Blessings!
What a summer... I am sure most of you could echo this sentiment :-) God's grace abounded, but there were a lot of challenges that covered the spectrum – body, soul, and spirit!
It has been a while now since I last sent out an update, but when we got the latest bit of news, I new it was time to send one out!
About three weeks ago, I had a week long series of rigorous tests.
For the clinical study I am part of, this is protocol at the one
year mark of the donor transplant. Then it was time to wait for the
results. We spent a lot of time in prayer, and then tried not to
think about it LOL! Finally, the news came by telephone. Our
wonderful Physician's Assistant who directly handles my case with Dr.
Chin, told us that the latest bone marrow biopsy (that one REALLY
hurt), along with all the many other tests showed a COMPLETE
REMISSION! All of our wonderful friends at the VA Stem Cell
Transplant Unit were celebrating with us! Over the past five years
they have become like family :-)
We have also discovered that most of my organs have held up remarkably well, though my heart has sustained some damage. Also, the skeletal damage is currently a bit problematic, all the nerve damage is difficult, and the medications' side effects are challenging. HOWEVER, the same God who has brought us this far WILL see us through to a COMPLETE HEALING!
One other notable fact is that my bones are showing evidence of restoration. According to the doctor, this is impossible! I believe that this restoration will continue, because with God “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”!!!
Thanks to your FAITH filled prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we are TOHETHER proving what is “the good and acceptable will of God” to HIS glory and honor!
Okay, I know there have been a lot of exclamation points in this letter, but PRAISE GOD, we feel as if there is a whole new, WONDERFUL season right ahead. I am gradually tapering off all the medications, and by God's grace, at the first of the year I can get my BABY SHOTS (the immune system has to start from scratch). Also, in January, I turn 42. Getting my baby shots at 42? :-) So cool to be alive to do it!
The next season will be pretty rigorous as I rehab my body to transition off the meds, build overall constitution, detox and strengthen up, facilitate the body's healing process, get my voice back in shape (next week I start vocal rehab with the AWESOME Jaime Babbitt), playing chops strengthened, and prepare to really return to the work and ministry I love.
It will be an interesting time for Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, and Kaeli-Anne. To have “Papa” back - undrugged, able to get around better, and genuinely engaged with life. That will be a change. I know my beloved business partners, Bob and Dennis, will be glad as well!
Over this last season, I have had much time to consider and prayer. WOW! The future is REALLY bright! God has given me new vision and hope. There are some amazing things in store, of this I am sure. Lots of MUSIC and MINISTRY! Furthermore, Michelle and the kids will be stepping into the public eye more and more. They have much to share both in the arts and in simply speaking. These struggles have abundantly taught all of us about love, family, and community.
As a family, we are so very GRATEFUL for all the prayers that have been selflessly offered on our behalf. Your continued prayers are a precious gift that we do not take lightly. Know that we are praying for you. Give us a call or send us an email with any specific requests.
Together we can press into God's best!
We love YOU!!!!!
Lance, Michelle, Abbi, Ethan, & Kaeli-Anne
Papa, You are so awesome and I see El Shaddia working in your live. I love you and your family! Thanks for being an example to me.
YOur FRienD,
Caleb Rex
Posted by: caleb | September 16, 2008 at 04:13 PM