I just got back from the doctor earlier this afternoon and he told us that he is "cautiously optimistic" at the latest developments in my cancer treatment. The information is a bit complicated, but I will summarize it the best I can.

The tumor in the hip had not been checked for six weeks (the lungs were checked three weeks ago). It has grown a little--but only a little. And that growth may have been more in the earlier part of the six weeks. More important, the center of the tumor seems to be dying. This could be from the tumor outgrowing its source of blood (a natural cause) or from the effects of the chemo therapy. It is not necessarily great news--but it is good news. Keep praying.

The tumors in the lungs are doing some interesting things. The largest one did not grow at all. More important, some of the small nodes that are beginning tumors have disappeared. Finally, one tumor that had measured 2 cm three weeks ago was now only one half of a centimeter. Keep praying.

Since it looks like the chemo may be having some good effect right now, we will continue with it. I start again this coming Monday. Pray that I will be able to continue tolerating the chemo (I have some rough days during the treatment) and pray that the tumors will continue to shrink and die.

Though this is good news, much still needs to happen before I make it through this. Also, the process is tough on me, my family (especially my wife) and our church. Please pray for all of us. The prayers of God's people have made the difference so far. Please do not stop now. And thank you so much for all the prayers and support so far. You folks have been wonderful.

Finally, I thank the Lord for His goodness in all this. He enabled me to attend and have a part in my son's wedding this last Saturday. It was a blessed event. We can do nothing more than He allows. But when He enables us, we can do all things through Him. Despite the hardship of my sickness, God has continued to bless our church. I give Him the glory for all these things. Just, please, keep praying.