We Wait...

Hi Friends,

We hope your holiday is filled with peace. We are continually feeling His peace and it's because of how gracious our God is and because of your prayers and encouragement. Thank you...

We are at a waiting point in my recovery. Our Oncologist wouldn't really comment on the cleared Biopsy. He doesn't want us to abort the chemo treatment and feels the present remission will not last and the Leukemia will return. He would not comment on the differences between the remission in August where the cancer was present but not advancing to the present cleared results showing that there are no Leukemia cells in the biopsy. This was disappointing, but I understand his position and medical training. I have requested a second opinion to Stanford Medical Center.

The fungal infection in the brain dura is hopefully diminishing with the medication. Tests are still being done to see if I should/could be on both fungal medications to knock it out. The Docs on the case are discussing neurosurgery if the fungal mass increases. A future MRI is planned, but as long as the symptoms of headache and neck pain don't increase, we will give the medication some time to work.

I have been pondering Psalms 86 a lot over the last week or so. It's a prayer of David's to hear God's voice for direction. During much of the last 8 months it's been hard for me to hear God. Between the physical fatigue, hospital medications, and my own personal dealing with cancer and a deathly fungal infection, it frankly has been hard to be intimate with God - to the point of hearing Him. Please don't take this as me being carnal spiritually. It has more to do with grieving the losses of this illness and how it has turned our world up side down. I think it something you need to experience to understand. I feel God's love, peace, and presence daily. I just don't hear Him regarding the cancer or fungus. Do I follow the Docs direction (which has saved my life, but also placed me in life threatening positions) or by faith receive the guidance of prayer through biblical prophecy? Or both, yet how? I'm abit confused. That's why your prayers have been so important. I have had several people share that they have heard from God, including Gabriela, that I will be healed from this and even as soon as by March 2008. That doesn't align with what the docs say or the treatments that they are advising.

I am at a place where I personally need to hear from God. That's why Psalm 86 has been my prayer and will continue to be my prayer as I seek Him. Honestly, this is very new for me. I need more than circumstantial alignment or fleecing (as many use to hear from God). I desire that the still small voice that Elijah experienced. I don't know if God will speak to me that way, but He will speak. Pray I have spiritual eyes and ears to hear it.

Again, thank you for your prayers...there's a warfare going on and I need you to stand with me.

His blessings,

Kelly

Doc...amazed and calls me a poster child!

Hi Friends,

We traveled to San Jose and met with Dr. David Stephen, an Infectious Disease M.D. He and another doc spent over 2 hours with us. He was frankly amazed when he saw me expecting a emaciated sickly person and instead seeing a health looking person. You honestly wouldn't know I was sick with a deadly infection. The fungal infection I had in the lungs and sinus is one, if not the worst, fungal infection you can get and is often fatal. He told us that my case was one of the more complicated cases he has seen. He basically said I should be dead if not very sick. He used the word miraculous to describe my present condition (Your prayers are responsible for that - thank you!!).

The infection in the lungs and sinus is clearing up well. The brain dura's infection is in line with my sinus, so it is pretty clear that my swelling is due to the infection crossing into my dura. It's isolated away from the nervous system and not in the brain. It seems to be contained and not progressing at this time. Mucor is a very fast moving infection and would have been much worst if something wasn't restricting it. The thought is the medicine and my immune system are working well. I believe the Lord's gracious hand is also at work.

The course of action is to continue on the medicine while the Doc is seeing if he can test my original "bug" with the Ambizone (a drug I was on that was worst than any chemo I received) would be helpful to take with the present medicine to fight this infection faster. He is also testing how much absorption the medicine is actually getting into the blood system. I have increased the medicine and now wait.

I am experiencing some neck discomfort and head pressure which acts as a reminder that I am dependent on the Lord. The Doc says I will probably need to be on anti fungal therapy (drugs) for a year. Gabriela keeps reminding me that the Lord gave us a "word" that I would be completely healed by March (read earlier blog entry about Violet Huckleberry and Claudia Eller). It would clearly be the hand of God to see this all cleared up by March 2008. Then the question for us is what does this mean. Do we continue to pursuit a bone marrow transplant? The chemo regiment? or just continue with the supplements and dietary changes?

Please pray with us as we seek God's voice. We believe He will speak and guide us. He always has in the big decisions of our lives. How does He want to bring glory to Himself though this? That's what we are seeking to know clearly. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING AND ENCOURAGING US.

Love you all,

Kelly

Oh, went back to the gym for the first time in 8 months. It was painful and will be tomorrow, but so good for my soul. I praise God for His grace and presence!

Good NEWS...Clear Biopsy!!!!

Hi Friends,

I have an appointment with an infectious disease doc in San Jose to give us a second opinion on how to address the swelling in the brain dura. My last MRI showed no change for better or worst. The doc here just doesn't know what the answer is to treating this. We don't know if it's the fungal infection or something else and there is no way of really knowing without brain surgery which we agree would be foolish at this time. I am not having any physical symptoms from this swelling so hopefully this specialist in San Jose will have some direction to give us.

I also had a bone marrow biopsy a week ago and unofficially was told that the preliminary results show that the bone marrow is "clear" of cancer. We don't know exactly what that means, but it definitely means that we are in remission. The bone marrow being clear of Leukemia means that the cancer is not being produced in my body. It's possible that it could mean that I don't have Leukemia cells in the blood and at present I am cancer free!!! This would be great goods and I won't find out until next week when I see the Oncologist. Praise God. My last biopsy in August showed that the cancer was present but hadn't increased since my diagnosis. I haven't had any chemo sense that biopsy because of the fungal situation and the surgeries. I personally believe that the food supplements I was on put my body in a self healing mode. God created our body to fight diease when there is a proper nutritional balance in the body. For the 6 weeks before the biopsy I was taking high doses of these supplements because other people had given testimony that their bodies experienced similar results with cancer. We are in awe!!!

We are so thankful for the prayers, encouragement, and support that many have given us. We are not out of the woods completely, but seeing the meadow of healing ahead. God is amazing in the way He created us. We are feeling very blessed and loved. REJOICE WITH US and give God PRAISE for His marvelous grace!

We will report on today's appointment and the doc's advice. Keep praying for us. It was hard to get use to the idea of cancer and possible death. It's seem hard to see life as a cancer survivor. We don't have that prognosis yet, but pondering the hope feels so odd at present. Can I begin to hope, dream, plan our lives again? What additional stewardship would the Lord ask of us? I can't express what feeling such hope brings to my soul.

We love you all,

Kelly

update

We received a call from our infectious disease specialist who said that after looking at Kelly's MRI he realized that the issue in the durum was worse then he had thought it was after only reading the report. He feels that an much more aggressive treatment is needed at this time. He wants Kelly to go back on the original fungal medicine, Amphataracine. Kelly said that this medication is far worse then Chemo. Dr.Lutz wants Kelly to be on it for a month, every day. It is a daily 3 hour infusion process.

