Ray Harrison.org

Ray Reporting
It has been almost three months since we last made an entry on the blog. We are not sure how many of you check it from time to time, but we hope that some of you, at least, keep up with our sporadic reports.

Last Thursday we made a trip to Indianapolis to see Dr. Abonour, my cancer specialist from the IU Medical Center. He wants me to go and see him every four months for blood and urine tests. The report of the blood test was encouraging. My hemoglobin level was 12.7. The doctor wants to keep it above 12, and if it is above 12, then I don't need to have a shot to stimulate the growth of red blood cells. The blood test also showed that my creatinine level was 2.1. The last time I had it done, it was 2.4. This is a good sign, showing that my kidney function has improved slightly. Today I had a call from Dr. Abonour's nurse in Indianapolis, telling me that the other tests showed no sign of Myeloma cells. It was a great relief to receive this report.

I am continuing to do well and am encouraged by the fact that I can keep up with my responsibilities, both at home and at church. I was raking leaves last Saturday and have been able to do some yard work.  A couple of weeks ago, two of our sons, Dan and Steve, came home for a long weekend. They helped with some of the heavier work outside in preparation for winter and got our Christmas things down from the attic. We appreciate their willingness to make the trip from Boston, and help us in so many ways while they were here.

We praise God for the good report I received and continue to thank Him for the progress I have made since this time last year when I was still quite weak and very limited in what I could do. Thank you for your prayers and continued interest.

Arlene Reporting
On Tuesday of last week Ray saw Dr. Adhami, our cancer doctor here in Ft. Wayne. Ray's blood count was in the 11 point range, but Dr. Adhami felt like he would not need a shot to stimulate the production of his red blood cells. He will have another blood test in a month's time. The kidneys are presently functioning at a 40 % level. The renal doctor will monitor this through Ray's regular four-monthly visits.

Ray continues to be strong and able to do his normal activity. On Saturday he mowed the lawn and is regularly doing his visitation work. He is leading our Wednesday night prayer meeting, and we are very encouraged to see the numbers increasing. The last Sunday of the month, he will be preaching at our Sunday evening service.

I say all this to offer a big praise to God for His wonderful answers to the prayers of His people. Thank you all for being one of those people who have brought the victory of healing.

We will try to keep you updated from doctor to doctor.

Arlene Reporting
On August 4 Ray saw the kidney specialist. At that time the creatinine level was 2.4 - the normal level is 1 or just above. The doctor assured him that he can live a normal life with this amount of kidney function. He also had another blood test at the Fort Wayne cancer center and the hemoglobin level remained in the 12 point range, so no shot was needed. We praise the Lord for every good and positive report that we receive. Thank you for praying.

The complete print-out of our visit to Indy came in the mail this week. The most important thing that we read was: "Your disease is in REMISSION." Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, family of God, for standing with us during our physical need.

Ray is keeping well, mowing, visiting, and working out three times a week at the fitness center. He often hears, "You are looking so good!"