Hello from Robert,

God is good, and we thank each of you for your prayers and concern as we agonized over getting admitted to the M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Trudy is now officially a paitient and the treatments will begin today.

On her first night, Trudy got a taste of what is probably going to be her "life in the hosptial." Because her blood levels of hemoglobin, and platelets, were quite low, she received a transfusion that took about eight hours. So, from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., she was receiving blood and being checked on the hour. She is a good patient, cooperative and relaxed. She slept between interuptions and this morning is bright-eyed and chipper. In fact, right now she is eating breakfast.

Later this morning she will have a procedure to install the central line through which the chemo will be administered. Sometime this afternoon, the chemo will commence. She says: Thank you for all your prayers." With the Lord's help, she is ready to get going.

I have a nice corner of her room, with a plush "sleeper-chair" (well, okay, not so plush). But the staff here is accomodating to me and they have nice facilities for the family member to be with the paitient. We actually have "room service" for food. Trudy and I both, order off a menu, and within 30-45 min. it is here. Pretty cool.

Again, we are gratefull for friends and family . . . thanks for all the love. We are grateful for the Lord and His evident presence with us. We would appreciate your continued concern, love, and prayers in the days and weeks ahead as the chemo phase comes to Trudy in full force.

Blessings, Robert