necessary update

Well, looks like it’s time to update the blog again for a few reasons. One, I’ve had some changes in my health that I need to share and two, and unfortunately, that ugly, ignored, glossed over sin called gossip has once again begin to rear its ugly head and information is being shared about me without my knowledge and consequently I have no idea whether is true or not.

Bluntly, medically, it appears as if my lymphoma has returned somewhere in my central nervous system. We’ve been back up to the Cleveland Clinic for some tests and conversations with my doctor. The basis of the diagnosis is mostly symptomatic – I started feeling some weakness on the right side of my body, difficulty swallowing, etc. Tests of the spinal fluid have not been real conclusive but my doctor does believe that something is there because of the symptoms. An MRI of my spine taken in Lima does show evidence of an abnormal growth on the side of my spinal chord. My doctor in Cleveland did begin treatment in my spinal fluid when we were there on Tuesday, August 3 and we’re looking at hopefully continuing those treatments and perhaps adding some radiation to deal with the abnormal growth. My doctor has put me on a regimen including steroids which have made a huge difference in the symtpoms I’ve been experiencing. My swallowing is almost back to normal and my voice, which a week ago was weak and scratchy, is much better.

That aside, Kim and I continue to covet your prayers be directed PRIMARILY in the area of my spiritual life. Although obviously if I had the choice to be healthy or not I would choose to be so but to be honest, my greatest struggle (and Kim adds her greatest grief) lies in the area of simply being obedient day to day. Pray that God would help me to be a godly father, husband, church member, friend, worker and patient throughout this and/or any other trial our Gracious God has lovingly placed in the lives of my wonderful wife and I. Speaking for Kim, I know that her desires are the same. I ask you to reread – or read for the first time perhaps – some of the older posts in this blog to get a sense of what Kim and I are trying real hard to remind ourselves of what is true regarding our physical health and the relative lack of importance of it in God’s eyes. As always, we deeply appreciate, and are many times humbled by, the love and care of so many of our brothers in sisters in Christ who God has graciously put in our lives.

Rob and Kim