Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hanging On

You would think that by now we would be able to handle mountain high hallelujah moments quickly followed by low valley moments.  We found out earlier today that it isn't as easy as we may have thought.

This afternoon, another wave came and knocked us down.
Dr. Lew called with the results of Elena's bone marrow test.
Her bone marrow still shows residual disease.  There are still detectable leukemia cells present. This test showed .4% MRD - an increase from the April 18th bone marrow test that showed .1% MRD.  There is a margin of error with the test and Elena has received more chemo since then, so she will have another bone marrow test next Thursday.

Even Dr. Lew said that this was disappointing, but we still have options.  He is working to identify those options so that we have a clear picture of what lies ahead.
 
While we are tired and weary from yet another crashing wave, we are so very fortunate to be able to go out of town this weekend.  Family friends are loaning us their condo in Gulf Shores. We will be leaving tomorrow and returning on Monday. The beach has always been a safe sanctuary for us. We are grateful to have this blessing at this moment.

Please join us in praying for:
-God to direct Elena's doctors as they try to determine what our next steps are
-God to give us and the doctors His perfect wisdom about what is right for Elena
-God to give us the strength, courage, and hope we need

-us to have peace and patience in the waiting
-Elena to be protected from any infections and fevers while we are out of town
-Elena's mouth and throat sores to quickly and completely go away
-God to continue to be in the details of our lives and in His plan for Elena
-us to enjoy the right now and not miss it because we are thinking ahead to what might be


In Him,
The Tates

“Surely I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

7 comments:

  1. I am a friend of Sarah Barr's family. And I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you all and all the prayer request mentioned above. May God's mighty, healing, and loving hand fall upon you all. Amen!

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  2. Praying for you ..on the mountains and in the valleys

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  3. Always praying. Enjoy your special time together at the beach. I am speechless....love you all.
    Diona

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  4. We know this roller coaster emotional ride all too well. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and we will especially be praying for you as you enjoy your time at the beach.
    Love you, Dravis Family

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  5. My heart breaks for you and your family. We are continuing to pray. Enjoy your weekend with your special family.

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  6. It is never easy is it? Yet we still continue on because we continue to hope that God has a plan for us. We also continue because the best things in life are worth fighting for. You are a one-of-a-kind masterpiece created especially by God for a specific purpose. We thank God for you daily and ask for complete healing for His Glory.

    In His grip,
    Tim

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  7. Praying for you all Tate Family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers often.

    Lisa Natwick

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