Feeling Better Today

I saw Sister Farrell myself today when picking up Rev. Farrell for Wednesday services. It was great to see her as you might imagine. She said she had walked around the house some and was feeling a little better compared to the past several days. Appetite still lacks but she's not feeling ill.

Tomorrow she goes to her doctor for a routine pre-chemotherapy check-up. Chemo is still scheduled for this Friday or Saturday.

Her other son and his wife and kids will be visiting this weekend.

Little Brother Scott

Sister Farrell's Status Unchanged

Rev Farrell has updated me so here goes...

Sister Farrell continues to rest comfortably. She woke up this morning without pain but continues to lack an appetite sufficient to maintain her appropriate body weight. This is not unusual for a liver cancer patient so continue to pray for this area of concern.

The expectation to return for round #2 of chemo this Thursday or Friday remains on target.

There seems to be a little confusion about this blog that I'll endeavor to clear up now. The electronic signature for each posting reads "Sister Farrell." This is a function of the blog's programming. Sister Farrell has enough going on without running a blog so know that she's not creating any of these posts. Thus far I've made all the posts, most often after conferring with Rev Farrell for up-to-date and accurate information. I sign them "Little Brother Scott." Rev Farrell and Sister Farrell have known me as their spiritual little brother for nearly 14 years or so. I offered to run this blog to keep their many friends and family updated so they could reduce phone calls and concentrate on following doctor's orders (Sister Farrell's regular physician and the Great Physician).

When comments to a posting are made they come to me. I in turn forward them on to the Toussaint home where Sister Farrell is recuperating. Her son-in-law passes them to her as they get them.

It's likely some daily updates won't get posted to well into the evening for various reasons. Some days may go without an update altogether. Please DO NOT interpret this as "bad news" being withheld. The Farrells are obviously well-grounded spiritually and do not see any need to keep anyone in the dark. As specific prayer needs arise the information will go out so the prayer warriors can approach God's throne with confidence and with specificity.

The Farrells are all very grateful for the love and outpouring of the support during this trial. Together we grow in grace as our church body is perfected by our Triune God.

Little Brother Scott
Tampa, FL

Resting and Cheerful

Rev. Farrell just called and gave me an extensive update, which I'll condense here. Sister Farrell continues to recuperate and awaits her second round of chemotherapy, tentatively scheduled for this Thursday or Friday. One of her older spiritual sisters from Jamaica came in to help with the chores. Her Tampa Covenant Church family has availed themselves 24/7 and been much help in numerous ways. Rev Farrell is particularly grateful to Pastor Eric. Several visitors dropped by over the weekend. While Sister Farrell is still tired and lacking somewhat in appetite she finds time to laugh and talk and get around the house some.

That's about it for now. Sister Farrell and the family are grateful for the outpouring of support and wishes to get that message out to all of you following her trying journey here on this blog.
Another son will be dropping in later this week, which will certainly be another breath of fresh air. Continue to pray as we seek the Lord's goodness and mercy together.

If there's not a posting on any given day that is a strong indicator that there weren't any drastic changes. Keep stopping by sisterfarrell.blogspot.com anyways.

Little Brother Scott

Special Guests Drop In

Sister Farrell's day was much like yesterdays--feeling alright but still a light appetite. One of her sons and another relative dropped over to visit to brighten her day.

For those of you keeping track of Sister Farrell's progress here you'll note that this blog allows for comments. If you want to get a message to Sister Farrell or a family member you can leave a comment and I'll forward it on to her, or print it and deliver it.

Tomorrow is our day for corporate Christian worship. As you gather with the faithful saints in your local congregatin rejoice with your whole heart.

Little Brother Scott

Best Day in a While

For the first time in a while Margaret wasn't in pain today. She rested well last night. Nice days are always a joy and we take them when we God gives them.

Little Brother Scott

Laughing and crying

Rev Farrell said earlier today that Sister Farrell both laughed a little and cried a little today. While able to play with the grankids some there's still some physical pain from her condition. Her appetite continues to drag a little. The family is holding up yet continues to covet the prayers of the saints.
Rev Farrell confirmed that the cancer is present in both the liver and the small intestine. I failed to mention that over the past few days.
We have a great God who sees all. Take joy in our Savior and pray unceasingly. We walk by faith, not by sight.

