Teaching Resources International

November 14, 2002

Debbie continues to have a great deal of weakness, although some of the medication is improving her awake time.  She also continue to have some difficulty with memory — especially short-term memory.  This means that I have to be much more attentive to her needs because she has trouble remembering things she has just done (like taking her medications or eating a meal).  At time, her memory loss is more acute, even to the point of not being able to remember my name or hers.  Thankfully, those times are usually short and resolve themselves in a few hours to a day.  She has another round of tests coming up the week of Thanksgiving.  Be praying for us, especially for strength and wisdom as I make decisions for her and for the ministry.  So far, I have been able to remain active in ministry and I pray that I will not have to miss any teaching times this spring.  Also continue to pray for us regarding our medical bills.  We pay over $1000 each month out of pocket on medical bills.  Thankfully I have no debt except my home mortgage, but it is still difficult financially.  Thanks for your prayers.

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September 27, 2002

September 27, 2002 — Weakness continues to be Debbie’s biggest difficulty.  Some of the weakness is dues tot he chemotherapy; some is due to a thyroid problem that has developed which makes her sleep most of the day.

The Gamma Knife surgery to remove 3 tumors (one more had grown in the last month) went well.  We will not know the complete results until her next MRI in a couple of months.  I’m preparing to go the Ukraine to teach on October 13th.  Debbie’s parents will be here while I’m gone.  Thanks for your continued prayers for us.

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August 30, 2002

August 30, 2002 — Debbie has been very weak for the last three weeks.  Some of the weakness is dues tot he chemotherapy; some is due to a thyroid problem that has developed which makes her sleep most of the day.  She is currently on medicine to correct this. We have been going through numerous tests in preparation for the Gamma Knife Surgery on September 12th.  Please continue to pray for her and for this surgery (see below, August 2002).

Belgium — The week before we were to leave to go to Belgium, I sent my itinerary to the school.  I received an apologetic email explaining that they had moved the colloquium to the following week (September 9-13).  Somehow, they had failed to notify me of this.  With Debbie’s surgery on the 12th and her weakened state, we decided it was wise not to go this year.  God’s time and His wisdom in this matter are continuing evidences of His grace to us!

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August 8, 2002 Updates

May, 2002 — Debbie had another series of very serious headaches and was in the hospital for a week.  In the tests, it was discovered that two tumors were now present in the brain.

June-July 2002 — Debbie began a new chemotherapy treatment to deal with the cancer throughout her body.  She also received 20 days of radiation to her brain to try to reduce the tumors so she might be a candidate for Gamma Knife Surgery.

August 2002 — Debbie’s latest MRI shows a possibility of more tumors in the brain.  She is scheduled for Gamma Knife Surgery on Thursday, September 12th. Without this surgery, the doctors have told us that the cancer in the brain can spread very rapidly, giving a life expectancy of only a few months.  With the surgery, her prognosis improves to 2-5 years.  Even though this surgery is very expensive, we believe it provides the best possibility for additional years for Debbie.  She is being tested to determine if she is a candidate for this surgery.  Please be praying with us about this.

Belgium — Jim returns to Belgium in September.  In June, Debbie decided that she wanted to go with Jim to Belgium again before her condition worsens and she is unable to travel.  We leave for Belgium on Thursday, August 29th and return on Saturday, September 7th.  Pray that her health will remain stable and that she will be able to go on this trip.  Thanks for your prayers for us and all these matters!

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February 7, 2002

Sorry for the lengthy delay in getting you an update.  Debbie’s condition has greatly improved and she is feeling much stronger.  In January, her scans showed that the cancer had been slightly reduced in a couple of areas.  We praise God for these results and thank you for you continued prayers on her behalf.

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