Current Need:

The Esther family thanks you for the rides offered to John to St. Louis! He has all the rides he needs for the next few weeks, and will be done with his treatment towards the end of Sept.

Please pray for a clinical trial to open up for John to be a part of. THANK YOU!

Please pray for John's gait to be stable, and that the side effects from chemo. and radiation will be miraculously minimal. That healthy cells be preserved, and the bad ones destroyed. Protection from infection.

Current update: 8-11-08

Give thanks for good news:

1. MRI scan last week, showed no new tumor re-growth!

2. MD Anderson bill showed up: balance due: $0 !!! That's right...nothing due...all payed by insurance! WOW!

3. Duke University Med. Ctr. says they have never seen two complete resections (complete removal of two tumors)...ever!

Please pray:
1. Chemo. starts this week, in St. Louis, Mo....for protection of healthy cell, protection of immune system, that all bad cells would be destroyed.
2. safety in travel to and from St. Louis
3. protection and peace for Irma (Carol's mom) and kids while parents are away
4. strength and health and peace and unity for Carol and John

new prayer requests:as of Aug. 3, 2008

Please pray for the following:
1. That Aug 4th (Monday) MRI results are good news for John.

2. Safety, peace, unity and wisdom for trip to Duke for medical consultation. God's BEST for John...His favor for His Best.

3. Protection for kids and Irma at home in Springfield. Peace and unity in family.

THANK YOU!

Good Morning!!!  The Esther homecoming was  just wonderful.  Banners, balloons, flowers, frig full of food and a clean house and car was amazing.  If you know the Esther house hold this was truly  a treat and blessing.  Every card, email, phone call, dinner, flower, plant, cookie, house cleaning angel has not gone unnoticed.  Every act of kindness has been a blessing on this journey.  I believe you are all a part of Gods army of angels that are going before us to clear our path!!!

John's recovery is miraculous as many of you have witness.  We are walking 2 miles daily,  he has been floating, and out with some cowboys in a covered wagon!!  He is ready for the next hurdle in this battle.  We are heading to Barnes Tues the 29th to get our plan for chemo and radiation.  We are also heading to Duke for a visit with Dr. Friedman to get his opinion on possible clinical trails. 

We continue to ask for prayer: God would give us the perfect strategy for chemo and radiation, favor with care givers, clarity on decision making,  uncomplicated treatment that will not be interrupted,  protection over our children during this time, and  that we will continue to have the peace that surpasses all understanding.

I continue to ask God to bless everyone of you abundantly!!

John's #1 nurse.

Carol

For their homecoming...

WELCOME HOME JOHN AND CAROL!!! At this time , they need space, and time to recover. Call, write, text, email...all are great! No visits for a while, until they are ready! THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING!!!

Well the staff thought not so fast John Esther!! Just another couple of nights. John spiked a fever that they think maybe from the Dilantin. However, Antibiotics and cultures started just to cover all bases!! We are doing great. John is still speed walking and making friends on the way. Kids are doing great thanks to friends annd family!! We are still on target for our homecoming tues after consultation with the best of the best @ M D Anderson to plan our Chemo/Radiation attack. Nadia Cavner is coming by plane to get the remaining Esther Clan. What a blessing!!! Keep locked on target with the prayers. God is good!!John's #1 awesome nurse,Carol

Evening Update

Justed wanted to give another update. John had his post - op MRI today and it shows NOTHING!! No tumor! There is even some talk of a possible discharge tomorrow! We are now up to 16 laps! We love you all! Thanks for being part of this journey!
Maddy and Carol