From: Rachelle MIller [pcm@teleport.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2001 7:36 PM

Subject: When it rains...

Yes, it is really raining in Oregon with a high of 54 today, overcast,
and gloomy.  I love it!  It's a great day to throw a log on the fire,
curl up with a good book, and let the world do its thing.
Unfortunately, that's not exactly how it goes!

Peter is home yet another day feeling yukky.  He had a rough time with
chemo on Friday.  Saturday wasn't too bad, and we did get a couple of
errands done.  Sunday he was a little achy, but we made church.  But
Monday he broke out in a nasty rash on his scalp and face.  The doctor
had him come in because he thought it might be shingles, but, praise
God, it isn't.  It is acne of all things.  So, he started tetracycline.
On Tuesday night he was still feeling achy and had chills.  Great.  I
took his temp and it was elevated.  More calls to the doctor. We think
he has picked up a virus on top of everything.  It is so hard for him
because Peter has never really been sick.  He's used to feeling puny for
a day or so and then bouncing back ready to tackle the world.  Well,
there's not much bounce left in his poor body.  He did stay home today
and tried to work a bit from here.  He seems to be feeling a bit better
this afternoon, but we'll see how things go the rest of the week.  He
has another round of chemo on Friday providing his white blood count is
high enough.

But, (I told you it pours!), he also has some phlebitis...the medicine
inflamed the vein in his arm.  This is disappointing news because, as
you all know, he doesn't have the greatest veins anyway.  New challenges
all around.   But, the Bible tells us that God is the blessed controller
of all things.  We are learning to be patient and to trust Him to do
what is best.  But we don't like it!

Please pray that the virus thing goes away quickly and completely and
that Peter's blood counts will be high enough for him to receive his
chemo treatment this week.  Pray that the tetracycline does its work and
helps his skin heal.  Please continue praying for the family.  We are
all very busy and it is easy to get overly tired ourselves.  (Calvin has
been accepted as a staff member at Webelo Woods, a Boy Scout/Cub Scout
camping experience held this weekend at the coast, Amber is taking her
behind-the-wheel training this week, and Reba is contemplating getting a
second job).

Thanks again for your support.  You make this trek so much easier.

Many hugs,

Rachelle