God bless,

Little Brother Scott

Wednesday's Report

Sister Farrell continues to recuperate. Per Rev. Farrell her desire to eat isn't where it should be and she's still a little lethargic. She did walk around the house some though today. Tomorrow she has an appt with her doctor but the timetable for the next round of chemo remains the same.

Little Brother Scott

Sister Farrell Out of Hospital !!

Rev Farrell called moments ago and informed me that Sister Farrell was indeed discharged from the hospital and back at home ("The Toussaints"). She had a good nights' rest and I'm certain grateful to be back in familiar surroundings with some of her beloved granchildren running about in her midst.

Round #2 of chemotherapy is still scheduled for about two weeks from now. Rev Farrell wishes to extend his thanks for the prayers for Sister Farrell and "the caretakers" (the family). God has won the war but we continue to stay in the battles as our faith commands us. Keep praying and watching. He is worthy.

Until later,

Little Brother Scott
Tampa, FL

P.S. Names have been seldom mentioned as this is not a private weblog.

Monday Evening Update

I received a phone message from Rev Farrell today who is up North visiting one of his sons. I didn't get to speak with him but he sounded good and at peace so I trust the last 48 hours for Sister Farrell have been without surprises. At church Sunday they announced she would be home Tuesday (June 21). Last I heard she was to go home today. Whatever the case it seems she's about to get a break from being hospitalized, which is wonderful news.

I'll endeavor to get this blog better organized and with more specific information as the days unfold.

I'm certain further prayers are in order and that the whole Farrell family appreciates their being held up in prayer. When cancer strikes a loved one it hits everyone hard. Yet our God is bigger than cancer and sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases. Our trust and hope is in Him.

God bless,

Little Brother Scott

Chemotherapy underway

Rev. Farrell wishes to relay the following--Sister Farrell has begun her chemotherapy as of last night (Friday). She should be discharged on Monday, which she'll be excited about as she has been hospitalized since June 2.

Thus far she's still "resting comfortably" according to Rev. Farrell. After this round of chemo concludes she'll have a two-week break before the second round.

As the family relays information it will be passed on here.

Little Brother Scott
Tampa, FL

Latest study went well

Rev. Farrell asked me to give a report regarding this morning's test performed on Sister Farrell. A second biopsy was performed on the duodenum to ascertain the nature of the suspicious area. Sister Farrell tolerated the procedure well and was back in her room resting comfortably by 1:30pm today (EST). This was the same test performed a couple of days ago. The results of that initial test were "no diagnosis," hence the repeat test today.

I suspect the results will be available tomorrow although on this point I'm not certain. The oncologist will lay out the chemotherapy options once he's certain he knows the cell type of the cancer (liver and/or duodenum). As expected, Sister Farrell and the whole family have placed their lives at the foot of the cross and trust God is hearing their prayers and the prayers of the saints.

The Farrells thank you for your "prayers and concerns."

Sincerely,

Little Brother Scott
Tampa

Today's Update

Our beloved Sister Farrell is currently hospitalized at Tampa General Hospital with the diagnosis of liver and colon cancer. As one might expect with a sweet Christian women who has witnessed for Christ in many nations the phone calls are pouring in for updates, prayer offerings and well wishes. It's also evident that while this news hits all of us hard it's especially trying on those in her immediate family.

In order to allow God's healing balm to minister to Sister Farrell and her family please use this weblog as a source for updates in place of phone calls to either the Toussaint/Farrell home or to Sister Farrell's hospital room. To date the calls have been plentiful and with chemotherapy looming rest for SisterFarrell and her family is vitally important.

The family has granted their approval for this mode of disseminating information. Comments and questions left may not be answered but it's likely future updates will address many common concerns.

Sincerely,

Brother Scott
Spiritual Little brother to both Sister Farrell and Brother Rev. Farrell