Jim and Trudie returned to Sugar Land this past Wednesday. Mom had bloodwork and a doctor's appointment yesterday at MD Anderson. The doctor is pleased that Mom has suffered no adverse side-effects after resuming the "double chemo drug" treatment. She's a tough one.... our Trudie is! She is at chemo today. Mom and Dad plan on staying in Sugar Land until after her next chemo treatment in a couple of weeks, then they might try to return to Waxahachie for a few days. Trudie is tired of highway driving and living out of a suitcase, and the Sugar Land home is the best place to be for comfort and TLC.

Mom's sister, Ruby Langley, passed away peacefully this evening in Marshall, Texas. An elder from her church (and son of her life-long best friend) was sitting at her bedside reading to her from the Bible when she passed. Ruby's journey here on earth is done, and her reward is that which awaits all Christians...everlasting peace in Jesus' arms. God bless you, Aunt Ruby. You are loved and will be missed!

A graveside service will be held at Colonial Gardens Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in Marshall, Texas. In lieu of flowers, Aunt Ruby would have loved for donations to be made to the church she loved so much: Eastern Hills Church of Christ, 2705 East Travis Street, Marshall, Texas 75672.

Mom had all her scans and tests repeated last Wednesday and met with Dr. V the following day. Results are still fairly positive, even though her tumor marker had increased by a slight 36 points and there might have been a little change in the lung lesions. The doctor felt this could be resulting from (1) the stress Trudie has been under due to the ongoing decline of Aunt Ruby; and/or (2) the cancer becoming resistant to the current chemo treatment. At Mom's chemo treatment on Friday, she began receiving two chemo drugs ....the same treatment that she originally started with over a year ago. It makes for a longer stay at chemo each session (about 8 hours), but we are pleased that Dr.V is being pro-active. Trudie's faith never falters and her attitude continues to be outgoing and optimistic. Dr. V said Mom "is a super-star".

Mom and Dad loaded up the car this morning and headed to Waxahachie for a few days. Mom said the house was c-o-l-d when they got there, but it sure was good to be home!

Mom and Dad braved the winter conditions and made it safely back to Sugar Land today. Aunt Ruby is still under hospice care. Mom is scheduled to be at MD Anderson tomorrow around 4:30 for a long evening of tests and scans. She meets with her doctor on Thursday afternoon to find out the latest results, and to determine how her treatment will proceed. Please continue to keep her in prayer...as we ask God for positive and encouraging results this week.

Mom and Dad have returned to Marshall, Texas. Aunt Ruby continues to decline, and has stopped eating and drinking. She blessedly seems to be in no pain, and she seems more at rest when her sister, Trudie, is there. Please continue to pray for Ruby. Her struggles here on earth will soon be rewarded by our loving Father in Heaven.