We just met with the Oncologist this afternoon and received a treatment plan. We keep hearing from the doctors, and maybe we don’t want to lose all hope, but this is a very agressive cancer. They can’t tell us what is causing it, and it is not responsive to a Hormonal treatment which would be more straightforward. They can’t even do surgery until they get the cancer under control with Chemotherapy. It is a Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast cancer. They even are worried that there is fluid around the heart that would hinder the Chemo treatments.
Suzanne and I discussed in the car before our visit with the doctor this afternoon, and we both agree that this is a God-sized cancer. What we mean about that is that it feels so out of control, that it would be a miracle that only God could do. We appreciate the doctors, and we appreciate the fact that they are rushing to get every test done because they don’t want to waste any precious time before starting treatment. We also are at peace knowing that we can Praise God for any outcome He has for us.
The next test Suzanne has is a Pet scan on Friday, and an EKG to look at the fluid around her heart. We should have the results Monday or Tuesday, and tentatively the Chemo would be started next Thursday.
Last evening as a family, we talked about the story of Lazarus in John 11. The verse that stands out is in verse 3. “…Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” We feel that way right now.
We are truly overwhelmed by the love and support of so many people. We really couldn’t do it without you!
Love,
Mel & Suzanne & Family
Thank you so much for supplying this way for us to keep up with what is going on in your lives.
The verse that comes to me right now is Psalm 56:3 – What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee.
Mel and Suzanne and family, you are SO loved and we will uphold you in much prayer – What a Great God we have!
Yes, thank you so much for keeping us posted on your blog – it helps just to know something – we all want to help in any way and pray earnestly and with some knowledge of what is current.
Troubles bring us closer to each other and closer to the Lord – it’s like we want to huddle with you and all of us feel the Lord’s love and comfort wrap around us.
He loves you so much and will be with you each step – He can make trials turn into blessings.
Melvin, we are praying for your wife and your family.
Jhn 14:27 Jesus said… Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Please know that we are praying for you.
We are praying for you. Larry, Becky & Boys (Ulbricht)
Praying for each of you way down here in Ecuador! Thank you for keeping us posted.
Psalm 94:19
Dan, Nikki, Andy, & Carolyn
I can hardly imagine what you must be going through emotionally right now, but we are praying FERVENTLY for you all. May you rest in our Father’s arms, and trust Him perfectly and completely. I love the verse that Daniel quoted in John 14. He loves you, and is able to do whatever we ask in His name. He is also able to give you strength to go through any dark waters so the floods will not overflow you. In our Lord we have assurance of victory no MATTER what the outcome is earthly speaking. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Gen 18:14
Dear Mel and Suzanne,
Our family is joining with you in prayer. May God be glorified through the outcome of this amazing trial He is allowing you to experience. May you sense His great love as He continues to protect you all and guide you through it.
May you trust Him completely.
We love you,
The Brandons
Will be praying for you. 12 years ago I had stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and had to go through chemo.
So sorry to hear of this new awfulness! We will be praying! May He fill you all with the peace only a loving, faithful God can supply!
Melvin & Suzanne,
Just heard what trial you are going through right now and wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers. Praying that the Lord gives the doctors wisdom on how to treat this. May the Lord give you the peace that surpasses all understanding and may you feel His loving arms holding you.
All my love,
Holly
I pray for you every day Suzanne.
Lean deeply into God’s love and trust in Him. So glad that we have God in our lives especially during times like these.
Love you.
Mel and Suzanne —
We are absolutely stunned by this news. We are in prayer for you. And we are blessed by your example…your example of living your faith and praising His name even in the darkest times. You both are such a blessing and inspiration!
With love and prayers,
Toni and Rob
Dear Mel and Suzanne,
So sorry to hear of your recent news. Praying for you all as well as wisdom for your Dr’s. May you feel the presence of our Lord who promised to never leave us or forsake us as well as the love and prayers of your friends and family who are rallying along with you.
Love in Him,
Glenda Conner
Minneapolis,MN
We are so sorry to hear of this trial that you are going through right now. We pray that the peace of God will rule in your hearts and that in His strength and grace you will feel those everlasting arms around each of you!
In His love,
John & Anna & family
Suzanne-
You are a very special person and I am so thankful for you. My family & I will be praying for you. I don’t know what God has in store for you, but have no doubt that He has used you as an example of His love in my life. May God bless you & your family.
Love,
Laura Mourton (Forbes)
Dear Mel and Suzanne! Oh wow. This hits hard, and I am in tears over here in Michigan, just thinking of what you two must be enduring right now. I am praying that you will hear the voice of God in everything as you make decisions and follow His leading through the maze of everything. I am so thankful for both of you, and just wanted you to know how loved you are! May you feel the arms of Jesus around you tight this day, and every day forward. What a precious picture of your family! Thank you so much for posting this so we can keep in touch! Here is my favorite verse: “Be still, and know that I am God!” May you know that you are always in the center of His tender loving care and ever watchful attention.
I love you,
Colleen Swanson
Grant, Michigan
Mel, Suzanne and family:
We are so very sorry to hear your news but we know you have such a deep faith and trust in our Father and His grace and power. We have been where you are and Oliver is proof of God’s miracles in this world. We pray fervently that you will experience that healing.
God’s blessings on you all,
Oliver & Terri Sasse
Mel, Suzanne & Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your news. I am praying for Suzanne & your family. Love Carmel
Our thoughts and prayers are with you constantly and keep the faith and trust in God. – Mike and Audri Bomar
Mel, Suzanne and family,
I just recently heard the news about your recent health crisis. As I went to bed last night I prayed that God would fill you with strength and peace as you face the journey of cancer. Losing my Dad to a 2 year cancer battle seven months ago, we learned as a family that the prayers of Christians is what carried us through. God is so faithful… Every biopsy, test, scan, surgery, and treatment he carried us!
What an inspiration to read of your faith! Praying for you all in the weeks and months ahead. Love and Gods Peace to you all! Susan Questad-Karnes
What a blessed encouragement to know that HE feels out pain. There in John 11 Jesus wept. How our blessed Savior loves us and cares for us.
I have a couple notes in John 11
V4 Jesus heard– He knows what we are going through
v5 Jesus loved– Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God
v17 Jesus came–He is acting on our behalf in HIS wisdom and time Heb 7:25 He everliveth to make intercession for us
v35 Jesus wept —HE feels our pain
v39 Jesus said— All power in heaven and earth is committed unto HIM. He allowed Lazarus to die that he and his sisters and all there and even we would know HIM as the RESURRECTION and the LIFE
We are praying our dear beloved
Much love in HIM
Matthew Richerzhagen