Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

This is my grandson Cianan in a bounce house at a pumpkin farm near Manteca. Sam and his family came to visit me this week for three days - slightly exhausting with two little ones but full of laughter too. Thanks to Jennifer for her help in the kitchen and to Sam for his help around the house.

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for praying for me. The Lord is answering in amazing ways. In my previous blog, I mentioned that there were some test results that would not be available until Wednesday. Praise the Lord, the results were very positive:

a) The first measure was my M-Spike. An M-Spike measures antibodies or parts of antibodies found in unusually large amounts in the blood of multiple myeloma patients. A high M-Spike is a sharp pattern that occurs on protein electrophoresis when a myeloma protein is present. My M-Spike decreased from 0.9 in July and 0.1 in October.

b) Secondly, was my Free Lambda chains, which in myeloma patients are produced at abnormal levels by the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Measuirng the Free Lambda chains is a tool used for monitoring the response to therapy and as a marker of progression or relapse. My Free Lambda chains decreased from 32.0 in July and less than 5.7 in October.

The doctor at UCSF called these results "a great response" and that I am almost at the point when I would benefit from a stem cell transplant. UCSF is recommending that I complete Rounds 5 and 6 chemo here in Modesto before a decision needs to be made regarding the stem cell transplant. Round 6 should be complete by Thanksgiving.

Medical Update:

1) I have completed Round 4 of chemo and will start Round 5 on Monday, October 25, 2010.
2) My blood thinner (Coumadin) has been increased from 7.5 mg per day to 10.0 mg per day.
3) My right ankle is still swollen but does not hurt or restrict movement.
4) My right clavicle is still healing (Cianan is too heavy for me to pick up).
5) My appetite is good and I am eating mostly organic foods with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with green tea.

Please pray that God will:

a) Be glorified in all He is doing in this trial
b) Help me to depend totally on Him
c) Continue to draw me closer to Him
d) Show me His truth in His Word
e) Direct me in future treatment decisions
f) Give my doctors wisdom beyond their capabilities
g) Bless all those who are ministering to me

Thank you again for your prayers. There is nothing too hard for God. Be encouraged to lay every need at His feet - especially if your trial appears to be impossible in your own strength. He is more than able and is full of love toward you.

Standing safely in the cleft of the Rock,

Jane