First Cycle Complete

Yesterday Nathan finished his first cycle of chemotherapy! His numbers were trending up and we were feeling so encouraged, but on Tuesday his numbers dropped to the point where he needs another blood transfusion. (Hence, the pic above from a previous transfusion.) We have been reassured that this is completely normal after the first cycle of treatment. When a lot of myeloma is destroyed, the body has to process it and get rid of it and this takes a toll on the body (as seen in the drop in his numbers). The doctor also ordered the monthly myeloma test which shows us how much the myeloma has decreased after treatment. We will get those numbers next week. Nathan also started another medicine today to help his body make red blood cells so that hopefully blood transfusions won't be necessary in the future. If you caught Nathan's sermon last Sunday, he preached on Philippians 1. Here's the text: Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. He talked about how he's at peace because his death (sooner or later) is only the beginning for him, but he obviously doesn't want to leave his family and friends. But, "to die is gain." Isn't that amazing? When we think from a worldly perspective, we think death is the worst thing that can happen. But, when we think from a spiritual perspective, it's the best thing in the world for the believer. Seeing Jesus face-to-face and being with him forever. And the peace that passes all understanding while we wait. What really good news. But we are trusting that the Lord is not done with Nathan yet. He's got a lot of students that he wants to be a part of them progressing in their faith and growing in the joy of the Lord. Please Lord, let it be so. PRAYER REQUESTS: *Please pray for Nathan's first day of school (with students) tomorrow (Thursday) and for the upcoming year. *Praise for Nathan NOT reacting to a new medicine he finally started this week. *Pray for our kids. One in particular is having a really hard time and needs lots of prayers right now. (The Lord knows.) *Pray Nathan's blood transfusion on Friday would be effective in helping his body function a little better. *Pray for complete healing if it's God's will. Once again, THANK YOU a MILLION times for all the love and support! We are forever grateful!