Diane has had a very good last couple weeks of health, but tomorrow is another chemotherapy treatment, so we may be in for a tough week or so. The good news is that after tomorrow, she will only have one more treatment to go (June 1). Please be praying for her tomorrow and the next few days. Thank you so much!

Rick

I finished my second chemotherapy on Tuesday. Yea! I am half way through. It has been a blessing to not be as nauseated as last time. I am still very tired and not feeling my best. God is always good though. I was able to give another cancer book away to a woman who is in a whole lot worse situation than I am in. Hopefully, she will read about the joy of knowing Jesus.

Last weekend, some wonderful friends let us use their beach home for 3 days. It was such a blessing to relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean that God has made for us to appreciate. The fresh air was just what I needed.

Now, I am getting used to wearing either a hat or a wig. It is a very humbling experience to lose my hair. The Lord is teaching me a lot about loss, pain, and discomfort. I am hoping to help other women go through the same kind of experiences I am having as He brings them into my life.

Thank you for praying for me. Every prayer means a lot! I Peter 1:3 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Diane

Our doctor's appointment Thursday was disappointing. We weren't sure before if Diane would need a full course of radiation, but now we know she will. So when chemotherapy is done around June 1, then she waits a few weeks, and then she has 5-6 weeks of daily radiation. After that it will take some weeks to recover. So it looks like a rough road until the end of summer. Pray for God's comfort and encouragement.

Rick

Diane did very well yesterday with her first chemotherapy treatment. She faced it with courage and faith, and she felt reasonably well all day. She was also able to give a Christian book about cancer to one of the patients also getting chemo.

Today, however, she is feeling more nauseous and cold. At the same time, God gave her a good opportunity to encourage a sister in Christ who has cancer that she met today at the doctor's office.

So please pray for Diane. There are hardships and there are opportunities all rolled together. And thank you for your love. Diane feels it, and it encourages her.

Rick

Thank you again and again to all of you who are praying for me. The Lord continues to bless me every day with His goodness and many blessings. For example, today I recieved a very encouraging call from my dear missionary sister in Christ from Japan. I really feel loved and cared for by my wonderful Southwest Hills family. I will start my chemotherapy at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning after I meet with my oncologist. Thanks for praying as I start this new phase of my cancer journey. God is so good! The verse that I am claiming for tomorrow is, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Diane

Yesterday, I went to a 2 hour class about chemotherapy. The nurse at the class told us to do any needed dental work before starting the chemo drugs. I knew that I was past due for my 6 month check-up. This morning, a gal from my dentist's office called about one of our children needing to make an appointment. I told her about my situation with starting chemo this week. She was so nice to let me come in this afternoon for a check-up. When I arrived at the office, she got right up out of her chair and gave me a big hug. She said that they would do anything I needed to help me at this time. Wow! Now, what you need to know is that my wonderful Christian dentist is in very high demand. To be able to get an appointment on the same day is next to impossible. The Lord encouraged me so much through this experience. I am praising Him for how He is watching out for me. Also, I want to say thank you to all of you who have sent cards. Many people have sent me more than one card. The beautiful cards have such encouraging words and the Bible verses really mean a lot to me. Thank you!!!

Diane

Well, it's been a few days since you heard from us. Things haven't changed that much. Diane was able to go to church Sunday, and she really enjoyed being with everyone. Unfortunately, she had an alergic reaction to one of the meds today, but she is doing better now. Please be praying about the chemotherapy treatment Tuesday because it's going to be really hard when she starts losing her hair. Thanks for you love and prayers.

Rick