Latest Results

This is Steve posting while Lee tries to get some rest following a really long day. She got a call back today from her infectious disease doc with the initial results from her most recent round of bloodwork. We are continually grateful for his care, compassion and prompt follow up. His news, however, was not what we were hoping for. Lee has now been under "quarantine" for almost two full months in hopes that her body would begin to naturally fight off the virus (CMV) that was discovered and believed to be the root cause of her raging fever, night sweats, fatigue, headaches, etc. Based on today's test results, this has not been the case. Her doctor reports that there has been "no clinically significant improvement in her viral load". He said he has already been in consultation with other specialists who believe that, based on these results, that the CMV virus may have been more of an "accidental finding secondary to some other significant issue". Lee continues to experience periods of severe abdominal pain and episodes of jaundice that don't fit the patterns seen with a typical viral infection. The doctor promised to be back in contact with us on Friday (he's away at a conference until then) to discuss what next steps he would recommend. In the meantime, he was emphatic that Lee needs to continue to minimize her "exposure to the outside world".

As you might imagine, this news brought a level of frustration and a bit of dread for her continued isolation. As most of you know, I can only be so entertaining and I am certain that Lee was really hoping for a free pass to get out and spend some time with someone, perhaps anyone, else! I continue to be in awe of her sweet spirit in the midst of her suffering and she wanted me to be certain to share with you that, while her heart is hurting and her will is suffering a bit under the weight of this latest news, she is not discouraged. She wanted me to share specifically the scripture verse that has brought her comfort in the wake of this latest news:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" Ps. 119: 105

His word is the primary source of comfort in times like these and, while Lee feels like she can only see about an inch past the end of her foot at the moment, she is trusting that this is all she needs to see in order to be able to take the next steps in faith. So, please be in prayer for her over these next few days in anticipation of the doctor's next round of ideas. Your precious words of encouragement and comfort are always tremendous blessings. I cannot thank you enough for your continued prayers. We will keep you updated as new information unfolds.

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Messages

Stephanie Patchin

March 24, 2011, 4:04 AM

Thank you Steve for keeping us updated. Lee,I am so sorry that the news was not what you (and all of us) were hoping for. Your faith and hope even during this difficult time is a daily inspiration. I want you to know that even though I can't be near you, you are in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. I love you and miss you! Steph Kimball & Elizabeth Parker March 24, 2011, 4:20 AM Father, may Your wisdom be given to the specialists as they determine the cause of this ongoing sickness and work to find an appropriate response. Help Lee to fight against these physical and emotional enemies at this time. Please bless this dear couple as they encourage each other.

Ruth Warner

March 24, 2011, 5:33 AM

While this is not the news you wanted to hear, the scripture Jeremiah 29: 11 comes to mind. "For I know the plans I have for you,..." So, I continue to pray for complete healing.

Linda Hamilton

March 24, 2011, 6:06 AM

Thank you, Steve, for your update. And we continue to pray, and look forward to that moment when God will receive all of the glory! I praise God for your testimony (both of you) of faith tested by fire. God bless you both, with the peace that only He can give.

Tim Hatmaker

March 24, 2011, 6:33 AM

Lee and Steve, You guys are in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything else we can do.

Larry Lewis

March 24, 2011, 10:05 AM

Lee and Steve; As disappointing as it is to hear the most recent steps you have taken were not the ones that found a final solution, they did bring you closer. The starting line in this difficult journey is farther behind you than it was. While Lee has been in isolation I have reflected on how difficult that must be for each of you and what lessons are to be learned from it. One observation has been that throughout human history, some of those people who have chosen isolation for the purpose of meditation and investigation of their relationship with God, have provided the rest of us with some of the most valuable insight and spiritual guidance we rely on. I hope one of your blessings from this part of you life is to gain the unique insight and appreciation of things in life the rest of us cant see or understand because of the distractions

we live in. In my thoughts Larry

Betsy michalik

March 24, 2011, 11:30 AM

Lee and Steve, you are both so courageous always in the face of ongoing trial. May God continue to hold you up under this pressure. Love you, Jim and Betsy

Alissa McPherson

March 24, 2011, 11:49 AM

Steve and Lee, So sorry the news was not what we all wanted to hear. We will continue to pray for you both and for the doctors to bring healing to Lee. Love and miss you, Alissa

Roger Badger

March 24, 2011, 12:53 PM

Steve & Lee, as always I will continue to pray for you both. Sorry for the set back, but as always a purpose will be revealed. Let me leave you with a passage that my pastor just pointed out to in his blog. God is at work and this scripture proves it! Psalms 34:17-18, When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near

to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Be blessed my friends and hold on to God and each other. Roger

Bill Kelly

March 24, 2011, 2:26 PM

Dear Lee and Steve, Sending love and prayers your way this morning. Praying for a miracle. Love, Bill

Erika Cushman

March 24, 2011, 2:58 PM

We love you Lee and will be in prayer for continued endurance and strength. Thank you for also remaining to steadfast and faithful to our community group even though you can't be with us physically we appreciate all you do :) Erika

Steve Braden

March 24, 2011, 4:23 PM

You are continually in our prayers. The scripture was one of the verses the pastor used in our revival last week. In time of darkness, the "Light" brightens our day and will guide our way. We love you both. (Steve, I've seen you entertain. Ha!) Uncle Steve and Aunt Helen

Cori Spotts

March 24, 2011, 4:36 PM

Russ and I are still praying for you both, for healing, peace and strength, and for wisdom for the doctors.