Well, you can imagine that this was not good news and very frustrating. Kelly feels strongly that he doesn't want to go back on this med., (Last time he was on it, it damaged his kidneys and made him feel horrible.). Kelly also believes that since there is not definite evidence it is the fungus that is effecting the durum, he doesn't want to be treated with guess work.

The only way to know for sure what is going on is through a pathology which can only happen if they open Kelly's skull and the doctors have said that it is too much of a risk. Both our infectious disease specialist and Oncologist are on the same page as to what they feel we need to do at this point.

The Oncologist also felt that it was vital that Kelly feel confident about the course of treatment and that it would be a good idea and helpful to get another opinion. So... we are being sent to San Jose to see a specialist with Mucor Micosis.

We were also told that Kelly's blood counts look great!!!(Thank you Jesus!)Indicating that he is likely still in remission and this gives us some breathing room to address the fungus issues. The Oncologist also said that it would be a good idea to go and see a Leukemia specialist at Stanford at some point.

We feel good about these decisions and feel peace and confidence in the Lord. He is in control of EVERYTHING! and we praise Him for it.
Thank you again for your prayers! Please pray for direction, God's internal work in our hearts, like mindedness and of course healing.

Hello dear family and friends,

Kelly went to our infectious disease doctor yesterday. We asked if the increase of inflammation in the durum was a sign that the fungal medication might not be reaching the sight. Our doctor said that that could be possible but that he felt the increase in inflammation was due to the fact that Kelly's immune system has been built up and is now simply fighting harder. Time will tell.
These next few weeks will be very telling. Kelly has a bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday and the first week in Dec. he will have a CT scan to check his lungs and sinus for fungus and an MRI to check the durum in this head to see if there is any improvement. Once we have collected all that information we will need to make a decision regarding what is next for treatment.
Of course our hope is that God will have used the nutritional supplements that Kelly has been taking to greatly help Kelly's body to do some self healing. Ultimately our hope is, as has always been, in God. We believe that God is healing Kelly.

Right now our prayer continues to be that the fungus will die off and that Kelly's bone marrow will be restored to produce healthy, mature white blood cells. We also continue to pray for direction with regards to treatment.

I am also praying about the work that Jesus in doing in our lives personally. I am convinced that every situation in life holds opportunity for us to grow in our Christ likeness and that it is His desire that we come into greater and greater freedom. I am excited about the future ministry opportunities that God is preparing us for now. Please pray for us that we would be willing participants in the work God is doing in us and not resist Him or miss the opportunities by being too distracted by "life" things.

Please also pray for Kelly today. His sinuses are really bothering him. We don't know if he is fighting a cold or if the fungus is acting up. He sees an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor this afternoon to check it out.

We love and appreciated all your prayers and concern. Sincerely, Gabriela

We met with the neurologist yesterday and were very surprised to hear that Kelly's scan was worse than the one taken 6 weeks ago. The lining in his head, Durum, was even more swollen. This was a bit confusing because the sinuses and his lungs show a definite improvement with the new medication and he also has not continued to have headaches. We were both a bit discouraged yesterday.

We see our infections disease specialist next week and will hear what he thinks is needed. Kelly is feeling a bit frustrated and somewhat like a Ginnie pig.

Thank you for your prayers. We trust God is intimately involved and we look forward to seeing how He will resolve the brain issue. The good news is that the fungus is not in the brain tissue and Kelly will have another MRI in four weeks.

Thanks again for your prayers.
Sincerely, Gabriela

Word of encouragement

Hello dear friends,

We had a great time away! The beach was beautiful and our dear friends, the Shamshoian's lent us their amazing beach house. It was refreshing to my soul to look out over the ocean and see the sun shinning on the water and remember how my Father loves me. Our kids had a fantastic time playing on the beach and my mom graciously kept us with our crazy life. Her visit was a joy and blessing. Kelly had a bit of a hard time dealing with his limitations physically and grieved not being able to be the husband and father he is used to being. We adore him regardless and were so thankful for the time away together.


Kelly met with our doctor and scheduled a bone marrow biopsy for the week of Thanks Giving. We are praying specifically now that God will restore Kelly's bone marrow to health since that is where abnormal white blood cells, (Leukemia) are being formed. We are also praying for direction, as to what the next step will look like for treatment.

Kelly also had an MRI this last week and we will get the results some time this week. We will learn if the lining in his brain is still swollen which the neurologist suspected was caused by the presence of the fungus. The good news is that he has not had any headaches since his lung surgery, except for the ones he says I have given him, (ha, ha, he is such a funny guy!!!)

I have had the opportunity to share with some of you what a wonderful thing God did for us on the day of Kelly's lung surgery and I want to share it with all of our family and friends who are praying for us.

While we were in pre-op, waiting for Kelly's surgery, a sweet little old lady dressed in a lavender suit with pink lipstick and her hair all done up nicely, came by Kelly's bed and asked if she could pray with us. She must have been in her 80's and as sweet as can be. We said yes then she took Kelly's hand and asked him if he knew the Lord Jesus and his personal Savior. He said,"yes Mam, I do." She then told us a bit of her story of how she began praying for people before surgery after her husband had died and how she loves doing it. So began her prayer... in the middle of praying she stopped and said, ooh, ooh. We looked up at her and she said, "I have never felt such a strong presence of the Lord before in anyone. Do you feel that?" Kelly looked at her then at me and I could tell that he really didn't feel anything different. She apologized and went on praying that his surgery would go well and that the doctors would have skill and so on..., then stopped again and said, "A word of the Lord always needs to be confirmed. I believe that the Lord is saying that you will not die from this. God will use this in many peoples lives to bring glory to Himself and you will be healed in six months time." Then she added exhortively, "God is healing you and you just need to accept it and give thanks."

Well, I grew up in a wonderful christian church that was very conservative and was kind of warned that charismatic type of things can be dangerous because they can be swayed by emotion so I haven't had much exposure to such things as a "word from the Lord" I believe that God does speak to us through His word and I know my personal time with Jesus has been very intimate as I have sensed Him impress things on my heart, but there was something different with this lady.

First, she didn't know what kind of health issues Kelly was having or that his life was even threatened. She didn't know if he was in for his appendix or brain surgery. She didn't know that the week prior to this surgery Kelly had been in a place of resignation and afraid to get his hopes up that God would heal him because he didn't want to be disappointed. She didn't know that Kelly was in a position to influence many people to bring God glory.

All these things got my attention and at the end of our prayer time she looked at me and said,"You look as if you were expecting this." And I was expecting a miracle that day.

Aside from the blessing of what she said, since that day I have been delivered from all fear and anxiety. If you know me, you know how huge this is. All my life I've lived like the character, Much Afraid, from Hinds Feet on High Places with fear and anxiety as my constant companions. I felt, for as long as I can remember, a dark cloud linger just around the corner of my heart stealing my peace and joy and I have prayed constantly that the Lord would help me to walk in His truth. It has been over a month and I have not had a moment of fear or anxiety. I used to hope that Kelly would be healed and believed God can do anything but now I have assurance that God will heal him.

