Renal Biopsy Update · Sep 7, 02:52 PM

Hello all,

I thought it easiest to just forward the note from the doctor about the kidney biopsy. When he talks about therapy, he is talking about steroids or other forms of chemo type drugs that will help slow the process of kidney disease. He has spoken with my oncologist before about giving these drugs at the same time I have my regular chemo to keep things as simple as possible. The oncologist said some of the drugs they might use for the kidneys could actually help with the tumors, so I feel the Lord is leading even in this. He continues to be faithful to me and gives me peace….

Report from the doc: The preliminary results on light microscopy shows a mixture of changes .Some are chronic such as one might see with hypertension. Some are more acute and suggest a pattern of what is called focal and segmental sclerosis. The more acute changes are those that I would hope to modify with therapy. I will speak to Dr Wang and decide on a course of therapy to recommend to you. Sincerely, David Hoffman M.D.

Sometimes life is beyond our understanding. We received a call this morning that another of Joseph’s cousins was killed in a car accident last night. She is the daughter of his cousin who died from burns received from a tractor explosion in June. She was in her twenties. Once again we are asking what God is up to. We know He is in control, but it is so hard to understand from this side of heaven. I have always wondered about the scripture, PSA 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His godly ones. I imagine death to be like the birth of a baby in this life…he leaves the shelter and nourishment of his mother’s womb and comes into this life, into arms that are waiting to hold and love him. That is how I picture death. When I leave this life, as wonderful as it has been, I will be received by arms of love in the next life and ushered into a whole new realm. After all, God IS love.

Blessings,
Debbie

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Comment

  1. Thanks for the update and for encouraging us in the middle of the battle.

    — Steve Humble · Sep 7, 04:25 PM · #

  2. We continue to be with you Deb on this journey. May the Lord of all compfort keep you. Jim & Ellen

    — James Bulkley · Sep 7, 05:17 PM · #

  3. We love you and continue to pray…

    — John and Vicki · Sep 8, 08:15 AM · #

  4. We love you both and missed you at LDFC. Hope you can come to ACM so we can hug your necks.

    We are so sorry to hear about Joseph’s cousin and his daughter. One of my brothers died of a heart attack in Oct. ’07 Two months later his only daughter was killed in a car accident. Indeed, we need the love and the peace that passes understanding. Ps. 116:15 helps, as you said.

    — Dennis & Dee · Sep 9, 08:55 AM · #

  5. thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. Debbie was feeling pretty rough over the weekend (side effects from the chemo). Today she is starting to feel better… we have a good week ahead of us.

    Nice to hear from you Dennis … we would love to be there, Deb even more than me, but finances and other commitments will not allow it this year. I have to keep my eye on the ball — can’t afford to stumble at the finish line.

    — joseph · Sep 9, 09:12 AM · #

  6. You are an inspiration to us. Will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. I still remember how you took that over an hour log trip on your bike to the Everglades just to see us and encourage us and how you embraced Josh and I at Caris. God bless!

    — Rose Rodriguez (Josh and Sophia) · Sep 12, 10:04 AM · #

  7. hi Rose! how is life? It is really good to hear from you.

    — joseph · Sep 13, 02:41 PM · #

  8. Debbie has been feeling good last night and today. This is the good week coming up. She will have chemo again on Friday. Thanks for the prayers.

    — joseph · Sep 14, 08:07 AM · #

  9. I am constantly reminded and reading your pieces and looking at the photos of you and your family what a strong couple that you are. I read about Josephs’ talk with people in their 70’s and their impact on him…There truly are lessons to be learned from them. I was the youngest child of older parents and I cannot tell you how the lessons they left, me and my brother and sister have been great comfort and helpful through the years and Debbie in reading some of your things you have probably been an inspiration to all you touch and the docs and nurses you have helped to help others…yes, your journey has been fruitful beyond your wildest dreams…Take care and blessing back to you and yours! ox Julie V.F. Atwood

    — Julie and Steve Atwood · Sep 18, 04:33 PM · #

  10. Thanks for your insights on the similarities between death and birth. It is helping me to have a better understanding of that. We continue to pray for you. You are such a blessing.

    — Jack Kopechek · Sep 20, 04:39 PM · #

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