Treatment to start Wed

We made the decision to go ahead with the radiation treatment plan as proposed by the IU doctors initially.  This means radiating the whole spine and brain now as much as they can, to really take the most aggressive treatment possible now.  It just seems like the best chance to give me a treatment that might not drag on and on over mulitiple sessions.

The schedule at the treatment center is for me to start on Wednesday, not sure of the exact time yet, so we will be headed out either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

I'm looking forward to the couple extra days here at home.  People ask what I feel like doing to pass the time.  My heart's desire is to just be with my family and other friends sharing good times together.  Leann and I were able to meet her cousin & his wife for breakfast yesterday while in Boston.  Times like that are so special to us now.  I'm hoping to meet the men from our potluck group for breakfast this morning.  As long as I'm having the strength, I just want to enjoy all of these friendships while I have the opportunities.  I welcome the opportunity to visit with any of you.  I don't know that I have anything profound to share but I feel like maybe just the simple encouragements I have for all of you are worth the most.  I encourage you to ask me anything you are wondering.

Probably the most striking lesson that we have learned, both through last summer's surgery and still now, is the importance of taking one day at a time.  Philippians 4:6-7 "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  We really can testify that we feel the peace of God.  He is with us!  I just keep praying for the spirit of thankfullness each day and the focus on the day at hand.  God has promised grace for today, so when I worry  about the future I'm getting ahead of his promise (He'll be there when we get there, just not now).

Thanks again for your prayers on our behalf.  We appreciate so much the emails and cards.
Derek & Leann, Lexi, Wesley, & Whitley