General Update

 

From Doris:

Remission

My oncologist told me at my appointment in April that I was in remission. He clarified that the depth of my remission was uncertain. I did not know that remission could be measured at different levels. My level of remission will be tested after I complete another year of treatment. Thankfully my treatments are limited to taking oral chemotherapy drugs.

By definition, remission is “the reduction or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a disease, particularly cancer, indicating a temporary or permanent improvement.”

Recently, as I was partaking of the sacrament, I was reminded that the word remission had a spiritual meaning as well as a physical one. Each Sunday as I partake of the sacrament, I am seeking for a remission of my sins. Both my spiritual healing and my physical healing are dependent upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual remission can also indicate a temporary or permanent improvement. Only the Lord knows my heart and how sincerely I have repented.

 As I pondered this parallel, I realized again that the most important healing I desire is spiritual healing.  I want to be healed from my sins so that I am not only forgiven of my sins (justified) but purified from the effects of those sins (sanctified).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, June 2001 Ensign

“To be sanctified through the blood of Christ is to become clean, pure, and holy. If justification removes the punishment for past sin, then sanctification removes the stain or effects of sin.”

I want to be healed from my cancer and live a long, healthy life. However, if I had to choose between being healed from cancer or being healed from my sins, I would choose the latter. Cancer only affects my physical body in this life. My resurrected body will be free of cancer. That is certain. Unrepented sins will affect my eternities.

 I am determined to spend whatever amount of time I have here in mortality repenting of my sins. I cannot control what happens to my physical body, but I can repent and claim the promise of eternity with God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and my family.

 I look forward to the day when I will fall on my knees and praise Jesus Christ for healing me both physically and spiritually and allowing me to experience eternal life.

From Paul:

Cycle 13 of 24

As of May 21, 2026, Doris is beginning cycle 13. All the indicators show success in her treatment. We also find that Doris’ strength is improving. Sometimes she feels enough improvement to tackle a little more than she should. Fortunately, she recovers after a rest, or at worst, by the next day. She continues to be able stay for the entire hour of sacrament meeting, and we even were able to attend the endowment at the temple two weeks ago. We are going to try that again this week. 

Her walking routine consists of walking around a mile. The actual distance varies but is generally between 0.9 and 1.4 miles four times a week. Her pace for walking those distances continues to improve.

Each day that passes is not without a reminder that we had expected to be in England. We have passed the year mark from when we were to report to the MTC. As we were talking today, we feel a sense of loss, and mourning. However, we trust that God has taken everything into account and that in His economy there will be nothing lost. At this point we are viewing things through that dark glass, because we don’t have a full understanding. 

We carry on in faith and strive to find joy with each day.