It’s hard to find adequate words to thank you all for your overwhelming support. We feel your prayers and the love they carry.

Quick update: Maggie is still resting in ICU – at this point only for lack of a bed in the oncology unit (or any other unit, for that matter). We might even be released tomorrow to a bed in the adjoining Courtyard by Marriott. It’s even closer than the Residence Inn up the hill (where we were Thursday evening). We have a second attempt at stent insertion scheduled for Tuesday morning. We’re going to play by ear whether we wait it out here or drive home for a break on Sunday. Phil came in early today with fresh clothes (packed by Molly) and other supplies, so we can do it either way. The procedure chosen by our doctors is a repeat of the same one by the same GI doc. Dr. Saleh (Maggie’s oncologist and the Phase One clinical trial director) has assumed control and coordination of her case, and we’re thankful for his leadership. He gave me his cell number for an added measure of security. The procedure Tuesday will give temporary relief of the constricted bile duct. Once she has recovered from liver distress, Dr. Saleh and his team will evaluate possible long term relief. This will be a critical issue in the days to come. We know she will be unsuitable for another Phase One trial until the issue is resolved. As we understand, the problem is not so much tumor size (we have not heard updated measurements but have been reassured Wednesday’s scan only showed minimal progression) but tumor placement. Saleh described it as an encasement of the bile duct. We’re making this a matter of prayer – not worry. God will lead the team to an answer.

The endoscopic procedure Tuesday is our immediate concern. It will carry all the potential risks as the first, and we would be dishonest if we said we weren’t unsettled by a chance, even slight, of a repeat. We do have the benefit of all hands involved being on high alert. And we also know the guilty artery has been closed off. So we’ll proceed with guarded optimism. We still have the Interventional Radiology approach on standby.

I just can’t say enough how amazed we are at the care we’ve all received. At the very darkest point last night, the EMT’s (with the Fire Department) were incredibly professional juggling all aspects of a chaotic situation – assessing the problem, stabilizing Maggie for transport, dealing with mom in crisis mode, taking down vital information. They have my lifetime admiration. One EMT seemed especially intent on putting me at ease. He started by asking where we lived. When I told him Hattiesburg, he asked if that was USM. We ended up talking about Reggie Collier! Funny where the mind goes in stressful circumstances.

I can’t really describe that compressed time in a crucible – feeling the enormity of events while having to suppress the emotions involved. I’m thankful for my faith – being able to cry out without a sound and never doubt the sure reception of that prayer. I’m blessed watching my girl’s faith – knowing she knows she is in the Surest Hands. She did not waver once. She’s human – she realized the danger and felt fear, but her unshakeable faith held her steady. Her resolve allowed me the freedom to interface with the medical team providing care. And I’m beyond blessed with family and friends – some who reached out privately with offers to come here to be with us and all offering prayer support. It will not go without being said – we couldn’t make this journey without you. Thank you for your commitment to take the hard steps through rocky places to travel this road with us. God bless.