I think it would be good to explain the purpose of this blog at the outset. I want to communicate with as many of you as possible about the status and health of my lovely bride, Cindy Owen. As most of you know by now, a grapefruit sized malignant tumor was surgically removed from her body on Saturday May 13th. The doctors tell us thy were able to get 95% of the cancer. Now through Chemotherapy and other means we will strive to eradicate her body of the remaining 5%. Although Cindy has had some health concerns for awhile, this completely blind-sided us. Before the surgery on Saturday, tests revealed she had a mass hiding behind one of her overies. I naively assumed it would be something harmless. Cancer was not in my mind. Cancer happens to other people; older people. Cancer does not affect healthy 41 year-old minister's wives, does it? And so after her surgery and numerous weeks of recovery in the hospital the sobering reality of cancer is finally beginning to sink in. We are up for the fight, however. As Cindy has said, "I'm putting my boxing gloves on." Those of you who know her understand she is a spunky, faith-filled woman I would not want to tangle with. Cancer does not have any idea who it is messing with! We are both approaching this difficult journey with faith in our sovereign God. Now, let me bring everybody up to speed.

The good news lately is that Cindy's pain is being managed much better. According to her Oncologists this may be due to the effectiveness of her Chemotherapy. The thing that still troubles us is her nausea. This can be attributed in part to the lingering affects of the Chemo. We are really encouraging her to walk and move about more so that she will regain her strength and hopefully be home by the later part of the week. This may be overly optimistic but it is our prayer nonetheless. Cindy is also starting to eat a little better. Walking and eating are crucial as she needs to get stronger to fight the battle. At this time we are not sure how many courses of Chemo therapy there will be. She has completed the first course. So far she has not lost her hair. This, however could come later. There will be another round of Chemo in a couple of weeks. Following several rounds we will then check the progress of the disease. Our prayer is that the tumor will be greatly diminished.

Let me conclude by once again saying thanks for all your prayers and support. You are blessing us more than we could have imagined.

Kevin