 
October 16,2000 Nita recently saw a doctor for some suspicious, persisting lung problems. She was found to have a malignant tumor of golf-ball size, on her lung. This past Thursday, October 12, she had a biopsy on this tumor and is awaiting results now, which will determine what type of cancer, and what possible treatment will be employed. Nita is 82 years young, a vibrant Christian who has expressed trust and confidence in God's love and care for her, and His will for her life. She is also a dear family friend of Mary's and Mary is very appreciative of our ongoing prayer for Nita. Please do pray for Nita, that she would be comforted with the sure truth that the Lord preserves His godly ones THROUGH the valley of the shadow, and leads them on to pleasant pastures and refreshing waters! Pray for wisdom and discernment as treatment options or non - treatment will be discussed. Nita, may the strength of the Lord be your strength, and may you receive grace and mercy in full measure, to meet the needs of each day. October 23, 2000 This update is from Nita's daughter, Cindy. And in a week which has brought sorrow at Legacy, this news is welcome! The tumor was found to be "a slow growing kind that could stay there for years and not bother her. There is always the possibility that it could metastasize and spread more quickly so he is recommending a course of a new kind of Chemo that is given in a shot and has little, if any side effects." Nita has been encouraged to put a little weight on with Ensure supplementation. Cindy closed with these fitting words - "Please praise the Lord for her good health and pray it will continue. Everyday I am so grateful for her good health and her humor and faith." What a blessing, good news! We often hear bad news at Legacy, poor prognosis' - when we are given opportunity to hear good news, we need to PRAISE God for His tender mercies, for His goodness to us. Last week we prayed for His grace and mercy to be extended to Nita. He has graciously answered those petitions. We thank you Lord! NOVEMBER 16, 2000 We are rejoicing along with Nita, her family and friends. Since our last update, she continues to do quite well. On Nov 15, she had the second chemo treatment. She is tolerating treatments well so far, and living life TO THE FULLEST! Oh, that we would all take hold of this attitude, to fully live until Christ says "Come home now, My child!" We, like Nita should embrace the blessings of His faithfulness in our daily lives. For Nita, I Thessalonians 5:23,24 ~ "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also bring it to pass." May God prosper you in body and soul! DECEMBER 12, 2000 Nita continues to do well, having just a bit of a setback with blood counts last week but the shots brought everything back to normal. She did bypass chemo last week week as well, but doctors say this is safe to do when necessary. Please continue to pray for Nita to do well . . her spirits are high and every day is a gift. Her family and friends have been blessed and encouraged by her attitude. JANUARY 12, 2001 Nita has finished up Chemo - but not without suffering side affects, including the nausea, fatigue, general unwell feeling and a temporarily bald head. :-\ Our prayer is for her to regain her strength now, and for an arrest of this cancer. Nita, God bless you in 2001 with renewed health, strength and joy! FEBRUARY 1, 2001 Nita had a CT Scan recently and results showed there was no longer any involvement with her lymph nodes and her tumor has shrunk considerably. The tumor has also undergone some physiological changes, from hard, to a fuzzy soft look. Nita's doctor is recommending 4 more monthly chemo treatments, which she is in agreement with. Family members say she is regaining her energy, which is very good news. "Thank you Lord, for hearing, for answering, for restoring this dear lady!" Keep praying! FEBRUARY 13, 2001 Nita's treatment plan has changed since last update. Rather than the four upcoming monthly treatments, she will now have a course of radiation instead. While this is daily, the side affects should be less severe. The change in plans has been a bit unsettling for family members so pray that they would have a peace and confidence about Nita's treatment. And pray also for these doctors as they work together to coordinate the best plan for treating her most effectively. AUGUST 29, 2001 The summer of 2001 has brought changes in Nita's situation. While tumors responded to treatment back in the winter months, another tumor was recently discovered, wrapped around Nita's windpipe. She has elected to discontinue treatments, due to the severity of previous side affects. It was her wish to enjoy a better quality of life, rather than quantity. . . a very difficult decision to face, for family and friends. Nevertheless, Nita is happy and in high spirits. She recently suffered a setback, battling pneumonia after ceasing treatments. Nita's present condition has made it necessary for her to go home with Cindy, rather than return to her home, alone. The thing that has so touched me about this sweet lady, is her contagious spirit and joy! I can tell through the letters I receive on her condition, that she spreads much joy! Pray for Nita, that all her days will be filled with God's tender mercy, as she radiates joy and hope to all who come in contact with her! SEPTEMBER 1, 2001 Nita's daughter Cindy has been her primary caregiver throughout the months of treatment, and so I believe it would be appropriate and fitting to remember Cindy in prayer also. The role of caregiver is difficult, sometimes heartbreaking, and emotionally and physically exhausting. To all caregivers everywhere, may God bless and equip you with strength, courage, and grace to fulfill this precious task of love. SEPTEMBER 3, 2001 Mary has been in touch with Cindy this weekend, and she reported that Nita had a frightening spell of not being able to breathe. Hospice has been notified and will be available to help them in the event this happens again. Regretfully, it most likely will reoccur as this tumor grows. : ( I would ask you to continue to pray for Nita, and for those who love and care for her.
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