Roger Bennett's Midnight Meditations

July 29 Update

Hey All,

Here's the latest. The good news is that my cancer is still in remission (3 months), the bad news is I'm still dealing with some major treatment related side effects. Thus, I've been grounded. This time I have to agree though, I know that my present condition would not allow me back on the bus. But, it's a day to day thing and could turn around for the good very soon. That's what I believe will happen.

God remains constant, loving and on the job and I am,

In His Grip!

Roger

A Quick Prayer Request

Just a quick request - no emergency....Roger and Chelsea are in Houston for follow-up visits. They went down on Tues and should have come home today, but some test results are keeping him in the clinic for I.V treatments. The doctor won't allow him to fly because some levels are too high. So, keep his progress in your prayers, if you would be so kind. Like I said, it's not an emergency, but I know he would rather be coming home to rest. Again, thank goodness for Chelsea. She is so responsible.

More later,

Debbie

Still Resting

Late, as usual, but still hanging in there. I promised to post results of my tests last week, so here they are: the bone marrow biopsy still shows that I am in remission! Praise the Lord for that great news! I still do have some little bugs floating around, and I am coughing, etc., etc., so they are tweaking my medications and watching me again. I fly back to Houston tomorrow for follow-up visits. Chelsea is going with me this time, as Debbie is knee-deep in a project at home.

Back to Reality

Well, we made it back from the Alaskan Cruise, having had a wonderful time. We were able to take a few family members along, and I think everyone had a great time. My dad turned 83 while he was with us on the cruise, and he got to go fishing in Ketchikan, AK (he caught a King Salmon, which bit my brother on the finger - apparently they have teeth....). While this cruise is a very relaxing one, it proved to be a bit taxing on Roger physically. He did get to rest, but under my orders, he will be resting more.

We are in Houston for another round of tests and doctor visits. We arrived tonight, ahead of Hurricane Emily, and tomorrow Roger will have a bone marrow biopsy, then see his doctor on Thursday. We are always anxious for those test results to come back, but pray for patience while waiting. We will let you know what we find out by this weekend.

Things are still unfolding back at the Bennett house, as we try to get back into a routine there after basically a year and a half absence. Still unpacking from 2 moves, added to unpacking from the cruise, and trips to Houston. But, as we all know, it will all still be there when I get back! Chelsea had her 21st birthday yesterday (!) and is planning to go back to school in the fall. I am so thankful for her taking this past year off, running our mail order office and keeping the house standing. Jordan is gearing up for a week-long road trip with 5 of his buddies - they leave Saturday. So, if you see a mini-van with no air conditioning, loaded with 6 teenage boys, I'd steer clear if I were you! (Seriously, you might want to pray for all of us for that week....) We are blessed that his friends are great kids, just like he is.

It's late, and the tests begin early in the morning, so I will close for now. Thank you, as always, for your continued prayers and support. We are...

In His Grip,
Debbie

Deservedly Chastised

Point Taken!!!! Sorry for being late!

Nothing it different! No bad news that I'm trying to to hide from you. I'm just swamped with trying to keep up both emotional and physically. As I write this post the ship we're are on right now, the Amsterdam is docked in a beautiful harbor in Sitka, Alaska. The view from my window is hard to believe that real people could live this way. Misty mountains tower above the little village that was once so important to the United States and Russia. Every now and then when I raise my eyes to rest them, I see far below my harbor seals playing (I hope)

The American Bald Eagle is slowly continuing his patrol across the Alaskan sky (and yes I know it's the majesty but yes I feel safer!!!!)

We saw whales galore yesterday at Juneau and I'll have photos up on Alaska Photos at L5's Website. (hopefully tomorrow)

Ok on to the check up info.

Fireworks and Check-ups.

Hey,

Sorry it's been a while since you heard from me. As usual Debbie has kept up my site...thanks baby.

We are getting ready to be out the door to the clinic for my latest check-up. This is always a little stressful for us but not something we can't handle with the Lord on our side.

Last night when we arrived in our hotel room Deb and I were absolutely worn out and wanted nothing more than to cuddle up in the bed and sleep for 10 hours.

Let me back up a little bit....I admit that yesterday I'd been griping about missing the fireworks show on the 4th. Too early on the plane and too late when we got to Houston. Bummer....

So we're sitting around watching the news and Debbie says , "did you hear that?" I sure did! I ran to the window and there perfectly framed by the incredible Houston skyline was the beginning of their awesome Independence Day fireworks display. It was like Christmas for us. We ran to douse all the lights in the room and then just stood in front of the huge window in our 11th floor room and had the best view in the joint!

We really enjoyed it and it helped us put the check-up thoughts behind us for a while. So this morning we are rushing around to get to our appointments on time, but we're happy!

I'll be back online tonight to let you know the latest from my Doctor's visit today.

We love you all.

In His Grip!

Roger