger every day.  I'm really looking forward to getting back to a routine of sorts including work and catching up on a few things around the house.

Many people ask what they can pray for at this point so here are a few things that we are truly concerned about but know that God is in control and He will work through them in His time.  

• Please pray for us as a family.  As you can imagine this event has placed a lot of uncertainty and stress in our lives.  Please pray we will continue to trust God for everything.
  
• Please pray for my employer this week.  They have been very generous thus far in this situation however, decisions will have to be made this week as to what future, if any, I will have with the company.
• Please pray for our finances as well.  Depending upon the decision made this week at work we may be in a very difficult financial place.  Of course, nothing God won't be able to handle.
• Finally, please pray for my Doctors appointments this week.  I will be meeting with the Radiology Oncologist to discuss the process and effects the radiation treatments will have.  I will also be meeting with the surgeon to discuss clamping off my bile bag to see if I can go without it. Both of these appointments will be on Thursday.

Once again, Robyn and I want to thank you for every prayer, word of encouragement and thoughtful gift that we've received.  We wish you all could see what affect you are all having on each other through this blog and emails. We cannot calculate the number of people who've been encouraged by your words and prayers and that is what all of this should be about.  Lord, even though this church has no building to hang a sign on, your church is alive and well through your loving people who praise you and give you the glory for this event in the lives of one family of believers.  May you be glorified!!

Thank you all again and keep the comments flowing!