About 4 weeks later, a friend from church told me that on that same day and at the same time of day, (between 2 and 3 in the afternoon) she had been walking and praying out on the beach for Kelly the day of his surgery. She began with this statement, "A word of the Lord always needs to be confirmed." Then she said that the Lord told her that Kelly's illness was not unto death but for the glory of God and that God will also use this trial to heal me of trust issues that I've had.

I praise God for these women and the freedom and encouragement I have received. Kelly and I believe what they have told us but are still humbly seeking God's direction. Our dependency on Him is sure and He is showing Himself to be steadfast on a daily basis for us and our kids. Thank you again for all your prayers and for taking the time to read my extra long blog today. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you my favorite part.

The little old lady's name is Violet Huckelberry. (She gave me her business card.) How sweet is that!!!

It's working...

Great news yesterday. The fungus is disappearing. Whether the anti-fungal med and/or the supplements, who knows, but the doc was very excited. I'll know more specifics on Monday when I see him. I was able to put in a full week of work this week and feeling much better. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Gabriela's mother flies in tonight for a couple weeks and next weekend we are getting away to the coast for three days. We are looking forward to a little R&R. We will keep you posted as we approach the chemo decision in November. I am really praying that the nutritional supplements cause my body to do some drastic self healing before I see the Oncologist.

His blessings to you,

Kelly

Trying something different...

Hey Friends,

It's been a different week coming of the narcotics. Nasty stuff. I feel like a druggie. We have about 3 to 4 weeks before we will be starting chemo, should the fungus look like it is in check. We have been using a nutritional supplement program while taking chemo that we believe has allowed me to keep most of my hair and deal with the side effects relatively well.

We became aware that this supplemental product in large doses has had some amazing results in helping the body to self-heal itself in a relatively short time (6 week regiment). After much prayer and gathering a team of wise people in our care circle, we are going to attempt this supplemental program for four to 6 weeks. We have 3 weeks before the chemo can start and will try to hold our doctor off a fourth week, before doing a bone marrow biopsy to determined the state of the cancer.

We have heard testimony of people being completely self-healed with the same cancer and fungus that I have. In the past I tended to disregard such products, but the evidence is very difficult to dismiss. Some friends have stepped up to pay for the supplements (over $4000) for a 6 week supply. Regardless of the results we will need to continue chemo in order to qualify for a bone marrow transplant. Our hope is this product will react with my body to fight the cancer and fungus, so that the chemo regiment might be shortened.

Pray with us as we attempt this alternative approach. We would love to see it have as favorable results as it has on thousands of other people. The supplement don't claim to heal, but to place the body in a position to self-heal. It makes more sense to me than killing my body with toxins hoping that enough good cells remain to restore the body (Chemo).

Just wanted you to know and ask for specific prayer. Thanks.

Kelly

I'm down to my college weight...WOW!!

Hi Friends,

We apologize for not being better at updating and are so overwhelmed by the number of you that regularly read this and pray for us. It amazes me...it shouldn't because we are the body of Christ, but it does. Thank you for dropping us a line of encouragement on the blog.

Yes it is true! I have dropped to my College and Air Force weight of 197. I have to admit I don't have the same College physic. The worst is having a sagging butt. I never had to ware a belt, but did for fashion etiquette. Now if I don't ware a belt my pants fall off. It is actually quite humorous to look at myself with the newly added scar from the lobectomy. Maybe it's the loss of my lower lobe that broke that 200 lb. mark (joking).

The surgery went well and after a week of rest, I'm winded, but feeling able to work a bit. They graciously allow me to come into the office and look busy. I have a wonderful church family. Today was a difficult day emotionally and I was able to breakdown with the pastoral staff and they just loved on me, spoke truth, and help me further process the grieving process as I deal with the temporary loss of strength and stamina. I am so appreciative for them...just amazing men. In sharing this with Gabriela, she cried with gratitude that the Lord brought to this church to walk this journey. It's all and more than I could hope for.

The kids are doing well. Andrew loves to read and is starting the Narnia Series. Sarah is finding her place at school and struggling a bit social. She is so strong and can be overwhelming to her playmates. Please pray for her adjustment. Brianna with her beautiful curl always wants to plaster her hair flat and part it down the middle, (oh, that 70's look, yuck.) She is probably too influenced by her Barbie Princess videos. I need to write them and ask for a curly haired princess in there next product line. And Annaliese...as cute as can be learning too quickly from having older sibling all the bad habits as well as the good ones. All and all their are enjoying life and pray for "papa" everyday. They are a delight!

Gabriela is my best friend and a jewel of godliness and support. She is feeling God's comfort in some neat ways that I'll let her share with you. Her mom is flying in from Mexico for a visit tomorrow which is always a blessing.

Regarding our next segment in this journey, I meet with my oncologist this week and we with set up a start date and regiment of chemo treatments. The concern is the remaining bits of fungus in my lungs and head. Starting chemo could aloud the fungus to grow and spread. The hope is this new medication will keep the fungus in check and we can get through the chemo and find remission. Pray that this will be the case.

Again, thanks for the prayers and encourage. It means more than you know.

Love - Kelly

Hello dear family and friends,
What a day! Kelly's surgery went as planned and the doctor removed his lower lobe and a small amount of the middle and upper lobes. The doctor said that the mass was the size of a tennis ball and that the hope now is that without this absest in his lung, Kelly's body will now fight the fungus and pneumonia better. Kelly has a painful week ahead of recovery but, tonight he was thankful for epidurals! (I know how that feels!) I would love to share more of the special things God did for us this day but I have four little ones who will need me early in the morning so I must go to bed. We are so thankful for the prayers of the saint!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are bless and encouraged beyond what you can imagine. Thank you Jesus for how you love us through your people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, Gabriela

Don't dispair...there's a lot of hope!

Hi friends,

The last blog entry reflects the despair of our hearts, but doctors always give the worst case scenario to prep their patients. We visited with the neurosurgeon today and it seems that the lining membranes that cover the brain are swollen. Because this lining backs up to the sinus, he believes it is the fungus that is causing the swelling. The good news is that the barrier between this lining and the brain tissue is durable and the fungus at this time isn't a threat to the brain.

I have started a new medication that has shown to combat the fungus. So we will give this medication sometime and in a month have another MRI to compare the brain linings. We are also hopeful that the medicine will help with the random spots on the lungs.

We are scheduled for surgery to remove my right lower lobe of my lung on Monday. I really don't relish the idea of parting with body parts, but this seem to be the only means to get me to a place to resume the chemo treatments.

