Dear Church Family & Friends,
All we can do is Praise The Lord in our home - Donna's MRI was again CLEAR!
Last week, Donna had her 3 month follow up MRI and it was to be read on Friday by Dr. Princewill Ehirim. (Dr. P.) However, due to an emergency, he was called out of the office and Donna's appointment was bumped up till this morning.
Dr. P is really taken back by Donna's progress and recovery. Once again, he shared with us that while he has read about cases like this, he has never seen a patient rebound like Donna has. She really is an amazing miracle!
While we were visiting with him, it was wonderful to hear him say things like "….5 years from now…." WOW! What a difference from hearing the words of last August, "she may have less than six months." PRAISE THE LORD!!!
At this point in time, Donna plans to be on the Temodar chemotherapy for a year or 12 cycles. At that point, a decision will be made to see if she should continue with the Temodar or to discontinue it. At that point, if we discontinue the Temodar, we could go to MRIs every 60 days. If Donna continues the Temodar, the MRI schedule could change to every 4-6 months. The reason for the uncertainty is quite simple - the doctors have never had a patient rebound like Donna. Also, since so few people do survive this long with this type of history, there is no protocol to follow.
As you may remember, when Donna was first operated on, she always said that she was willing to let the Lord use her to reach other folks how ever He wanted. The Lord has given her an opportunity to do this.
This Thursday evening, Donna will be speaking at a fund-raiser for Relay For Life. This event will take place at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, Ga. from 7:00 till 8:30 pm. Donna and another woman who is a breast cancer survivor will be the speakers. The musical entertainment will be provided by two gospel groups from Hebron Baptist of Dacula, Ga. Entrance donations of $5.00 will be requested at the door with all proceeds being donated to the American Cancer Society. If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by as it should be a memorable evening!
Donna's testimony has also been touching others. We have recently met a couple named Mike & Laurie. Like Donna, Mike was recently diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme. Unfortunately, his tumor is inoperable. We feel that the Lord has placed us in their life to help encourage them and to let them know what to expect from the Temodar and radiation. I would ask you to please pray for their family. Mike is my age and they have three young kids at home that need their Daddy.
Also, Donna's Web Page (www.coed4.org) has been generating emails from several people and their family members who have brain tumors. I have received emails from around the country and even a couple from outside the US. Folks come across the web site and ask questions about what type of treatment she has received, does she have any current problems, etc. It has been a blessing to us both to be able to help others who are going through such a difficult time in some small way. Please feel free to stop by her web site if you haven't done so already.
One last item, Donna & I will be participating in the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation 'Race For Research' on Saturday, June 30, 2001. This is a 5K race & a 2K Fun Run/Walk that will start at 7:30 am at the Mall of Georgia. If you are interested in participating, you can visit their link at http://www.accessatlanta.com/community/groups/sbtf/index.html. It is $15 per person and again, all proceeds go to the America Cancer Society.
As always, our prayer request remains 1.) For the Lord's will to be done through this situation, 2.) For this tumor NEVER EVER reappear in Donna's body, 3.) For any side effects from her treatment to be minimal and 4.) For her next MRI to be clear. Thank-you all once again for your prayers! I know that these emails have been a blessing to you all, but they have a real blessing to Donna & I!
Till the next update….
In His Name, Service & Love,
Frank & Donna
Back to January 2001 to Present Emails