Areas of Concern

First, Steve and I want to thank each of you for the overwhelming support we have felt from your prayers, kind words, and encouraging messages. We are blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends! There are not adequate words to express how much your love, concern, care, and encouragement have buoyed us in these days of uncertainty.

I wanted to post a quick update on the latest information. I did not get to have my CT scans last Friday as I had posted. I am allergic to CT contrast and require pre-treatment before the scans. The radiologists were not convinced I had sufficient pre-treatment medications and opted to postpone the CT scans until Monday so I could do a more extensive steroid treatment starting seventeen hours before the scans. I completed the scans Monday morning without a severe reaction. I did experience some redness, itching, and hives on my chest, neck, and face but everything resolved within an hour. The radiologists did decide that all future scans requiring IV contrast would need to be done in a hospital setting for safety reasons. I was told the pre-treatment protocol I followed works in 99% of individuals with previous allergic reactions. I know many of you are not surprised I fell into that less than 1%! Maybe it is time to buy that Power Ball Lottery Ticket! (just kidding) The great news about having to stay for an hour after the scans is that I stumbled across a great article in a magazine that mapped out

a wonderful-sounding, week-long exploration of Glacier National Park in Montana! So, I now have next summer's motorcycle ride already mapped out!! Yea! Praise the Lord for hives and being stuck reading those "waiting room magazines"!!

The latest news: The radiologist has called and informed me that there are "areas of concern" on Monday's scans and I am scheduled to have additional scans (not requiring IV contrast) Thursday. My understanding is that the lung scans look okay on initial review and the areas of concern are located in the abdomen and pelvis. No results are in yet from the initial round of lab work taken on Friday. So, the wait continues and more development of the hard-learned dual traits of peace and patience is on the agenda!

We will keep you posted as we know more. Thanks for checking in on us!

Love,

Lee and Steve

Words of wisdom from the Apostle Paul: "Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

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Messages

Ginger Thomas

October 13, 2010, 3:23 PM

As always, thoughts and prayers are with both of you! Sounds like your spring and summer where so much fun! Glad you got to visit family and loved ones.

Alissa McPherson

October 13, 2010, 3:47 PM

Still Praying for you both and sending all the love we can from Knoxville!!! Love in Christ, Alissa McPherson

Teresa Smith

October 13, 2010, 4:00 PM

Dear Lee: Ever since your first message a few days ago, I have been contemplating it and found myself at a loss for appropriate words to express to you and Steve. I

am so saddened by this latest development, but truly amazed at how you are handling and facing it. Like you mentioned, I

am one of those who is spiritually immature in such matters and wish I

could have the peace and acceptance you and Steve have developed. I

just want you to know that Earl and I love both of you very much and our hearts ache for you. We will continue to be in prayer for you and for God's healing power. Love, Teresa & Earl

Michelle Grande

October 13, 2010, 4:36 PM

I am consistently amazed at God's work! Your faith, in troubling times, encourages me to hold strong to His word. You are in our prayers and I've asked for both of you be given and extra portion of peace, comfort and health. Enjoy and know God Loves You! and so do we! tony, michelle, ashley and aj

Jennifer Spencer

October 13, 2010, 5:41 PM

Sending my prayers to you and Steve!

Link Hudson

October 13, 2010, 7:47 PM

I praise God that you intimately know the One who specializes in "areas of concern"! Continued prayers will be lifted up!

Julie Greene

October 13, 2010, 7:55 PM

Dearest Lee, I really don't have words to describe the emotions my heart feels when I read your message. I do know that I am humbled at how God uses this to teach you and you teach me. We are and will continue to pray and thank Him for what He is already doing and will do. love, Julie and Brad

Sandi Henry

October 14, 2010, 1:10 AM

Lee, we know you would never want to be average! We will keep praying. Oh, and I'm glad you got to plan your next road trip! We love you, Bill and Sandi

Bruce Ensign

October 14, 2010, 3:28 PM

We took a road trip the Glacier last Summer for 2 weeks. You're gonna love it - especially the eastern side where it doesn't rain as much! Thank you for sharing your updates and for maintaining the positive outlook as you struggle.

D Ward

October 14, 2010, 7:33 PM

We love you both, please keep us posted. Praying for you both. Hugs, Debby

Linda Hamilton

October 15, 2010, 12:33 AM

Thanks so much for the update...we be prayin'! Am excited for your bike trip to Glacier...please know that you are welcome to stop and stay with us if you'd prefer to take 2 days to get there. We are located approx. 4 hours from Glacier, and 7 1/2 hrs. from Lacey. Depending on your route (Hwy. 2 thru Sandpoint, ID?) Priest River, Idaho is right on the way. And there's always room at the Inn! :o) Blessings to you both, Your friends from that amazing trip to Israel, Tom and Linda Hamilton Priest River, Idaho

Joel Prybylski

October 15, 2010, 2:49 AM

Hello to you both... It seems like just yesterday you both were in Vegas and trusted me to fly you around :-), it meant alot to me and I hope it was an experience for you both as well. You both are a class act and I am glad that with this

website wherever I end up in the future I can keep up with you.... Best Wishes, Joel P

Kathy Hodge

October 16, 2010, 3:38 PM

Glacier is beautiful, you have a great time!

Cindy Hambly

October 18, 2010, 5:30 AM

Hi Steve and Lee, Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you with positive thoughts and prayers. I have been out of the office for a few days and just received a link to this website. We have used carepages before and it truly is the best way to keep all your family and friends updated. Love to you both, Cindy

Dolores Burtnett

October 24, 2010, 6:36 PM

Sounds like a great trip for next summer. Wish Tom and I could plan that trip also. Nick and Anna just returned from Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. They are still in awe. You are always in my prayers. Beth Dunlap October 27, 2010, 4:46 AM Prayers are with you and Steve! Thank you for sharing your beautiful faith in Christ through all you have been through10/13/2010