JULY 30

For the last 3 months, Gary has been attending physical therapy with the hope that he can get the use of his hand back. Although he still can not grip very well, we have seen an improvement. One of the things I have noticed is his fingernails are healthy again. For a time, the nail bed was blue from lack of oxygen and his nails were very brittle and started growing in a strange shape. At least all the activity is restoring circulation in his hand and making his arm and shoulder stronger.

His physical therapist asked him to let them know what his results were from his checkup, so we had called them on Tuesday to let them know the good news. Today, when Gary arrived for his session, they all burst into applause and gave him a card congratulating him. *smile*

I have put together a little video to show the different exercises that Gary has to do three times a week. Most of them are designed to make his thumb start working and give flexibility to his hand. They have him play in the popcorn to "wake up" the nerves in his fingertip. Then they have him play in a fake snow like substance as a way of soothing those nerves that have been stimulated. Gary still needs your prayers for his recovery.

JULY 28

NO CANCER!!!!

Today we saw Dr. Johnston and he related the great news that all the scans and MRI revealed NO cancer in Gary's body! It was very hard to control my emotions ... the relief was so great! Although this does not mean he can be declared cancer free, it at least is very encouraging that he has a chance to beat this.

The doctor said that due to the rarity of where the Lymphoma showed up in Gary's body, he wants Gary to have all the scans done every 3 months. We do not have to go to Mayo Clinic to do this, but he definitely wanted to see Gary again on the one year anniversary of his transplant, which would be April, for the next 5 years. If Gary continued to show no cancer after the 5 years, then he would declare him to be in remission.

We asked if it was normal for Gary to still be so tired and weak and the doctor said yes, that everyone is different and some take longer to get their strength back. We then asked what he thought about us leaving for the Philippines. He said he felt it would be fine, just to get a flu shot. *smile*

So, as long as Gary continues to feel better, we will plan to return to the Philippines in December!

Thank you so much for all your prayers! Last night, I was thinking how God must be pleased with His children lifting one another up in prayer all over the world and then today, with all the comments we received after hearing the good news ... I thought how God must really be loving all the praise, honor and glory that was lifted up to Him today! *smile* How wonderful it is to be a child of God and to know that we have so many around the world praying for us. I know that even if today's news would have been bad, we would still be able to praise God.

"Thank you Lord, for your many blessings to us. Thank you for allowing Gary and I to go through this trial to learn more of your grace and love for us. Thank you for the many friends and loved ones that have prayed for us and encouraged us in the times that we needed it the most."

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Psalm 107:8

JULY 27

We are back at Mayo Clinic for Gary's 100 day checkup. In some ways, it seems like we have been away for a long time and then sitting in the waiting rooms and walking the halls, just made us feel like we have never left. Gary started the day early with labwork, then PET scan, body CT scan, MRI and chest xray. In the morning, he will do a pulmonary test, then see his doctor in the afternoon. We are anxious to see what all the scans will show or not show. Thank you so much for your prayers! It is a comfort to know that so many people around the world are praying for Gary. We know that no matter what these test show, whether good news or bad, it is all in the Lord's hands and we will deal with it with His grace.

JULY 17

9 more days before we head back to Mayo Clinic for Gary's 100 day checkup. To say the least, we are anxious to see what the scans and MRI's will all show. Our hearts desire is to be making plans to return to our ministries in the Philippines. Lord willing, that is what we will be able to do after this checkup.

Gary continues to have good and bad days. He still tires easily, but each day, we see an improvement. His physical therapy is going great. We are seeing a big difference in the flexibility and strength of his hand.

Thank you for your prayers for Gary and the encouraging notes and emails we get. We appreciate it so much!

JULY 5

Gary came through his bout with pneumonia okay. Had no complications and recovered well. Thankfully, we caught it early. He still tires easily. Some days, spending the majority of the day taking naps. His physical therapy is going well. The therapist have have noticed improvements as well. In a few weeks, we will head back up to Mayo Clinic for Gary's 100 day check up. I am anxious to know if the cancer is still gone. We cannot really make any plans concerning returning to the Philippines until after this checkup. We appreciate your prayers for Gary and for our family!