Greetings everyone,

Some folks have missed some of the information concerning my current condition and I wanted to get everyone up to date on what is actually going on in my physical life.

I was diagnosed last year with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The condition remained relatively dormant, with a slow growth rate until recently when I began experiencing sharp pains in my abdomen, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a variety of tests. The concurring diagnoses were that my lymph nodes on both sides had grown to the point of applying significant pressure to nerve endings, resulting in the pain. The pain randomly fluctuates from a dull "pressure" to acute.

I have been receiving chemotherapy for the last 2-3 months, with the goals of reducing my white cell count back to normal and reversing the growth of the lymph nodes.

So far the pain remains; I will see the Doc next week to test my white cell counts.

While I have been blessed to not have any of the side effects of the treatment itself, I am experiencing general weakness and fatigue, some nausea, some loss of appetite (might be from the treatment, might be from the disease) and I must be cautious to avoid situations where I might pick up lingering bacteria, germs, viruses, etc.. This makes life interesting and I thank God for Purell, spray disinfectant and disinfectant wipes!

I am working, having to miss work sometimes due to extreme fatigue or pain, but for the most part life goes on, much more slowly than I like, but, it is what it is.

I am learning that this is not a life ending experience, but instead an opportunity to examine my life and to evaluate those things that have real purpose.

God has blessed me and my family with an abundance of faithful friends and family and the prayers that are lifted on our behalf are too wonderful to believe. God is faithful.

I am hopeful that, in God's time and according to His purposes, this burden will be completely lifted and all will be well. In the meantime, we adjust.

I thank you again for all your prayers and for your support.

Smelling the roses,

Steve

I will dwell in the house of the LORD

Psalm 23, A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Surely my cup overflows!

I have been blessed with an abundant life. I have a family, a home, a job, food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over my head.

I have two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears and a mind that may be fashioned to Christ's own!

I have this body, that while suffering wear and tear, is restored from time to time.

I have time and opportunity to serve. I have resources beyond measure to use for God's glory and to advance His kingdom on this earth.

I have heard the good news.

I have believed and received His great gift.

... and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Amen