Waiting...
It has been a LONG few days. Roger is not doing well at the moment, and has a variety of complications. We knew when he was admitted that he was a bit confused, and that his oxygen levels were low, in addition to having shingles and the accompanying pain. After having many tests performed while inpatient, we have now determined that he has pneumonia (growing 3 different types of bacteria); meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain); encephalitis (swelling of the brain itself); and an occurrence of leukemia cells in a spot on his head. Whew! I am hoping it sounds worse than it is....
We are still awaiting test results from the latest lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to determine whether the memory problems, weakness, and balance issues are due solely to the virus in the spinal/brain areas, or whether the leukemia disease is involved. It has been so difficult to watch his condition the past few days. He is definitely not the Roger we all know and love. I am praying for the best-case scenario: that the problems are caused by the virus alone, and treatments will bring him back to his "normal" self. He began radiation treatments today on the spot that showed the leukemia cells (he now has an interesting 'tattoo' on his head). Best-case scenario there is that those were residual cells that did not get killed off during the chemo/transplant. If that is the case, and it is an isolated spot, then the radiation will take care of that. Again, tests are pending.
Some of this news I only learned yesterday, the rest I learned last Friday. I have spent a fearful weekend, learning to rely more fully on God. I know that His plan was set in motion before we were ever on this earth. I also know that I trust Him. Therefore, I need to be still and let God calm my fears.
I really debated about how much of this I wanted to share. I am not sure how Roger would feel about my letting all of this be known, but I can't ask him about it right now. The kids are coming down this weekend for a few days, and that will be a great boost. Maybe by then, he will be more alert and ready to visit. Until then, I ask for extra prayers, and rest in the promise that He will never leave us. He keeps us safely
In His Grip,
Debbie
Hang in there, Debbie. Just rest in the arms of Jesus today. He is in perfect control of the situation. You are one brave woman and I am praying that the Lord give you strength as you need it, hour by hour. God bless you. Judy
Posted by: Judy | February 28, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Dear Debbie:
Our hearts ache for what you are both going through, but as you said, God's plan was set in motion before we were born, and we can trust Him completely. We just want you to know that we will step up the intensity and frequency of the prayers for Roger, for you and for the kids. We believe God is still in the miracle business, and we're trusting Him for one now.
We love you all, but not as much as He does -
Bobby and DeLayne
Tyler, Tx
Posted by: Bobby & DeLayne Barron | February 28, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Dear Deb...It is good that you tell us these things. That way we will be able to know exactly what to be praying for.
We are praying for you too Debbie for the Lord's strength...Love Bernie and Terry
Posted by: Bernie and Terry Shirkie | February 28, 2007 at 05:18 PM
Debbie, remember Job. He went through so much. You & Roger has touched so many people. You have went through a great deal of suffering. But, Issiah says He is my strong and mighty tower. Lean on him. Look to where cometh your strengh. We are praying every day for you,Roger & your family. I have a mirical daughter. The doctors gave her up at birth. I looked to God's strengh.She is 19 now.God Still Works for his own!
Posted by: ernie bergthal | February 28, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Thank you so much for posting today, Debbie, as I can enlist my prayer warrior buddies at church tonight. We love you guys very much and continue to lift you up to Him in prayer.
Posted by: Von Tetmeyer | February 28, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Dearest Debbie! I wish there was something we as ropeholders could "do", but the Best thing we can do is pray that God will continue to keep you "In His Grip", and that all of these "new" problems will soon be in the past and Roger will be back to his normal way of giving Other people reason to hope & keep the faith, when we should be doing that for him! May God give him some much needed peaceful sleep, and give you a chance to get some rest as well. It will be a blessing for you when your kids are there to help you remain strong. I pray that this will all soon be behind you. It is always darkest just before dawn...so maybe things will soon be much brighter for all of you! Praying that God will continue to keep all of you "In His Grip!" ~Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | February 28, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Debbie,
I have been where you are. It was very hard for me. I pray for more strength for you and your kids.
Janie Kidd
Posted by: Janie Kidd | February 28, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Thank you for the update. I would rather know. I know your trial is for a reason so just continue to trust in the LORD and his great wisdom.
Posted by: Linda | February 28, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Hallo Debbie,
We are reading this journal from the beginning and wish Roger, you and your family, that you may feel Gods presence, that He cares for you and never will leave you.
That you all may have the peace and joy of the Lord in your hart in this difficult time.
People in our church, our children are praying for Roger.
We live in The Netherlands / Europe but in the Lord there is no distance, we feel it like you are our family, and in Christ we are.
May God bless you and surround you!
Many Greetings
Fam. de Lange
Posted by: Eildert and Marietje de Lange | February 28, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Dear Debbie,
I am glad that we know what Roger is facing now. This way we can pray for the things that he is facing. God Bless you Debbie and give you the strength that you need at this time. We know that God is always with you no matter what you go through. Your family has been through so much especially Roger. You and your family are our hero's. Roger has helped so many people throughout the years because of what he has gone through. We will keep praying for all of you.
