November 10, 2010

Greetings to all:

Yesterday was Rita's birthday. In the morning her mother, and her five siblings with spouses all came by to celebrate. In the evening her local in-laws and spouses minus one, all her children minus one with spouses minus two, came over to continue the celebration. The Lord was good to her and to me to allow this celebration with so much family. There was much joy in our gatherings. We could rejoice about the goodness of God to Rita in that she has received many good years in which rich blessings could be showered upon her. Of course, when reflecting, she and we can also remember unhappy times, sadness and sorrow. But the Lord has kept her through them and given a day of celebration. We are happy we could enjoy this day together and with so much family. We praise(d) Him for it.

Today we received more reason for praise and thanksgiving. Although we had to bring our youngest son to the airport after a wonderful week of visiting, we received exciting news from the cancer clinic doctor this afternoon. Whereas he told us six weeks ago that the cancer in the chest and lungs had reduced, this time he informed us that he could not find any cancer on the x-rays at all.

He cautioned us that there might still be smidgeons left that he did not see, but he could not see any cancer on the x-ray. He also tested the leg which has been affected by cancer in the left pelvic bone and confirmed that there is better movement and less pain than there has been since April of this year. We are moved to tears of joy at the great blessings the Lord has granted in response to the many prayers brought before his throne.

The doctor advised experimentation with reduction in pain pills and increased excersize of the left leg. When we cautiously asked if it was permitted to speak of progress he concurred that we have definitely seen positive progress as the result of the chemo therapy. We rejoice greatly at the gift of healing the Lord has given.

We are going to start the third four-week chemo pill regimen this Friday, after which a CT scan has been scheduled for mid-December. We pray the Lord for continued healing by His great physician's hand.

We thank all of you who have included us in your prayers and who have visited us in person, by phone or by mail. Your Christian fellowship has been blessed and has comforted us greatly.

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.

Pieter and Rita de Boer