Tuesday, February 22, 2005

When the result was not as expected...

I was a little disappointed when I heard Dr Hwang said that there were still 19% plasma cells in David's bone marrow, down from 35% from the very first bone marrow test. Had actually hoped the myeloma cells be completely gone. David's immunity was also low and was given a booster in anticipation of the stronger chemo drugs prescibed this round. He would have to go for another 2 cycles of chemotherapy to further reduce the aggressive myeloma cells to a desired level before the stem cell transplant. His Hb level was 12.2 down from 13.2 before.

Even though the result was not as expected, there are much to be thankful for. I thank God for His grace is sufficient for us. Things could have gotten a lot worse. I also thank God for reminding me that the battle is far from over. I wish I was more consistent and fervant in warfare prayers by weilding the sword of the spirit - the word of God to tear down the works of the evil one.

I am thankful for the many who are still praying for and with us. Was told by a friend that a church in England was also praying for David. The prayers of a righteous man accomplish much. When we come to the Father with the righteousness of our Lord Jesus, our prayers would accomplish much. Therefore, do continue to pray as the Lord burdens our hearts.

As David has been given some cytotoxic drugs to battle the myeloma cells, these drugs are harmful to the body as they attack the good cells too. Please pray against side effects such as nausea and vomitting (so far thank God he is ok), also against hiccups and hair loss. Pray that the Lord would strengthen him and improve his immunity system. Also for God's protection from infections and illnesses, including dengue fever. Pray for spiritual covering and physical restoration.

"Lord, may your Glory be revealed through any cirucmstance you may use in our lives, in Jesus name. Amen!"

In His redeeming grace,
Whee Ling

Sunday, February 20, 2005

"Daddy, will you really live till my children grow up?"

Just a few days ago little Joshua asked his daddy that question with such concern and hope. It has been his prayer that his daddy would live for a long time till he becomes ah gong (i.e. grandfather). This simple question reflected his strong desire that this prayer be answered. That has been my desire too.

I was reminded about Psalm 37:4 "Delight in the Lord and He will grant you the desires of your heart". This verse was also the key message in David's wedding exhortation when he officiated the wedding of a couple very dear to us yesterday.
Yes, delght in the Lord and rejoice always in Him - not necessarily easy but always essential in our walk with the Lord.

David has been very blessed with a book given by his dear brother and mentor Ps Patrick Wong called "When God and cancer meet" by Lynn Eib. Through it God gave him renewed hope and strength to press on. It reminded him that God can be trusted no matter what the circumstances in life are. God can be trusted in all things...even cancer.

Tomorrow is the result of David's bone marrow test. Am praying that God's healing be so complete that no traces of myeloma cells would be evident. "Lord, please grant Your humble servant Your healing power and deliver him once and for all the afflictions inflicted to his body, in Jesus most mighty name, I pray. Amen!"

Trusting in the Lord,
Whee Ling

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Happy Lunar New Year!

Dear all,
Happy Lunar New Year to you!

The results of the bone marrow aspiration done as well as the blood taken for a full myeloma study are not known yet, although the HB has been good at each visit to the hospital. My next appoinment is on the 21/2, after which the doctor will discuss and decide which option to take in regard to the stem cell transplant. Looks like it will be in March but the dates will be known at next visit. Meanwhile, I am thankful that the steroids were taken off this round. Therefore, I was able to enjoy the chinese new year without much 'hiccups' in the true sense of the word!
A great relief indeed!

Well, just to share a joy - this Sunday, we will be celebrating our parents GOLDEN JUBILEE (50th wedding anniversary). Both my parents have come to acknowledge Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. They have 7 children and 17 grandchildren, of which many have also become christians. Do pray for us as we continue to restore our family altar to lift up the mighty name of Jesus in the family.

rejoicing in Him,
david

"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,and the hearts of the chilren to their fathers." Malachi 4:6