Mom and Dad continue to collect information and search for a surgeon and oncologist. Yesterday, they went to Jefferson University Hospital and, today, to the Cancer Treatment Center of America. This coming Monday they will meet with doctors at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. So far, both oncologists they have talked to feel that colon surgery is crucial and imminent. As soon as Mom chooses a team to work with they will schedule surgery. After the surgery she will begin chemotherapy, but at this point we don't know the exact plan for those treatments.

Tomorrow Mom will fly out to Pittsburgh to visit Grant, Deborah, Miles, baby Claire, and me. We are so looking forward to spending this time together.

This entry was supposed to be published last night, but I had technology issues. I apologize for keeping you waiting--I know many of you were anxious to hear the results of Mom's test yesterday. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread to her lungs. This is obviously not the news we were hoping and praying for, but we refuse to be hopeless and ask that you continue to join us in prayer. Mom and Dad met with one oncologist and are scheduled to get a second opinion soon. Please pray that the team of doctors they choose will be diligent and creative problem-solvers and will determine the best course of treatment.

I was struck this morning, in the midst of my exhaustion and sadness and discouragement, with the realization that God loves my mom more than all of us combined could hope to love her. Though all of this is beyond my understanding, I know that he holds her in the palm of his hand.

Please continue to leave messages of encouragement on this blog. They bring strength to our hearts.

We are all encouraged by the outpouring of love and support so many of you have shown already. I will try to bottle up all of the strength we are gaining so that my mom can rely on it during difficult days ahead. Please pray for her doctor's appointment tomorrow morning...she will be getting a scan of her chest to see if the cancer has spread to her lungs. Pray that her lungs will be completely clear and that she will begin to get some questions answered about a course of treatment for the existing cancer.

Some of you have asked for suggestions as to how you might contribute in a helpful way. Mom and Dad will be shopping at Whole Foods for supplies for Mom's eating plan, so if you would like to send a gift card please feel free to do so. If you need their home address just e-mail me.

James 5:16 says, "...pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

As some of you know, my mom has been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer that has traveled to her liver. We are shocked and stunned. At ths point, we are still collecting information from her test results and consults with various doctors to determine the best course of treatment.

Naturally, many people are asking how they can tangibly show love and concern. Currently, my mom has adopted a severe regiment of eating only organic fruits, vegetables, gluten-free products and natural food, so please do not bring or send food. We covet your prayers and your positive thoughts.

As new information becomes available, I will update the blog. Grant or his wife, Deborah, might contribute as well. We believe in hope and in God's healing power. My mom is one of the strongest people I know, and she is a fighter.

If you would like to post words of love, support, or encouragement you may do that here. Also, if you have questions or suggestions for me, please e-mail npmemories@yahoo.com