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Update #2: Dec. 21, 2021

 Dear Friends and Family-

Right after we received Linda’s diagnosis, Dave was reading and studying in our sunroom, and noticed the activity of the birds out in the cold, yet feeding and flying, as if they had no worries in the world.  He was reminded of the verse in Matthew 6:26—"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?”

God takes care of the birds.  He who knows our name and every hair on our heads loves us, cares for us, and has a plan for us.  We trust in Him.

Last week we ended up having 5 appointments.  Linda had a second biopsy (2nd side) and we are grateful that it came back benign.  We saw Dr. Platta, the radiation oncologist for a baseline appointment if radiation is needed after surgery.  We also were able to get in another appointment in Wausau, and also then one with Dr. Stroede, the surgeon.  The team had met concerning Linda’s case in the morning on Wednesday, and there are differing radiologist interpretations of the first MRI.  Since this is a tricky and hiding tumor, one radiologist believes that it is actually larger than the first MRI indicated, and thus could make it a Stage 3 cancer, and would also call for radiation afterwards.  We won’t know for sure until surgery.  We haven’t received results back yet from the bone density scan on Thursday in Wausau, but don’t expect anything significant from that---just a baseline test.  Today was a pre-op EKG and labs.  Tomorrow, Wednesday, brings our appointment with the Medical Oncologist, Dr. Peterson.  (Sounds like a good Swede!!) 

Surgery is scheduled for Monday, January 3, Wausau.  (The surgeon is on Christmas vacation until then.)  Please pray that we all (doc included) stay well (COVID-free, etc.) and that there is a bed available on that date in the hospital.  COVID cases have been filling up more beds than usual obviously, and may especially do that after the holidays.  If they are out of beds, surgery will have to be postponed and rescheduled.  ☹

We received a positive phone call last night when we were taken off the waitlist for the Aspirus Family House in Wausau for Jan. 2 (and Jan. 3 for Dave).  Linda totally understands the whole waitlist ordeal, but typically she is the one on the other end, making campers very happy or very sad.  😊  This “House” has 10 hotel-type rooms, and is very close to the hospital, and just asks for donations.  We are very appreciative!!

Thank you for your continued prayers with us on this journey.
We are resting in God’s promises.  Some days are easier to do that than others.

Proverbs 3:5-6: 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Merry Christmas to all of you and your families!

Linda and Dave

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