October 23, 2007

A Note from Dr. Cook

I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and concern and prayers. I feel so blessed to have people praying for me.

Overall, the doctors have been optimistic, and have noted that I have had fewer complications and side effects than most chemo patients at this stage in the treatment. However, while I have not had as many complications as some patients, I still have had to deal with many side effects of the very strong chemo drugs they are giving me. The night-time, in particular, has been tough, as I have not slept well and seem to have more problems at night. Please pray that some of these problem areas—such as my body retaining many extra pounds of excess fluid, still having a low platelet count, and dealing with nausea—will get better in the next few days. For all of us who struggle with this illness, it is just an hour by hour challenge. I have been encouraged by what the doctors have said so far, but this has still been a very difficult time for me. Please pray that I will be totally healed.

I do feel so very close to God. I do not know how people are able to make it without a daily walk with God. He has been my comfort and my strength, and I have felt His arms of love enveloping me. I feel like a little child being held in God’s arms.

Sheila, Mark, David, and Nicole, of course, have all been so wonderful. Our youngest son, Mark, is in England studying for the semester with a program set up by Samford University in Alabama, where he is currently attending school. Mark came home and spent two nights here in the hospital with me, and it was such a special time. David is in SMU Law School, and, of course, he as spent several nights here in the hospital too; that is a real blessing. Then, dear Sheila has been here all the time helping me, and she has had to sleep on that little couch several nights. She is the most wonderful wife I could have ever hoped for.

I will give another report later. I just wanted to write all of you and say thank you so very much for your prayers. In the meantime I am holding on to Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-13. These are my two life verses.

Thank you for loving me and being my friend. I feel most blessed to have friends who pray for me on a daily basis.