Other encouraging new came today as several people committed to cover our medical co pays, which is money we don't have and would have had to nickle and dime payments to honor them. We have a very gracious support base in our church and it constantly overwhelms me. We are so blessed to be part of this body of believers. I honestly am baffled by this. I know I shouldn't be as a pastor, but I am.

I am feeling pretty good and working whenever I'm not seeing a doctor or visiting the hospital for a test. The lung surgery will set us back a month or so, but hopeful after this we will be able to get back on track and get cancer free.

So many of you have called alarmed by the last blog entry. Thank you and know that once again God is strengthening and encouraging us daily. Your prayers and concern touch me deeply and you are teaching me how to be a better lover of people.

For His glory,

Kelly

Well, we were warned that this would be an emotional roller coaster. Monday and Tuesday were especially difficult days for us. We learned that Kelly's MRI came back abnormal and that there is swelling intra cranially. He has been having head aches. It is possible that the fungus has traveled into his head. The scan showed that the brain matter is clean of fungus for now but that there is extra fluid. We also learned that Kelly's spot in his right lung has grown and is growing fast. They have done a broncoscopy and a needle biopsy and they were inconclusive. Kelly will be having lung surgery Monday and the doctors expect to remove between 40 to 65% of his right lung. There are other spots on his lungs and if it is the fungus, the infectious disease specialist be lives his current medication will treat it. We meet with a Nero Surgeon tomorrow. We expect that they will want to take out some of the fluid and see if it is fungus and if so, implant a shunt and treat is for several months.

Oh dear family and friends, this hit us hard. We thought the fungus issues were behind us. "We would have despaired unless we had believed that we would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Ps.27) Honestly we were pretty hopeless for the last two days and yet, God as blessed us with His presence and we are at peace. Things are not looking good but things did not look good for the Israelites when God told them to cross the Jordan river when the river was flooding onto the river banks. Our God is mighty, strong and The great physician. Ps. 27 ends with "Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." And so we wait in Him.

It is my prayer that God would do a miracle and spare, not only Kelly's life but also his lung and brain just like He did his eye and sinus cavities. I know you will join us in prayer, thank you thank you thank you!!!!

This is what we know today. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, (fungus and cancer) but against principalities of the air and evil forces that are at work around us. Kelly is alive today, (and for that matter, so are we), God is our Good Shepherd, His grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has commanded us to bring our requests before Him and so we do and in my years of walking with Jesus, as I have brought my requests before Him, He has been faithful to align my heart to His and for now, we both want Kelly to live for many more years.

Be encouraged dear friends and family, we are by many of you who have called and written us telling us that you are praying. How very blessed we are.

Living moment by moment in His presence, Gabriela

Good new!

It is so nice to share good news.
God has answered our prayers! Kelly got the results from the bone marrow biopsy and the leukemia has stayed put this whole last month while we have been battling the fungus!!! This was tremendous news. The main concern, besides the fact that the fungus kills most people, is that while Kelly's body was being stimulated to produce white blood cells rapidly in order to kill the fungus, we feared that his body would be producing leukemic cells (which are abnormal white blood cells). So... the fungus is no longer in his sinus' and the doctors seem to think that we have the upper hand on it and... the cancer is considered to be in remission! This does not mean that he is cancer free. We will resume chemo in a couple of weeks and begin where we left off. The reason this is so significant is that each set back to treatment lowers the percentage of survivability and although we have had many bumps in the road, we have not been set back! Thank you Lord!!! Kelly will be speaking with a lung specialist to determine when and if surgery is needed, (the spot on his lung might be scar tissue or fungus or pneumonia???) The results from his lung biopsy will be clearer this week.

On a personal note, we were able to go to Jackie and Lee's wedding! What a blessed event and beautiful bride! We stayed with our good friends, the Johnson's and had a great weekend. Thank you all so much for your prayers and please, please, please don't stop. Sincerely, Gabriela
Prayer requests - Staff infection in sinus', pneumonia, stamina (especially this weekend while I am on a women's retreat.)

Hello all,
Kelly is having a needle biopsy done on his lung this morning. The results will determine weather the dark spot in his lung is the fungus or dead tissue from the fungus. They will also decide weather or not to do surgery. We don't know when chemo begins again but hope to find out soon. Kelly looks noticeably better to me but, he is still feeling extremely fatigued and pretty yucky.
Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support. Please pray for Kelly's heart. It has been very draining and disheartening to feel so bad, so consistently.
On a lighter note, we are hopping to go to Redlands this weekend to attend Jackie Williams and Lee Maas' wedding! We are so excited for them!
Lots of love, Gabriela

Quick up date.
Kelly met with his ENT, (ear, nose, and throat) doctor yesterday. He confirmed to Kelly that God indeed had answered our prayers. He told Kelly that the fungus was only an inch away from possibly being very grave. We continue to praise God for sparing his life. A sinus swab was taken, (oh, what fun!) to check on the fungus. We are hoping that the results will be clear and we can get back to the chemo treatments. (Hopping to get back to chemo sounds crazy! I guess it would be better said that we want to move forward.)
Personally I am praying and expecting that the fungus will be cleared and that we will not have lost any ground with the cancer. Kelly has been taking some supplements from Mannetach and trying to eat according to the Makers Diet book. I say trying because his appetite is not good with the fungus treatment. I am encouraged that we are giving Kelly's body all that we can in order for it to fight off the fungus and cancer.
We, of course, covet your prayers. Also, we want you to know that your comments on the blog are a huge encouragement. Thank you for walking with us through this journey.
Love, Gabriela and Kelly

Hello dear family and friends.
Well, we certainly are learning a lot about ourselves through this process and one of the things I am learning is that I isolate when I am struggling. Sorry that we have not been updating the blog. It has been a hard week emotionally. This week has been uneventful in all the right ways, (Kelly is at home and able to work somewhat) and eventful in all the right ways, (Andrew and Sarah started school and they are loving it.) Brianna and I are lonely without them at home and Anneliese could care less. We are so thankful that they are going to a great school and beginning to make friends.
Kelly is very tired but functioning. The fungus treatment is worse then the chemo as far as side effects goes but, we are getting through it. We are both weary. Kelly is tired of being tired and feeling sick and I am deflated and tired. I guess there is an underlying concern about the timing of the fungus dieing and the cancer returning. We have been told that Kelly might have to have lung surgery before chemo begins again in order to remove any dead tissue from what they suspect the fungus has killed. They will do a biopsy first.
Anyway... I think we are grieving the loss of life as it used to be and we are being stretch in what Jesus meant to take His yolk upon us and learn from him because he is gentle and humble of heart and then we will find rest for our souls. We also are learning what it means to be thankful when we encounter various trial knowing that our faith is being tested and that we are producing endurance. Its strange how we have known these verses for so long and even lived them to some degree and yet they feel new again.
We continue to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, (fungus and leukemia) and we are standing firm in Christ alone. He is truly our strength and we praise Him for it. We covet your prayers. Please believe God is sustaining us through them. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Some old friends have asked us to post our address so here it is.

