Stef is recovering...

...at our house following yesterday's procedure in Midland. Everything went good; she just needs to try to control the pain and swelling in the next few days. She looks kinda like a cute chipmunk. It was her first time to ever be put under anesthesia. She was hilarious when she was coming out from under it. Seriously, we are thankful that everything went so good.

Helen and I both start back to work next week -- me on Monday and Helen on Wednesday. It has been quite a busy summer for us; we spent a good portion of it in San Antonio. We are glad that the timing of everything allowed us to plan my most recent surgery during the summer when Helen didn't have to worry with taking off. God really blessed us with the schedule. Our next appointment is scheduled for the 16th.

Switching gears...and on a sad note...

We were sad to learn this week of the deaths of two more of our friends from CTRC. One of the hardest things to deal with in the realm of cancer clinical trials is the realization that so few patients will benefit enough to beat the dreaded disease. A cancer patient who chooses to go this route has already been told that conventional treatment will not work. A clinical trial is most of the time considered to be a last-ditch effort. Meeting other survivors and developing friendships with some of them is one of the more rewarding experiences of the journey. Losing them is one of the toughest things. Please pray for the families and loved ones of Liz and Randy in their losses.

Our hope rests in the Lord. "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (I Cor. 15:19-20) "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word." (Ps. 119:114) "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Rom. 5:5)

Love,

Kenny