We appreciate your prayers these last few days. Dave is slowly improving and we are very relieved. And it gets even better – even though he has been fighting a tough virus these last couple weeks and feeling horrible, we have some really great news to celebrate! We are celebrating God’s goodness and His power over sin and death this Easter weekend (If you are in the area, we would love to invite you to one of our five services at Inland Hills).
One year ago, Dave was part of the 2%-10% of ALL leukemia patients who relapse in the brain after stem cell transplant.They said it was rare. Being part of that 10% after battling back from the transplant was brutal. Then a few months later, being part of the minuscule number (not even ranking a percent) of patients who experience spinal cord damage from chemo was even more difficult to fathom. They said it was very, very rare.
But today, we are on the good side of the 10%!! Today Dr. Linhares told us that only 10% of patients make it to the one-year mark after brain relapse – and we made it! She excitedly told us this is a significant marker, indicating much greater potential for continued remission. Wow!! We weren’t expecting such great news on a day after we pleaded for your continued prayers. During the drive to the hospital this morning, Dave was struggling, saying he felt worse than ever. And then in God’s great faithfulness, He gave us such wonderful news. The highs and lows of the journey are amazing, but God is with us always.
Percentages and statistics are just numbers, but they do give perspective to the miracle God is working. This news today confirms to us once again that even though it doesn’t always feel like it, we are living in the middle of a miracle.
Thank you, God, for the encouragement we needed today.
In the middle of our trouble, you sent a word of hope.
You, God, are always faithful.
You, God, are ever present.
You, God, our breath of life.
For now and for eternity.
Thank you, everyone, for your continued love and prayers.
Celebrating God’s goodness,
The Stoeckleins