Kelly and Gabriela Rosenthal
824 E. Buckhill Rd.
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)434-7731

It's a waiting game...

Hi Friends,

There has not been much to post in the last week. I have been off the chemo so that my white blood cell count would increase to fight the fungal infection. I may have another week or two of antibiotics treatments before we know anything. Meanwhile the sinuses are still recovering from the surgery and I am thankful for pain meds.

The Doc wants to biopsy the pneumonia in my lung and if fungal, he will want to remove that small portion of the lung (Oh boy, another surgery and hospital stay). If it's not fungal in nature than we continue to treat it with antibiotics and the chemo treatments can continue. So that's where thing stand at this time.

I'm back to work which has been very nice and now racing to get ready for the Fall kick-off of small groups. I'm praying for gifted couples to lead 10 new groups. Finding them and training them will be a big task between now and September.

Gabriela is dealing with a lot these days. We decided to enroll Andrew and Sarah in public school this year with the many challenges ahead of us. This is extremely hard for Gabriela because she loves to home school and be the primary influencer on our kids. We believe public school will be good for both Andrew and Sarah and that they have a good foundation to stand firm in the faith. Still it will be another adjustment for us.

We are so encouraged by the cards, blog postings, and calls we receive from many of you. The Lord has done some amazing things that Gabriela will likely share in our next blog. Prayer changes things and we have witnessed it over and over again. Thank you.

His blessings,

Kelly

There's no place like home....

Hey Friend,

Released from the hospital last night. It's so good to be home. Though the hospital stay was essential (two surgeries, two 4 bags of platelets, and 5 units of blood), it was really hard on the kids to have me gone for 11 days. I am thankful and amazed at how God provided my sister-in-law from Washington to be vacationing at Bass Lake over this time frame. She has two teenage daughters and two younger boys. They stayed with Gabriela on both sides of my hospital stay which was a great blessing for my kids. It also allowed for Gabriela to have a lot of flexibility(as well as great support).

I also am so blessed with a wonderful Community Group that provided daily childcare while the relatives were in Bass Lake. They consistently are there at every turn. I can't be more proud of the way they are expressing Jesus and a biblical approach to being the church in this world. Thank you my dear friends.

Personally, I thank you for your prayers. I feel God's presence and see His hand, yet I confess that my heart is having a very hard time focusing on Him or anything other than the pain and healing process. The fungus mediation is more brutal on me physically than the chemo. I will be taking that every other day until the infection is gone. Dr. Passcuzzo wants to start up the chemo ASAP so that we don't lose ground, but the Infectious Disease Doctor wants all that to wait until the fungal infection is cleared up. My white blood cell count is up and fighting the infection as well as the pneumonia in my chest. Starting chemo would kill those white blood cells.

I am asking God to clear up the infection quickly, and that my sines would heal. They are still discharging blood and stuff that is also being forced by into my hears. It's painful to blow and my fear is that I will end up with infections in my ears. So that is another important request.

I am not one to complain much, but the battle is wearing on me. Keep interceding.

Thankful,

Kelly

We thank God in our every remembrance of you all.
Today was a good day. Kelly had his second sinus surgery. We were concerned over the possibility of loosing his sight in his left eye. The fungus was around the eye and an optometrist was going to possibly remove the floor of the eye and insert a catheter in order to inject the fungus medicine directly around the eye.
Well if you don't believe that God answers prayer, no offence but you are wrong. Many had been praying that God would remove the fungus and surprise the doctors and basically that's what happened. The optometrist came out of the OR only 10 min. after entering and, with a smile on his face said the the eye was no longer swollen shut as it had been for a week and that there was no need to do his part of the procedure.
The ENT, (ear, nose and throat) doctor worked on Kelly for almost 2 hours and once again cleaned out the sinuses and implanted catheters just beneath the inner part of Kelly's eyebrows so the medicine can go directly through the sinuses.
The other great praise is that the pathology for the lungs came back negative for the fungus. He does have pneumonia but so far no fungus.
It seem that the fungus has stopped progressing, which is what the medicine is supposed to do but Kelly's body needs to begin producing white blood cells in order to kill the fungus. His white blood cells are almost non-existent, which is what the chemo was supposed to be doing so... now we wait for his body to grow white blood cells and kill the fungus.
Kelly and I are very encouraged by today's outcome and see God's hand directly upon us and we are so grateful for all of your prayers. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Sincerely, Gabriela

Doctors comments

Good new, you made it through the surgery well in spite of the low blood counts. Bad news, it is a fungus and it is the worst kind. Good news, it is treatable and the prognosis is positive. Bad news, it will be a long hospital stay, minimum one week or more. There will also be more sinus surgeries, at least two, to clean out area. There is also concern that the pneumonia is back and that the fungus might have made it's way into the right lung which will require more treatment. Chemo is suspended until the fungus clears.
Good news,
God is good.
He is faithful.
His strength is perfected in our weaknesses.
His grace is sufficient.
His love is perfect.
His is trustworthy and beautiful!

Prayer requests? Many needs, don't know where to begin. Please pray that the whole family will know God's presence and continue to walk with thankfulness to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Please pray for all the physical needs Kelly has, (The pain is quite severe) and for his doctors to have wisdom. Please pray for the kids, they will not get to see Kelly for a while and I will be away from them more then usual. Please pray I will have stamina and stay healthy.
With much thankfulness for your love and prayers, Gabriela
!

Kelly is still in hospital, dealing with great pain and awaiting sinus surgery. He is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 a.m. to have his sinuses flushed out and to get a culture to see weather the infection is bacterial or fungal. Our doctor said that Kelly most likely will be in the hospital through the weekend and chemo will resume by the end of next week. It is a bit disappointing to be off schedule with treatment. Please pray that the leukemia will not build up resistance during that time. We are confidant that Dr. Pascuzzo is making the best decisions for treatment. He said that Kelly's body needs a break from the chemo so that his body can heal from this infection.
We are thankful that my sister-in-law, Amber, is in town with her kids this week. The visit was planned a while ago and again, God's timing is perfect. My nieces, Emily and Julie have been a huge help with the kids and that has enabled me to be with Kelly when I need to be. They leave Sat. and I will be sorry to see them go.
I want to thank you all again and again for your prayers and your faithfulness to us.
Sincerely, Gabriela

Bumb in the road

Hello dear friends and family,
Kelly was hospitalized today. He was having tremendous sinus pressure for a couple of days and when he went in for treatment today the doctor decided that he had better be admitted. He got an MRI and it was determined that he has a severe sinus infection. Tomorrow they will go into his sinuses and extract a culture to see if the infection in bacterial or fungal. Please pray for Kelly as the pain is debilitating and please pray that the doctors will have wisdom as to how to best treat this infection. We are disappointed that treatment had to be suspended. There is a danger in that because we don't want to give the leukemia a chance to build any resistance to the chemo. We really don't have any idea how long this hospital stay will be or when chemo will resume. ANYWAY... I am so very thankful that the doctors finally found a drug that eased the pain at about 5:00 this evening. Kelly is resting comfortably and now it is time for me to go to bed :)
lots of love, Gabriela

A Wonderful Lord's Day...

