Remission

I waited a day to write this note so that I could be slightly removed from the euphoria of the moment. The best of what we have been praying for is happening. On day 29 of my treatment plan, the preliminary report from the bone marrow biopsy showed that the blasts were down to 4%. That is low enough to be officially called "remission." Of course, I still have cancerous stem cells in my marrow, but now my body can again produce the blood that I need to exist. My blood counts are coming up, and when they reach a point that satisfies the doctors I will be released from the hospital. I will remain in the Houston area long enough to begin the long-term treatment of the leukemia. Be and I will be staying with my brother who lives in League City, south of Houston. What could be better? From now on, I should have treatment on an out-patient basis, some of which can be done in Abilene. I do not know details of a schedule yet.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude. First of all to God, the Great Healer. But please understand -- if this treatment had not worked, God is still good. Second I am grateful to my family. The love and support I feel makes living a precious gift, each moment to be savored and cherished.

Finally, to the Body of Christ on this earth, I extend my sincere thanks. Hundreds, if not thousands, of this Body have been praying for me and for Be, and encouraging us daily . It is a humbling experience to be the center of such devotion. We are accepting this gift in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, and to the praise of His glorious name. I and my family have been lifted to a higher plain in the spiritual world, and we are eternally grateful. May God bless each of you with spiritual gifts that are beyond what you could ever dream or imagine. There is no boundary to God's mercy, love, and grace.