-Cori

Sandi Henry

March 24, 2011, 4:49 PM

Steve and Lee, I'm so sorry you didn't get good news from the dr. We keep praying that God will give the doctors wisdom to figure out what is wrong and how to treat Lee. God bless you both for your faith, trust, and perseverance. Steve, we may have to send you a clown kit! Love from TN - sandi

Michelle Grande

March 24, 2011, 4:58 PM

God Bless both of you! Lee, I cannot begin to understand your situation but will pray for your peace of mind and spirit. Steve, I will pray for your energy and spirit. We love you both!

Debby Swecker

March 24, 2011, 5:30 PM

Thanks for the update Steve. Please give Lee my love. How frustrating this must be. I will be praying for wisdom and discernment for the docs and for healing for Lee. Love ya both!

janice pierce

March 24, 2011, 5:58 PM

Glad for the update and will keep you all in my prayers. Both of your all's "sweet spirit" always shines through and glorifies our Lord. I truly hope to meet you both one day! In Him, Janice Pierce (friend of Martha's)

carol sparks

March 24, 2011, 7:10 PM

You two remain in my prayers for God's grace to sustain you in the midst of difficult days. Blessings and prayers, Carol Sparks

Brett Jackson

March 24, 2011, 7:13 PM

Steve, thanks so much for the update. Becky and I think of Lee often and hope she starts feeling better soon. Let her know she is in our thoughts and prayers and hope the Physicians are able to start making some headway.

Cindy Hambly

March 24, 2011, 8:09 PM

It tears at my heart to hear the latest news. Please know you both are in my prayers everyday .

Jan Bennett

March 24, 2011, 9:11 PM

This is sad news... However, I am happy to hear that you have your hope and comfort in God's Word. I certainly do not understand God's purpose in Lee's continued suffering, but I am thankful He is with us all when we suffer and that He does have a purpose.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." Isaiah 43:1b-2 You are both examples of how to suffer well. Thank you for that blessing. We will continue to pray for you. Jan and John Bennett

Cherie Leyva

March 24, 2011, 10:47 PM

Chief, thank you for the update. I just feel so sad and frustrated for the both of you. I will pray everyday for God's strength for Lee. She truly is a remarkable person and we are all blessed that she is sharing her journey with us. I feel guilty when I draw strength from her words of encouragement. It just shows the power of God within her. God Bless you both, Cherie and Joe

Betsy Ramsey

March 25, 2011, 1:39 AM

thanks for the update...I continue to pray for you both. carol o'farrell March 25, 2011, 2:23 AM You are in our daily prayers, Lee and Steve, especially while you are waiting for word from this doctor. Carol and Gerry O'Farrell

D Ward

March 25, 2011, 6:24 PM

Lee and Steve, We know that the good Lord is holding you both in the palm of His hand. May this comfort you as He continues to keep you both in His loving care. Love, Deborah and family

sue ensign

March 26, 2011, 8:58 PM

Steve & Lee, I don't even want to think about the trial you folks have endured. I do want to think about God and his steadfast love that endures forever. I will pray your thoughts are comforted by Jesus, Lee is healed, and Steve be filled continually with steadfast,loving faith, (oh, and that Steve be "entertaining" and fun for Lee!). Susan<> <

Mary Ellen Costa

March 27, 2011, 10:48 PM

Hi Lee! Thank you for reading my carepage and leaving such a nice message! My gosh, I just read your history and it's unbelievable. I used to work as a nurse practitioner in NYC for two spine neurosurgeons, so I'm familiar with your neurological problems. You are such a fighter and a true inspiration!! You are so lucky to have Steve who is an amazing support system! I will pray for you very hard and I

pray that you will be able to get out of quarantine. I know what that feels like and it's miserable. I also know what you meant about being unconscious but hearing everything that went on around you. I hate that feeling so much, but I always knew that hearing was the last sense to go! Now I know it from my own experience. The only time I did not hear anything was when I went into cardiac arrest. For fifteen minutes they gave me CPR and defibrillation and thankfully I did not hear anything. Anyway, I am praying that your next bloodwork shows some improvement!! Hugs, Mary Ellen Costa

Kathy Hodge

March 29, 2011, 2:34 PM

Thank you so much for the update. I had wished for better news, your strength and faith are a testament to the wonderful people you are. In my thoughts and prayers! Kathy