Update from Roger and Debbie

Writing from the National Quartet Convention, it has been quite a week for us all. Last night at the Singing News Fan Awards, Legacy Five was voted the Favorite Male Quartet of 2004 - what an honor! Words can't quite describe the feeling for all of the group members and their families as that announcement was made! As a quartet wife, I could not have been more proud of all of our "boys". Click on the Legacy Five web site for a complete list of awards.

As many of you know, Roger and I went to Houston about a week and a half ago, where he underwent a series of tests to restage his progress. We were hoping to hear that his doctor would cut down our weekly visits, but we got a different report. It seems that there is still disease in his bone marrow, and some nodes have increased in size since July. Basically, what this means is that the transplant is not working - yet. There are more steps to take to give it a "boost", however. Our next phase will be for Roger to undergo a type of chemo, not to tear down any more cells, but to boost them up. That will be a weekly treatment, and sandwiched in between those, the doctor wants to collect more stem cells from Roger's dad, and infuse them again. Hopefully, this will give his system the charge it needs to get the transplant working. We are trying to look at this as just a detour on this journey. The doctor tells us that this is not abnormal and that it can happen in many cases. We do covet your prayers as we embark on this new leg of the trip. This week at NQC has been good for us in that we have been freshly reminded of your love and prayers for our family, and we are so grateful for that. Rest assured that, while we were taken aback by this bit of news, we have not lost faith or hope. God is still in control, as always, and we are glad that He already has a plan in place. As a dear friend of ours has told us more than once, "God does not read the test results"!

We promise to keep you updated as we know more. Until then, we are firmly
In His Grip,

Roger and Debbie

Comments

[Brian Lewis]

Thanks Debbie for the update! We were getting worried. Thanks for letting us know the details so we can pray specificaly.
We love you all and continue to hold you all up in prayer! We are SO proud of the guys!

[Joyce Veal]

I've been checking this journal for an update and I, too, was beginning to wonder how things were going for you folks. We will continue to pray for complete healing and thank God, especially, for Roger's dad and that he is able to give. Love, Joyce

[Helen Elliott]

Thanks for the update Debbie. I was really worried. I'm glad you guys got to go to the Quartet meeting.
I will be in earnest prayer for this new procedure, and all of you through this.
I feel Roger and Scott are my son's, and I am so proud of them.
I especially love Roger because of his wonderful testimony. Many Many Prayers and much love, Grandma Helen

[Gail in San Jose, CA]

Roger & Debbie, I am so, so sorry to hear this news. It made me cry. I can't imagine how it has made you feel. I will continue in prayer for both of you and your family and that God give great wisdom to the doctors. I feel like I know the two of you personally through what you've shared on this web site. May God's grace continue to uplift you and may God's peace overwhelm you right now.

[Mitzi]

What a thrill, that L5 was voted Favorite Male Quartet of 2004, and how deserving!! We'll continue to lift Roger & his dad up in prayer! This is just a detour in the road to recovery, and we put all of our trust and faith in our Father. His love is abundent! God's blessings to all of you! Love, Mitzi & Jeff

[Morgan]

I was getting so worried since there hadn't been an update! Not the news we were looking for, but God is still in control! You're (both) still in my prayers.

[HELEN WOOLLEY]

As others have said, I have been checking your journal daily, many times daily as a matter of fact, but knew you were busy at NQC, among other things. We are so proud of the guys and of Roger's award for best piano player....something we all knew!

However this latest news was definitely not something we was expecting. I am so sorry. I so admire your outlook, but know this must have been quite a shock even though you knew that the road back from the transplant was not going to be without speed bumps.

My heart aches for you all, but there is also joy because you have so much prayer support behind you from your many friends and fan.

Thank you for writing, Debbie, and letting us know how and what to pray for. May God give you peace and comfort. We will continue praying for you, the kids, and for Dad Bennett.

Love in Christ, Helen in MI.

[Lola McVey]

How thrilling that the quartet was chosen for the "best" but of course we already knew that, didn't we???? Yes, it is going to be hard to go back through some of the steps you have already traveled with the treatment, Roger. But please "Hang in There" and this, too, will pass. Thank you so much, Debbie, for your update. Like many others, I have been checking for the journal report several times a day, and have been concerned each time I did not find anything. I know this was hard for you to write. But for our prayers to be effective, it is most helpful for each of us to know how to pray. God's plan will prevail. Love, Lola McVey

[Nina Foster]

Thank you, Debbie. I have been concerned, just as others have shared. For your sake, we did not want to hear this kind of news, but God is still on His throne and is in control. Certainly our prayers are with you and we pray that you will be wrapped in God's peace and that healing will continue--even if not in our timeframe.

I am happy you could be at the convention and feel there the love that surrounded you. Of course, we are thrilled with the recognition Legacy Five received.

May God's richest blessings be with you each and every hour of the day.

In Christian Love, Nina

[Marshall]

I too had began to worry but I was listening to the coverage of the NCQ last night and was relieved When I realized you were there Roger. I was also touched at the tribute they gave you for your years of involvement in quartet music and CONGRATULATIONS!!! for being voted Best Piano Player. Congratulations to L5 also.
I will remain in prayer for your future procedures. I still am BELIEVING that all will be well because God is not intimidated by our circumstances or our test results. God Bless and keep hold of the rope.

[Oden]

We are so excited about the award for you guys. We also was beginning to worry about the update on you Roger. This is just a detour, but God will prevail. God is in control and yes still in the healing business. We sometimes don't understand why but God will give you the strength and the peace that will surpass all understanding. You are in HIS GRIP and we will keep on praying. Hang in there.