In His Grip,
Bev & Dar Stellmacher
Posted by: Bev & Dar Stellmacher | February 28, 2007 at 05:58 PM
I know how hard it is right now, but please hang in there. Roger has more prayers flooding his way than you can know. I know its hard to trust God at this moment, and fear is wanting to take over. I have been in your place. God brought me thru and healed my loved one, and he can and will do the same for you and Roger. There are many, many people sending you both strength thru prayer. Please hold on a little longer. God knows and understands. NEITHER OF YOU ARE ALONE. We are praying.
Posted by: melissa F. | February 28, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Dear Debbie and Family:
Thanks for sharing the information about Roger's health.
We love you and are praying that God will supply His Perfect Peace.
May God provide you with comfort and rest. Often it is harder being the caregiver as the patient has people to take care of them. We pray that you will have rest and that God will heal Roger.
God is good all the time.
Posted by: Judy Bickel | February 28, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Debbie,
Our love and prayers continue to come your way! Thank you for sharing Roger's condition with all the ropeholders. Now we can pray for specific things that are attacking Roger's body. We know this time is so diffult for you and the kids so we pray for strength and comfort for you and we pray that both of you will feel the peace of our Lord with you. God is always our refuge and strength. God bless all of you!
Love in Christ,
Larry and Jane Bishop
Posted by: Larry and Jane Bishop | February 28, 2007 at 06:18 PM
Debbie:
Our thanks for the update, painful as it is for both of you, Roger in the hospital and you by yourself. If only our prayers, could wrap around both of you and bring Roger back to good health and give you the rest and assurance you need. Our Father, please grant Roger the health he needs to continue his ministery, please give Debbie the strength to once again weather another storm and God bless their family and Legacy 5. We ask in your Holy Name.
Amen.
Posted by: Anne | February 28, 2007 at 06:36 PM
My prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Connie Verkaik | February 28, 2007 at 06:43 PM
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember what John 14:27 says about peace.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Kelso | February 28, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Dear Debbie, Thank you for giving us specific things to take to the Lord in prayer. Love & Prayers, Pete & Susie
Posted by: Pete & Susie Bratton, El Cajon, CA | February 28, 2007 at 07:31 PM
Debbie,
Please know that you and Roger and your family are in my prayers. I know this is a difficult time, but God will bring you through this.
Posted by: Amy Shelton | February 28, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Dear Debbie and family,
Praying is one of the very few things that I can do for you at this time. Just know that we have a great God, and He is always there holding us when we need Him. God Bless all of you.
Ruth Voorhees
Posted by: Ruth Voorhees | February 28, 2007 at 07:54 PM
So sorry to hear the bad news but just know that nothing is too hard for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray that each and every day will bring a miracle to put him through to the next day and on and on. Dear Lord, you see your servant Roger and your servant Debbie and you know their hearts and minds and what each of them need. Heal Roger, give Debbie assurance and peace and answer the prayers of your people for this man whom we all love. In Jesus name, Amen and Amen.
Thank you Lord for the answer.
Margaret Harmison
Cedartown, GA
Posted by: Margaret & Chuck Harmison | February 28, 2007 at 08:17 PM
DEAR DEBBIE, AND FAMILY,
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH OF YOU EVERYDAY. I PRAY GOD WILL GIVE YOU EXTRA COURAGE IN THE WEEKS TO COME. MAY GOD GIVE ROGER, HIS HEALING POWER ONCE AGAIN.
ED AND I PRAY FOR EACH OF YOU.
ALSO ED STOPS TO SEE DOUG, ABOUT EVERYDAY. IT'S SO HARD ON HIM AS YOU KNOW.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF NOW.
LOVE, ALMA & ED
Posted by: ALMA WARD | February 28, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Hugging you tight in prayer, Debbie.
The Hug Lady
Posted by: Ruth Ann Leubecker | February 28, 2007 at 08:32 PM
James 5:16
"Pray for one another."
Intercessory prayer is the sweetest prayer that God ever hears, the prayers of Christ were like this for His people. There is no cry so good as that which comes from the valley, no prayer half as hearty as that which comes from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions.
My prayer is that God be nearer you and Roger than He has ever been!
Posted by: Shanna Locker | February 28, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Debbie, we think &pray forRoger &you And the kids daily. wish we could be there to hug you all. always praying Do'nt Be Afraid for Gods in control. Praying extra for my buddy and Friend Love always Fred
Posted by: Fred&Terri Privett | February 28, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Debbie and Roger,
Keeping you both as well as the kids in my thoughts and prayers. This is definitely a valley but God is in the valley as well as the mountaintops. I am praying the He will wrap His loving arms around both of you and encourage you through this tough time. Your friends in the Missouri Ozarks,
Posted by: Richard and Cindy | February 28, 2007 at 09:08 PM