  JANUARY 2, 2001 Marilyn, who is the sweet cousin of our own dear Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2000, and had a lumpectomy to remove the 1.7 cm cancerous tumor on August 2, 2000. Unfortunately, 8 of 13 nodes taken, turned out to be positive, so she began chemotherapy - one type for 3 months and she is now on the second chemo agent - taxol. She is also just beginning a radiation schedule which will run for 6 weeks, consisting of 5 treatments per week. Marilyn has suffered the typical bothersome side affects - quite sick on the first type of chemo, better on taxol, but the bloodwork has not been good on this one, requiring shots to bring it back up. She also lost her hair and the radiation is likely to zap her energy. Considering what she has been through, her attitude is quite positive and I know you'll join me in praying that the Lord will be pleased to see Marilyn into a long term remission, even a cure, with treatment. Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for others. APRIL 16,2001 It has been a while since we updated for Marilyn so I want to bring you up to date on her situation. In early March Marilyn completed the Taxol chemo and her radiation treatments. Taxol has a tendency to take a toll as the treatment wears on, and it did so in Marilyn's case as well. She still suffers the numbness of hands and feet, though this is expected to be temporary. She also suffered some burning of the skin toward the end of radiation therapy. Thankfully this course of treatment has ended. Now she will be seeing her oncologist and radiologist for checks at 3 month intervals, gradually decreasing to 6 month intervals. Her strength is returning day by day, and life is very good! This is an opportunity to thank the Lord for His sustaining grace in her life through these difficult months. THANK YOU LORD! Marilyn, may God restore you to full health and enable you to faithfully serve Him for many years to come! God Bless! AUGUST 29, 2001 Marilyn recently saw her oncologist and checked out clear, so she will not have to return for 3 months. That's very good news and we are rejoicing with her in it! Mary recently visited with Marilyn and shared with me that she is still having problems associated with the nerve damage in her hands and feet. She has difficulty walking and Mary shared that Marilyn used to play the piano so beautifully, and teach piano, as well. This gift was a great source of joy to Marilyn. She is now unable to play, due to this damage. : ( Pray for Marilyn, that God will be pleased to keep her well, and restore the use of her hands so that she might once again play the piano, for her own enjoyment, and to the glory of God! can accomplish much.
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