Day 17, November 13th

Good afternoon!

I have some very good, encouraging news: = )

Regarding Lizzy and Rapid Responder -VS- Slow Responder:
Dr. John visited with the Lothrops yesterday...Randy, Christine and Lizzy. He made a strong point, and wanted to be sure The Lothrops, and especially Lizzy, understand that he is not discouraged. As a matter of fact he is very ENCOURAGED by the progress Lizzy is making. According to Dr. John, the terms Rapid Responder and Slow Responder are irrelevent. He said we might as well say Plan A, and Plan B. The point is...if Lizzy's marrow responds one way, we go with Plan A, and if it responds another way, we go with Plan B. There is actually a Plan C too, if needed.

Dr. John wanted to be very clear...Lizzy's marrow has made amazing progress in only 2 weeks...From 95% blasts to 20% blast is a huge drop. Her marrow IS responding to treatment. It is going in the right direction. We are to be encouraged and look at the glass as "half full" as opposed to "half empty". He made a point of telling Lizzy that he has treated many patients with ALL, and he has seen excellent results. As a matter of fact, 3 of his pediatric patients from years ago are now a doctor, judge and lawyer...( So, let's all dream about how God will guide Lizzy as she goes into her future...hmmm...this could be fun...maybe an olympic volleyball player who is the Poster Girl for THE CURE of ALL!....Her smile alone can move mountains!)

As I visited a little with Randy and Christine, I could see that they are tired. Yet, there was a hope and peace that passes understanding. I asked them..."How can I represent you in the updates that I send out." Their response was amazing...without a second thought they said: "We are an open book, we are transparent...we want people to know about our faith, and that we get our strength and hope from God. We do not know what each day will bring, but we do know that we are not alone, and that God is with us, and loves us, and loves Lizzy."

As I reflected on this, Psalm 119: verse 105 came to my mind..." Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light for my path." And I remembered a teaching that I had heard years ago...Why do we need a lamp on our feet? Because God leads us one step at a time...and we need His Light to show us the next step.

As Randy noted, we are on a path, we do not know what each day will bring, but we can rest assured that we are not alone, and that God is leading each of us, and the Lothrops...one day, one step, at a time. And I then remembered another teaching I had heard years ago...something to the effect of: Why doesn't God just show us the whole, big picture....and the thought was that ...with a step at a time, we realize we need God...if we had the whole big picture, then we probably wouldn't be as likely to seek Him...

So, in a nut shell...be encourged! Consider God's provision on this journey...In Joshua 1:5 He promises..." ...I will never you, nor forsake you!"

Next steps for Lizzy: Tuesday, November 18th, Lizzy will recieve her next many doses of chemo. These will be IV. Then on Day 29, November 25th, she will have another Bone Marrow, and Lumbar puncture. Day 29 is the last day of induction (phase one of treatment), and we are shooting for 0% blasts! (She will also get chemo that evening.)

Looks to me like Tuesday is Orange Day..Lizzy day!!! ...In the future Tuesday will also be her clinic day for outpatient chemo...(and some Fridays too)...

The Lothrops are grateful for your support, and your prayers:
Thank God for Dr. John's experienced perspective and for a treatment protocol that is very hopeful. Thank him for the staff at Children's, and for Lizzy being protected from any 2ndary infections. Thank him for the resturants, and the gift cards..Lizzy is enjoying the vast selection. ( Quick side note...Lizzy was dozing yesterday, and Mr. Lothrop asked Christine if she wanted him to get her something to eat...Well, Lizzy's eyes pop open, and she gets this cute smile on her face..."Hhhhmmmmm...food?.....Panera I'm in!" Thank God for his daily, unquestionable, presence ...in room 45, 5th floor, Children's hospital...

Pray for 0% blasts asap, and especially by November 22nd. For continued protection from 2ndary infections, and uncomfortable side effects. For, Catherine to feel better so she can come to see Lizzy. Pray for rest and respite for the Lothrops, and for God's continued peace to envelope them...

The Lothrop's hope is that you would be encourged, and that as you walk this path with them, you would experience God, right along-side them...
Deb