More Details

I spoke with Norm for a while this morning so that I could keep you all posted on any news, and to find out more details. As you have heard, there were cancer cells found around a lymph node on the opposite side from where the surgery was directed. There was a marble-sized tumor there, which they did remove during the surgery. However, as you read yesterday, they have discovered that there are still cancer cells in the area. Norm told me this morning that once the cancer hits the lymph system, chances are it has spread. There is still hope that they wont find cancer cells throughout the whole lymph system, but that seems unlikely. The doctors have diagnosed her with stage 3 cancer. There are 4 stages of this cancer- stage 4 is when the cancer attacks the other internal organs of the body (which has not happened). God could obviously do whatever He wants to do, so we can pray and ask that the cancer cells have not spread throughout her system!! As I have urged in previous postings, let's ask God to do a miracle so that Nichole's life can continue to speak for His glory and the expansion of His Kingdom! She is still faithfully trusting and rejoicing in Him, and telling every person she encounters the good news!!
Right now, the doctors have samples of Nichole's cancer and they are testing those cancer cells to see how they react to certain types of Chemo treatments. They then will dose her with two different Chemo treatments at once (for a certain amount of time), then proceed with two different ones. They seem to be doing all that they can to attack this cancer with full force. Please pray that Nichole's body will heal quickly and be strengthened to endure these Chemo treatments. Her body doesn't handle Chemo very well, (she has gotten very sick, nauseous, and has been unable to keep food in her system) so she will need the Lord's grace and kindness to endure! Please begin praying for this now!
At present, Nichole seems to be doing well. She is completely off of pain medication, which seems miraculous in my mind, knowing the surgery she just had. She is taking short walks every two hours. She still isn't ready for visitors. Rather than checking in with Norm, I will try to keep you posted as to when she is ready, as I'm sure will Sue. If you aren't on Sue's email list, you can email her and ask to be added (lebersue@hotmail.com). I have been posting her email updates on the blog as well. Nichole and Norm are being well taken care of. Someone is at her side 24 hours a day to take care of her. People have been spending the night with her, and others have taken several hour shifts to be there to care for her. What a testimony of the Body of Christ to the doctors and nurses! I imagine that Nichole is the only one on her floor that has such enduring support! I'm not sure who those people are that have been caring for her, but thank you! Thank you for being a light and a testimony by caring so deeply for Nichole and the family.
I asked about the kids as well. Noah and Ansel are enjoying school more and more. However, all of their little worlds have been turned upside down, as you can imagine. They haven't had their "normal" life for quite some time now, and as you can imagine, this would be extremely difficult. Their mom hasn't been able to be mom. Dad has had to take on more responsibility, and evenings (as we all know!) trying to feed the kids, play with them, get them ready for bed, bathe them, etc, can be more than enough for mom and dad to handle together, let alone for Dad to do on his own. Pray for Norm! Along with caring for the kids, he has a lot to think about, and is caring for his sweet wife as well. And he is still going to work everyday. And we think our own life is overwhelming...take a moment to put yourself in Norm's shoes. Your life is a breeze, isn't it?
I asked Norm how he was doing. He said that he and Nichole are still trusting the Lord, knowing that God causes all things to work out for our good and for His glory. They have spoken in real terms about the future, and Nichole is prepared for heaven. Whether she will be there soon, or if God prolongs her life miraculously, she is ready. As she told me before, I will quote again. "Norm is not mine. He is the Lord's. My children are not mine. They belong to the Lord. He loves them more than I can, and He will take care of them. Of course I want to be there for them, but they would be okay without me." Once again, I am amazed at her perspective. Humble, and truly trusting in the Lord. Both she and Norm are trusting the Lord as they think about the real possibilities. Norm also said that they have been enjoying their time together, and laughing together. They have to be careful how much she laughs, because laughing hurts her tummy! Praise the Lord for this exhibition of joy in trial.
During another memorable conversation I had with Nichole she said this, "All that matters here on earth is that God's Kingdom is grown, and the church is built up. This trial seems to be accomplishing that, and I am so glad for that." Nichole has proven over and over that this is what her life is about. She has been boldly proclaiming the gospel in every circumstance, and has been such an encouragement to the body of Christ, building us up and encouraging us by her example of how to endure trials.
To honor Nichole, and to bring glory to God, reflect today on the things that are important to you. Could you say with Nichole that "all that matters is that God's Kingdom is grown, and the church is built up?" What in your life do you cling to that supercedes or clouds your vision? What is more important to you than God's priorities? What do you think about or worry about that doesn't matter? Resolve to cut these things out of your life and to focus on eternity. You could die tomorrow. Have you done all that you can today to honor God, spread the gospel, and build up the church?