Connor

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:54 PM CDT

We've seen some small improvements. We've seen some visible changes in his swelling. Still praying for more to come! He still has about 20 pounds of water weight on him (mainly on his legs and lower abdomen). When he was in Plano Presby 3 1/2 weeks ago, his resting heart rate was in the 140's. It is now in the 120's. These could be signs that the tumor is softening or getting smaller, which is relieving pressure on his lungs and blood vessels.

Also, he's started asking for food again. We usually have to force him to eat, but lately he's been asking for food several times a day. Granted, they are small meals (only about 6-12 bites at each sitting), but still progress. He's been more talkative and wants to get out of the house every day - even if it is just going to Target. Connor will need blood tomorrow based on the blood test he did today, but his white count is continuing to rise. The normal range for your white count is roughly 5,000-12,000. Connor's was holding at 24,000 for the last month and now it is 30,000. The immunotherapy is definitely stimulating his white count. We are praising God for the little things.

Thank you so much for the prayers! Nicole hosted Connor's prayer meeting today and about twenty friends (and new faces) came to pray for Connor. We are so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love from all of you.

Continue the prayer requests.
1. Continue to pray for the swelling to decrease
2. Tumor to shrink
3. Breathing to continue to get better
4. Appetite to increase
5. Restful, uninterrupted sleep
6. Back pain to ease

The past two months have been especially trying on Connor and our family. Often, we struggle for the strength to just continue through another day. At times such as these, we turn to the one true source of hope, strength and peace - our God! This devotional from Sarah Young in her book "Jesus Calling" is such a beautiful reminder of clinging to Him in the daily struggles in life.

"Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

“I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go."

Still believing,
JOY