Dear Friends,

Today was a wonderful day. Pastor Mitch was on vacation and I was given the service to encourage our body to become a community for our community. We pulled a group of folks together that have experienced the benefit of intentional community over the last 7 months in small groups. Their testimonies and stories pictured God at work in individuals and through doing life together. Between this and the worship it has been a great day.

Many of you were praying for us as preaching is not my primary giftedness, so I want you to know that your intercession sustained us. I woke this morning to needling pain in my knees that had me buckled over for 45 minutes. This is a side effect of the chemo (joint pain), but the first that I had really felt it. Gabriela jumped into action praying and then cared for me with ointments and heat. She's a great nurse and the pain dulled. Again, thankful for the prayers and God's gracious hand.

Another wonderful surprise today was that our friends the Delisle's drove down to support us. It was so rich to see them, feel their love, and enjoy a meal after the service. The picture is compliments of them of our service today.

It's somewhat difficult to write about yourself and feels unnatural. There is so much more about life and living in Christ that fills our days. I have been deeply encouraged by God with a renewed perspective regarding our calling as believers to be a reconciling agent in this world. The reality of my cancer had thrown me into a numbness that caused me to question what life was really about. I was identifying with Solomon that all really is vanity. Maybe you can relate and have felt the lack of motivation or passion in life. This went on for several weeks until the pain of the world around left me on my face before God. I poured my heart out and in the quietness that followed, He reminded me it's about taking back, restoring, renewing, what was stolen, marred, and broken through the fall. His heart is to reconcile the world to Himself using us as His hands, feet, mouthpiece, smile, etc. And in the process, we come into a richer knowledge and experience of His love for us. It's a simple truth and just what I have needed to move beyond myself.

I know that you will identify with the awesomeness of God. Let's pray together that we will be effective in our ministry of reconciliation regardless of our situation. It's so worth the battle.

Kelly

Hello dear family and friends,
Kelly finishes his second week of four weeks of this new chemo tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers, they have truly sustained us! Kelly has had a very low red blood cell count this week which has made it difficult to function. He has been very tired and short of breath. In spite of this, he is tolerating the chemo very well. He is not feeling nauseous although the spinal chemo does give him a head ache.
We are very grateful that he was able to receive 4 units of blood this week and we are hoping it will give him enough energy to preach two services on Sunday! He will be preaching about one of his passion, Christ centered community. We would be so grateful if you would pray that he would not only have the stamina to preach but also that God would use him to communicate His heart.
Family life is going well. We celebrated Anneliese's second birthday on Tuesday. What a delight she is to our family. The kids and I have been enjoying the free summer movies at the local theater once a week and an incredible summer program at our library. We have also been able to go swimming at some friends houses and cool off a bit. Oh boy is it hot here in Fresno! Anyway...
I would appreciate prayer for my patience with our kids. There are days that I feel very much on edge. I do better when I remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and that what He has given me to do today is not too difficult or beyond my reach and finally, His strength is perfected in my weakness. What a mighty God He is and how extravagant is His love! Lots of love and thankfulness for you all, Gabriela

Good Week....

Hi Friends - We apologize for not posting an entry in a week and so appreciate those that have called to inquire. It's been a good week. No hospitals or complications. It's been nice to be home. I have been into the church office all this week, enjoyed leading two Bible studies, and getting my head back into what I love doing. It's been wonderful.

The chemo treatments for the next 4 weeks are 4 days a week with two chemicals on Mondays. I have one week down....hey! I have tolerated the drug well, so that's encouraging (still have follicle integrity). No sickness, just move a little slower. So we are praising God and thankful to the great Oncology staff that care for us.

The kids are doing well, enjoying the summer and swimming. Gabriela carries a lot of the emotional load and is handling it well, but I would ask you to keep her in prayer as she continues to adjust our lives to best battle this cancer. She's an awesome lady and my best friend. We celebrate 12 years of marriage on Sunday. I am a blessed man!!!

Thanks you again for your prayer and encouragement. I daily feel the need for them as I contempt life with cancer. It's something I will share on the blog as I formulate my thoughts. What I can say is the sense God's presence and love through you all is transforming. I love you all.

If there is one specific request at present, it would be my weight loss. I have lost 35 lbs. and looking pretty good, but really need to keep muscle mass and weight on. Thank you. Well off to the office...boy that sounds good!!

His blessings,

Kelly

"I know the plans I have for you,,,"

Another good day! Kelly was able to stay on schedule with his chemo in spite of the pneumonia. The doctor said that his lungs sounded as if they were on the mend but wants to keep a close eye on it. So please keep praying for the antibiotics to kill the infection in his lung and please also pray as we enter into our next induction of treatment. The next four weeks sound rather grewling. Chemo injections into his spin once a week, at the same time he will be taking chemo orally every day and receiving chemo intravenously four days a week. It sounds so daunting and yet I know that Jesus will be our strength! His grace is sufficient, He is know the plans He has for us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. What a comfort to know we are in His loving hands.

More updates

Tonight was interesting. We found out that Kelly's blood is no longer low it's very, very high. No alarm, he is being monitored closely and is feeling well. Unfortunately, the doctor came in and informed us that Kelly has developed pneumonia. He said that there was a small patch of it in his right lung and he will be treated with antibiotics. We don't know how aggressive it is and we hope the antibiotics will take care of it. He will most likely be in the hospital through the weekend if all goes well.
I feel redundant thanking you all for your prayers, it's just that I truly covet them and I am so thankful for the body of Christ. I believe that there is power in prayer, He hears the prayers of His people! Sincerely, Gabriela

Praise and Thanks!

We are so relieved that Kelly is doing well. It turns out that the symptoms for an infection are the same for low blood sugar. Kelly's body is unable, at present, to manage it's blood sugar. The doctors think this is due to some steroids that are being taken in conjunction with chemo. Kelly is in ICU at ST. Agnus Medical Center in Fresno and is getting his finger poked hourly. We understand that after being weened off the steroid, (Prednison) his body will balance out. The doctors are still treating him as if he had an infection as a precaution. I personally reflect on yesterday with much thankfulness. It was really scary to see Kelly go through what he went through but God's presence was so evident. He surrounded me with His people and His peace and I am so thankful that I belong to Him! Thank you for your prayers! Love, Gabriela

Prayer request

Dear Friends & Family~

Kelly is back in the hospital this late afternoon due to an infection which is causing delirium.
Please pray for Kelly, Gabriela, and the kids... along with wisdom for the doctor's and nurses that are caring for Kelly.
Please pass the prayer request on if you are part of any prayer chains.

Thank you.