Love the Oden family

[Joy N. Lee]

It's hard to understand why "It's in the Valley that I grow". God uses us in a mighty way and it seems that our Valley experiences are what draws us much closer to GOD..and God uses us to touch so many other people that are walking thru this Valley..You and your family will continue to be in our Prayers during this Valley experience..again.

Congrats on all the awards L5 received at the NQC.

[Peggy B.]

Debbie and Roger,
I was so pleased when I listened to L5 sing on the internet at NQC this week. I feel like a proud grandmother. Henry and I were there in Marietta and we treasure each and every time that we have heard the group sing. We have laughed and cried with you. We feel like each member and his family is part of our family. I know that God is going to take care of this problem. He isnot going to drop all of us now. Take care and give our love to the rest of the group.
Holding Tighter to the Rope,
Peggy B.

[anna]

Thanks for the two wonderful pieces of news - that they won such an exciting award, and that Roger has more options. The Lord is great, and what seems like a detour to us oftentimes is the true way - who knows what doors are opened by this: who he'll meet, whose lives will be changed!

My grandmother had colon cancer for a very long time, and it's amazing as they moved from one thing to another how many people she was able to affect. The journey sure isn't fun - not at all what we would choose had we the controls in our hands, but we have the assurance that all things can work to the good of them that love the Lord.

May you have safe journey home, and continued hope in our blessed Lord!

[Lula]

Thanks so much for the update. We have been concerned, then just hoping that it was because you were at the NQC and too busy to bother with the journal.
We are so "proud" of the singers and their
PIANIST. May God continue to Bless each one and give them many more years of service to Him.
Love and prayers from Virginia,
Harold and Lula

[Cindy]

Hi Roger & Debbie,
Thanks for the update & CONGRATULATIONS on the awards!!! Sorry about the temporary setback. Just keep holding on & we will keep praying. Keep us posted as you can. We truly do care about you. God IS still in control. Isaiah 41:10!

[Margaret and Jim Smith]

Congratulations from Northern Ireland! We continue to hold the ropes while He holds us.
Margaret and Jim Smith.

[Connie B]

I have been checking the journal every day for an update. God often gives us great opportunities to see His miracles first hand, and I pray this is another one of those times. At times like these I always remember one of my first Sunday school teachers teaching us, and singing the song, PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. Many, many people who know how to really get ahold of God are praying for you and your family, and I KNOW, Prayer Changes Things.

[Bernie and Terry Shirkie]

Roger and Debbie, You have become so dear to our hearts and this latest posting brought tears to our eyes. We know though that you are in God's arms[so easy for us to say when we are not in the same trial!]. We will continue to pray for you,for your whole family, for "Roger's friend", and for Rick Busby. We love you! Love Bernie and Terry

[Carol]

Roger and Debbie,

I was so happy to see a posting today. I was sure the posting was delayed because you were very busy at the convention.

God is always helping us enlarge our faith and trust in Him. I do not see the test results as a setback, but rather as Him nudging us all a little closer to Him. You will continue to be in my prayers.

God bless you,
Carol

[Elaine Harcourt]

Debby, I am so sorry to hear of this little setback (& I do hope it's little). I pray that God will continue to encourage you both as He works His will in this situation. Praying for Roger's dad, too. God bless you all throught this new situation.

[Coleen Jo Caldwell]

Roger and Debbie,
After seeing L5 in Peoria a week ago and writing to tell Roger how "healthy" he looked it is somewhat of a shock to hear that the inside isn't as healthy as the outside looks. But you do hold the best health there is in your heart and that's the health and wealth of a healthy spirit.
God has been good to you thus far so why should that change? Maybe this is His way of using Roger for further testimony to those he meets along the way and along the road to recovery. We will be praying for all of you and for Dad Bennett. I'm sure he might be feeling a little let down that his marrow didn't work exactly right the first time. God will continue to bless all of you as He always has because of the blessing you are to so many people. And I can't sign off without saying Alleluia - praise God that you were voted #1 - that doesn't come as a shock though.
Again, God bless, cjc:)

[ann woodward]

Hi Debbie and Roger,
I am so glad to see your note and that you
received such well deserved accolades at the convention. I HATE that you are having to go through this valley again but just as before you'll never have to walk it alone. Besides our Lord please know we your ropeholder family share the journey with our prayers and abiding concern.
In His Love,
Ann Woodward

[Sylvia Brown]

Debbie,
I was struck by your last comment that "God does not read the test results"...How true!After all, He already knows the path we are to follow. It would be great if He would give us His game plan so we would know what continues to be ahead of us. I am in North Central Florida and we in Florida are wondering what God is trying to teach us with all of our hurricane disasters. A lady from Franklin, N.C. on the weather channel said it so appropriately tonight when she said that God is still in control and they have to move on with that thought in mind. Alas, we do have to move on and let God do the guiding....Prayers continue to be with you all as you embark on a new phase of this journey and as your friend so correctly said,"God doesn't read the test results"..It's God's Game Plan, not ours! Please continue to keep us informed as your time and schedule permits.

[Juanita Rotenberry]

Debbie and Roger,
It was so great seeing Roger on stage at the NQC convention Monday night. I remarked to my husband Roger that you looked so good. So, I was totally shocked while reading your post tonight Debbie. We are so sorry about the test results. But, we know that God has a plan for you and Roger in the future and we are praying that this setback and the road to full recovery will be short. We are so glad about the awards and not surprised about that news. May God bless each of you through this latest journey.
Love in Christ,
Juanita and J. C. Rotenberry
Montevallo, AL