The Hands and Feet...

I would like to start by saying thank you for all of your prayers for Louie!  Yesterday Louie and Marianne found out that they have been granted a year-long approval for the medication needed for the mutation.  This approval is for a replacement medication as a specialty therapeutic.  This is wonderful news even though it means Louie has to have more chemo.   This is going to be a great relief because out-of-pocket medical bills have been hitting them pretty hard.  Again, thank you for your prayers, God is good!

Yesterday Louie also had his 2nd day of radiation consultation and simulation.  They met with a social worker, nurse and the radiation oncologist.  The simulation was extremely confining and restrictive which proved to be rough on Louie and made him feel claustrophobic.  Louie had a face mask made for him which added to his anxiousness.  The good news is his treatments will only last 10-15 minutes.  He will undergo 37 treatments beginning August 8th.  We ask that you join us in praying for Louie as he begins the next leg of his journey. 

Louie and Marianne also spoke with the Chemo Oncologist yesterday and he will let them know Tuesday (Louie's 48th birthday!!!) whether or not any chemo will accompany the radiation.  Louie's infection is continuing to clear up and he is slowly beginning to eat normally again.  They will meet with a dietician on August 12th who will help them plan his meals during radiation.  Lets continue to pray for God's guidance for the doctor's as they care for Louie.

Louie and Marianne were extremely excited to return to church this past Sunday, it was great for them to be there.  Louie was still sick from the infection so the deacons anointed him with oil, laid hands on him and prayed.  They also spoke declarations over him, it was very comforting to have them come and pray.  Louie and Marianne continue to be blessed by the hands of Christ.  Last Tuesday Louie was so sick and weak that he had to be taken to his appointment in a wheelchair.  When they returned home their pastor along with Nancy and Steve were there to lay hands on him and pray.  God's timing continues to be spot on, always just when Louie needs it most. 

Louie and Marianne said that a highlight of their week was receiving a scrapbook of photos from my family.  We sent them a book filled with pictures of their (adorable) grandkids.  They love our kids so much and our kids adore them.  Liam prays for his Papa every night before dinner.  He asks God to make him not sick any more and for the tiny ugly germs (how he would describe an infection) to get out!  We were happy to send a little ray of sunshine into Papa and Grammie's week!

Please keep on praying and be the hands and feet of Jesus like so many have been (Bobby, Nancy, Steve, David, Sam, Keith, Pastor Jared, Fanny, Una, Rosalie, Michael, Magali, Penny, Rita and everyone else that have been just that to Louie and Marianne).  You can be the hands and feet by simply praying for others, delivering a meal, mowing a lawn or just stopping by to deliver a hug.  Marianne and Louie love you guys and appreciate all you have done and continue to do for them. 

Remember to wish Louie a very happy birthday Tuesday!  He will be celebrating on Saturday by having THE BEST BBQ all the way from Texas, Rudy's!  He is so excited and said it almost brings a tear to his eye, lol! 

Lots of love!

God's perfect plan

Last week Louie and Marianne saw a different Oncologist (theirs was out of town) and Louie's blood pressure was good but he lost 6 lbs and his sodium was a little low.  He wasn't dehydrated but was still having stomach complications so he was given a long-lasting shot to help with this.  He had been having a rough time sleeping and struggling with the side effects of the chemo but he is happy to be disconnected from the port so he can sleep on his stomach again!  

Louie and Marianne heard back from the insurance company and the Her2 mutation medication was denied but Louie was given his 3rd dose last week.  They will begin the process of appealing the state insurance board as they are already almost $7,000 into the treatment.  Please pray that God will sort out the details in this matter, they are not worried though because whatever the outcome God is in control!  Louie and Marianne feel extremely blessed that they have a doctor who is on their side and doing everything he can to give Louie the best possible care.  They are trusting that God will make a way!  They continue to trust God is everything and know that He will never leave them or forsake them, He is always there!  

This week the chemo has continued to be really rough on Louie's body and he lost another 5 lbs but they are trusting that God will not give them any more than they can handle.  Their Oncologist was still out of town this week so they met with the same doctor as last week.  This doctor has been more sensitive to Louie's symptom management which has been a real blessing.  They are running some tests to be sure Louie doesn't have an infection and put him on some new medication to ease the discomfort.  At this point they have stopped all treatment until they can get this resolved so in the mean time Louie will get some much needed rest and some time for his body to strengthen.  He is starting to have a bit of cabin fever and is having to eat a pretty bland diet (he is missing his cookies and milk!!) so we are praying he will begin to feel better, get the rest he needs and that there is no infection.

Louie and Marianne continue to trust God in this journey and Louie speaks His name and His Word out loud and often.  Louie shared today that he went to God first with his healing, for many years he has gone to God in prayer.  He remembers asking God to heal him and let the tumors dissolve.  He has been prayed over by pastors, evangelists, family and friends but God has other plans.  God has a journey for Louie and it is all in HIS perfect timing!  We can already see how many people have been changed by hearing Louie's story and trust that God will use this for His glory.

Louie and Marianne continue to be beyond blessed by all of their wonderful family members and friends.  They feel your prayers and their love for the body of Christ continues to grow each and every day.  They love the pictures, texts, cards, emails and support you all continue to pour out.  They read each and every message they receive so keep them coming!  A big thank you to all of those that showed up at their home to pray and offer encouragement, Louie and Marianne cherish your love and friendship.

Louie and Marianne are also happy and excited to see God's healing hand in the lives of others, He deserves all of the glory and honor and praise.  Please join with us in praying for God to work in and through Marianne and Louie on this journey.  

Latest Appointment

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the delay in getting this up but it has been pretty busy around my house with family visiting and the 4th of July fun!  Hope you all had a great day yesterday!

So as for an update, Louie saw the Oncologist again this past Tuesday.  He has lost 3 lbs but his blood pressure and blood counts continue to be good!  Louie and Marianne thought they would be going in so that Louie could get his chemo pump refilled but it turned out that he needed to get his second dose of Herceptin (HER2 medication-Louie and Marianne should hear back on the appeal to the insurance company in a few days, keep praying!).  Louie also had to stay for treatment, additional testing and because he was dehydrated he also had to stay and be hydrated.  What should have been a short day turned into 6 hours at the cancer center but Louie and Marianne made the best of it.

Louie will have a consult with the radiation oncologist very soon!  They will be giving him the HER2 medication weekly and will be adding another chemo drug to help the radiation be more effective beginning with a 7 day infusion.  Louie is still fighting the side effects of the chemo so keep praying! Louie and Marianne are still working together to figure out the best diet for Louie and the best way to manage his side effects.  Marianne is working hard to meet all of Louie's needs and asks that you would pray for her as she learns and grows through this time.

Louie and Marianne are feeling especially blessed that her Uncle flew all the way from Troy, Ohio!  He is taking time to support them, spend quality time with them and help them through this trying time.  He also accompanied them to the appointment and because he was there the doctor checked Louie for dehydration!  God is continuing to place people in the lives of Louie and Marianne to bless them, God is so good!

Please continue to pray for Louie!  We are extremely thankful for all the works God has already done and a big thank you for all of your constant prayers.