In His embrace

Wow, what a weekend. We spent Sat. in the ER because Kelly woke up with a fever. It was scary because we did not know what to expect but, after about 6 or 7 hours in the ER, we got to come home! Thank you Jesus! Kelly's fever stayed low, (99.5) on Sun. and has had a little more energy. We were not able to go to church but God brought us some fellowship at home with the Shamshion's and the Kehoe's visiting with us for a while. Today was a good day and I am so thankful. I personally am learning what it means to rely on Jesus moment by moment. I've always cognitively understood that my every breath and heart beat have been dependant on God, but I don't think I have ever been so keenly aware of it as I am now. Nothing has changed. God is sovereign, He is good, His timing is perfect, we are in His hands, "all the days that were ordained for me were written in His book before there was even yet one ." It is all at once painful and peaceful to be in this place. Painful to let go of my illusions of control and peaceful because there is no other place I would rather be then in His truth and oh, how I love and praise Him for it. Thank you again and again for your prayers. Please pray that Brianna's sniffles don't infect Kelly or the rest of us. Resting in His peace, Gabriela

rough couple of days

Hello Dear Family and Friends,
We have had a rough couple of days. Kelly is extremely fatigued and has some mouth sores that make it difficult to talk and eat. He has been resting the last couple of days. We have both been down-hearted as the reality of this settles in. We are not without God's peace, presence and love nor do we feel hopeless, we are just "feeling" our situation and thinking about what's to come. ANYWAY!!! We have had several good cries together as well as sweet times of prayer. We made it through today and tomorrow is another new day filled with God's mercy, strength and the promise of His presence. Oh, I can not imagine life without our Savior! We praise Him for His love and mercy to us. Thank you also for your prayers. They really do mean so much to us. Please pray for continued strength for both Kelly and I and please pray for our kid as they deal with seeing Papa feeling sick and really tired, I'm sure it is a bit scary for them. Love, Gabriela

I guess this stuff really works!!

Dear Friends. Your prayers and encouragement, cards, and calls have been so helpful to us. Your love is amazing. I remember feeling somewhat guilty because I was feeling so good for the first three weeks of chemo that I felt I needed to pull out a clump of hair. Well the hair is still intact and chemo is beginning to effect my strength, eating, and alertness. I love Chipolte's- the hotter the better. Gabriela picked me up one as I was working late. It had no taste. Oh well, that should make my choices pretty easy for a while.

Something that people have often been asking me is, "Aren't you mad? After all you serve God and now you have cancer." It's a fair question, but it really stems from a misunderstanding of God. I see it this way. The world is a messed up place because of original sin and on-going sin. Stuff happens. God's sovereignty rules over all of it, yet within God's sovereignty He has allowed for free will and for a natural progression of cause and effect. This doesn't mean He is not in control or sovereign. It's part of it. God, throughout history, has intervened in supernatural ways, but that's more of the exception than the rule. God doesn't have to heal me in order to be a good and loving Father. His love alone is sufficient for me.
God doesn't promise anywhere in the Bible to rescue me from difficult. What He promises is that He will walk beside me through it. I feel His presence privately, through the church family that has embraced us, and countless friends from the past that consistently have called, prayed, and even graciously have cover expenses. So when someone asks, "Aren't you mad at God for allowing this?" NO!!! He did not give me cancer and He may or may not heal me from cancer, but He is my hope and will walk with me through this cancer.

Psalm 16:5-6 has greatly ministered to me over the last few week as the reality settles in:
The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; Thou dost support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places: Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

My life is rich and my future secure and God's love. We have much to thankful for. Please pray for the adjustments ahead. The next set of treatments are back to back and physically taking a toll. Pray for Gabriela's support, and the kids ability to see their Papa weak and unavailable. This I think will be the hardness for me and them.

Thanks

Kelly

Thank you for checking the blog regularly and for your love, support, and prayers. Kelly and Gabriela have been struggling the last few days. Kelly has been persevering, but has been dealing with tongue sores (common and painful side-effect from chemo) which have made talking and eating very difficult. Gabriela is also persevering, but dealing with the strenuous emotional effects and is feeling tired. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as you are led.

Happy Fourth of July!

~In His embrace

Hello dear friends and family,
Effects of chemo are starting to set in a little. Kelly has been feeling very tired. This particular round of chemo is every other day and is hitting his body hard. Due to the 4th of July holiday, next week he will be getting treatments Mon., Tues., and Fri..
Please pray that Kelly will stay clear of infections, for stamina and that the chemo will hunt down those nasty cancer cells and KILL them ALL!!!

Next week we hope to get a road map of treatment for the whole year and also get the results of a bone marrow biopsy that will tell us what the likelihood is of remission. We will also hear from our doctor as to the possibility of going to Forest Home Family Camp. This has become a tradition for our family over the last 4 years and we really want to go.
We are still being uplifted by your prayers and can't tell you how much we appreciate them. Please keep it up. Sincerely, Kelly and Gabriela

So far, so good

Hello dear friends and family. Thank you for your prayers, please do not stop! Kelly is receiving the second of seven rounds of this new Chemo today. Monday's treatment went well. The only side effect was a little tiredness due mostly to the Benadryl they give in conjunction with this Chemo. Kelly continues to feel very well, going to work and is positive, motivated and full of praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. As we reflected on this, we were moved to see how God's principles are true and that His blessings in our lives have nothing to do with us or our service to Him rather they are entirely a reflection of who God is and how great His love is.
Our family is doing very well also. The kids are enjoying their summer vacation, especially in light of my summer "plans" for the kids of reading, math facts, and journal writing have been put on hold. We are getting into our new "normal". We hope to still be able to go to Forest Home Family Summer camp and are waiting to talk to the doctor about it.
Thank you for your love and concern. We thank God for you!

Quick update. Praise God Kelly is still feeling well. He is a bit tired but doesn't feel sick at all!!! The doctor said that he is doing better then expected so far. He begins a different chemo on Monday and it will be an every other day thing for about two weeks. Please continue to pray that he will be kept from infection and that he will be able to tolerate the new chemo well. Please also thank God with us for His extravagant love and for how He demonstrates His love to us through His church! We love and appreciate you all and your notes of encouragement. Love, Kelly and Gabriela

Prayer

Dear friends and family~

Kelly is back in the hospital this late afternoon due to an infection which causes delirium. Please pray for Kelly, Gabriela, the kids, and also for wisdom for the doctor's & nurses that are caring for Kelly.

Thank you...

In His embrace

Prayers

Dear friends~

Kelly is back in the hospital this afternoon due to an infection which is causing delirium. Please pray for Kelly and Gabriela as well as wisdom for the doctor's.

In His embrace

Thursday June 21, 2007 Summer Solstice:


Tomorrow Kelly will be receiving his third Chemotherapy treatment. He has had low blood counts and may also need a blood transfusion. He has felt worn-out and is trying to keep pace with the life as best as possible.
Thank you for your friendship, support, concern, and prayers.

