Marshall/Kilpatrick Family Updates

Friends and Family,

I know that some of you follow this blog to check up on my mom's progress in her battle with colon cancer.  I have finally found a moment to describe a few brief updates and prayer requests.

Mama is back in Louisville, KY receiving treatment.  She wanted so much to have her treatment in Tupelo, MS.  We all thought treatment in Tupelo was God's will for her so that she could be with her family, but God has placed her back in Louisville for reasons only He may know.

You see, there is a shortage of the chemo medications that Mama needs.  She is on three medications via IV infusions bi-weekly for a total of 24 weeks.  Tupelo's cancer center cannot guarantee that she will receive all three medications.  The best they could do was say that they would give her what they have....give her what they have?  Really?  That's it?  This is my mother's life here that we're talking about and there was no way to get her the medication prescribed to help bring healing to her mortal body?  This was very hard for our family to take.

It must be understood that chemo meds are very specifically prescribed.  One med opens the cells, and another med kills cells, and other meds do other specific tasks.  You must have all the meds working together in order to fight the cancer.

So, Mama began looking for doctors in Memphis and Birmingham...anywhere close to the family that would guarantee the treatment.  However, it seems that the best place is Louisville.  Her doctors in Louisville have the medicine and plan to have it for the duration of her treatment.  However, please pray that this shortage might be overcome with an abundance of the proper drugs.  Other families are struggling with this shortage.  We are blessed that Mama had options, and for that we are thankful and praise our Lord!  Our Provider!!!

Mama received her 3rd treatment this week, so 9 more treatments left.  She had a bad day today...very tired and nauseated.  Please pray that the Lord heal her.  He can cure all ailments, by His Spirit living inside her may her mortal body be healed (Rms. 11)

As far as Josh and I, I thought I'd give a very brief update.  We have been extremely busy since day 1 of being in NC.  North Carolina is beautiful.  We have been blessed with a beautiful home and new German Shepherd puppy. The puppy's name is Julie.  She is about 3 mo. old.  Josh is working and flying everyday.  I am working everyday as well, and will begin Master's coursework in the spring.  I got a job teaching high school earth science and biology at a local public high school.  Additionally, I have been given the opportunity to help as an assistant coach for the varsity girls' basketball team.  God is so GOOD!  We have INCREDIBLE neighbors and friends so far, and could not be more richly blessed.

Just wanted to dedicate a post to a few updates.  Thank you for your prayers!  Oh, and yes, to those that have asked...I did have surgery.  I've been having a few health problems, but nothing too serious.  The surgery was on my hand and wrist.  I had about a 1-2 in. ganglion cyst removed on Tuesday.  My sodium has been a little low lately, so please pray that the Lord also bring healing by His Spirit living inside of me to my mortal body as well.  Our God is the Master Physician.  There is peace and comfort knowing that He is always present and never forsakes His children.