In His embrace

Note from Kelly

I sit at my keyboard just whelmed by the presence of God that has enveloped me through your prayers and encouragement. Your blog comments touch me so much. God is transforming my heart through you. I have never known such a trial or such love. You all are beautiful expressions of Jesus. I have cancer, but it so much not about the cancer. This is about God being God and His church being a family. It is so inspiring to me. I exalt in the Lord and the mightiness of His character and the power of His Word, and His faithfulness to His children!!! I am whelmed by His presence and love you all.
For His Glory, Kelly

We are so blessed! Kelly had a great Father's Day. He is still feeling well, no side effect from Chemo yet. He goes in Monday, Wednesday and Friday to have his blood checked and third Chemo on Friday. Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming. Sincerely, Gabriela

Saturday June 15, 2007

Kelly received his second chemotherapy treatment yesterday morning. So far so good, there have been no major adverse side effects and he has energy along with his appetite. He has said several times that he, “needs to loose a clump of hair or something to justify all this attention!”
On Thursday the Oncologist told us that Kelly has no immune system right now. His greatest current risk is contacting any sort of infection that his body will not be able to fight against. We are trying to live life as normal as possible, but also need to be wise about social outings and public interaction. Please pray for wisdom for Kelly and I as we work together to make the best decisions for his wellbeing.
My sister and her family are going home today. We are so thankful for their time here.
We are also thankful for your continued prayers.

1 Thessalonians 3:9 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”


In His embrace

Thursday June 14,2007
Hello dear friends and family. I wanted to thank you all for praying for
Kelly and our family. You have no idea how much it means to us.
I wanted to let you know that Kelly is doing great today! He is feeling
well, has his appetite and is actually at the office for a couple of
hours today.
I asked him yesterday how his heart was and his reply was that he was
incredibly thankful. His response caught me by surprise and I asked, “Why
are you thankful?” He said he was thankful that he is not in a third
world country. He is thankful that he is receiving excellent medical care
and that he has the blessing of medical insurance.
We realize that his cancer is a result of sin in the world; people get
sick. What we know is that God directs our steps, even through the darkest valley's. How thankful we are to be known, and loved by Him at this time.
Kelly is very positive and is leading our family in truth. He told me
this morning that he is sure God will use this for His glory and our good.
It is up to us to keep on doing life as normal as possible. So our plan
is to keep loving God, each other, and the people He brings into our
lives. We are confidant this journey will expand our ministry and give us
greater understanding for people who suffer. It is not exactly accurate
to say that we are excited about this, but we are honored for the
opportunities that God will bring.
Kelly goes in for his second chemotherapy treatment tomorrow morning from
8:00AM- 11:00AM. Please pray that he will continue to respond well to
treatment but more importantly that God will strengthen us and continue to
draw us close to Himself.


Love,
Gabriela

Wednesday June 13, 2007

Great news… Kelly came home this afternoon! The kids are very happy and Gabriela is full of emotions (mostly joy). We are very happy to have him home and although uncertain about the journey ahead, are thankful for the gift of today... also for the gifts of faith, hope, and love.
Thank you for your prayers… please keep praying and believing.

In His embrace

Tuesday June 12, 2007

Kelly is still in the hospital. There had been a hope that he would be able to come home today (Tuesday), but he has needed numerous blood transfusions and the doctor’s are uncertain as to why. They have been doing testing to try to figure the cause of his need for blood—he has had a total of six transfusions in three days. Please continue to pray.

The good news is that up to date, aside of the diabetes and inability to maintain the normal “counts” in his white and red blood cells, Kelly feels well. Kelly & Gabriela have an amazing support group of friends who are rising up like pillars around them and are blessing them through their prayers and love. On Sunday afternoon, their church elders came to the hospital and anointed Kelly and Gabriela with oil and prayed over them and their family and for total healing. James 5: 14b “…Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick well.”

Our hope is that there would be continued prayer for total healing for Kelly; prayer for Gabriela, courage and strength; prayer for their children—that they would be ministered to through the heavenly servants of God. The kids have been away from both parents quite a bit and are internalizing and processing. Please hold the four of them up (ages 1 ½ years, 4yrs, 6 yrs, 8 yrs.).

Over the last five years God has been weaving the following verses into Kelly’s life’s passion: The book of John chapter 17 of the bible, verse 20:

Jesus is praying, “I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world will believe that you have sent me… may they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”?

Sunday June 10, 2007

We received discouraging news yesterday afternoon- that Kelly has “temporary” diabetes due to the Prednisone (medication for the cancer). What this means is that Kelly will be having to test his insulin (blood sugar) levels four times a day and will have to begin top learn how to adjust his overall diet. There is much to learn and life continues to move ahead one step at a time.

The children are well—visiting with cousins and friends at home. At this point in time we are all waiting through the numerous tests and procedures for Kelly.

We will keep posting as things slowly become clear.

~In His Embrace

Saturday, June 9th Kelly Rosenthal Update

On Thursday, June 7, 2007 Kelly was diagnosed with Leukemia: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that the body uses to fight infections. In ALL, the bone marrow makes lots of unformed cells called blasts that normally would develop into lymphocytes. However, the blasts are abnormal. They do not develop and cannot fight infections. The number of abnormal cells (or leukemia cells) grows quickly. They crowd out the normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets the body needs.

To find out more check out the following links:

http://www.marrow.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_lymphoblastic_leukemia

The doctors have been very encouraging. On Friday morning one of the doctors told Kelly that he was going to do just fine. Of course, we assumed that a doctor was likely to something like this to any patient facing a difficult challenge. But the doctor, sensing that his message was not strong enough, clarified his statement by explaining that Kelly’s CAT-scan came out clear (nothing has spread into the spine, lungs, or brain). Kelly is young and his health is good; increasing his odds greatly of coming through this challenge with positive results.

By Friday afternoon, June 8th, 2007 Kelly was given his first chemotherapy treatment, an aggressive dose that was sent directly into his spin in hopes of “shocking” the cancer into remission. Then late Friday he began chemotherapy intravenously. He is tired and now is the time to keep him protected from any possible infections.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Live Strong

The Moment--Kelly Rosenthal

In life, there are defining moments--events that shape and impact the legacy we will leave on this world with the short time we have here. For the Rosenthal family, one of those moments came this week when Kelly was diagnosed with cancer (details to come). Kelly and Gabriela Rosenthal have been called to this occasion and we look forward to the amazing testimony that will be forged over the coming years through their faithfulness, dedication, perseverance, and love of life, family, and friends.

Over the course of Kelly's battle, this website will serve as an information resource for all of those who are dedicated to walking with Kelly on this epic journey. Please check in regularly for updates from Kelly, Gabriela, and the family as a means to channel communication and ease the burden of exhaustively communicating where Kelly is in his process. Also, please feel free to leave the Rosenthal family any words of encouragement in reply messages.

Live Strong