Update on Chris-July 3-Additional information

Hi everyone, Mandy just called and they need our focused prayers throughout the day today and especially this evening.

Chris' oncologist is back in town and came to see them this morning. Chris' platelets continue to remain around 40,000, which is very, very low. The doctor explained that they cannot start any new chemo treatments until the platelet count is at least 100,000 (that is a drug requirement). The oncologist, Dr. Mennel, point-blank told Chris and Mandy this morning that even if Chris' platelet count gets up to the requirement of 100,000 and they begin a trial chemo effort, he does not feel like it will work. Chris has decided that he wants to go home, but Dr. Mennel does not feel like he is well enough to do so without help.

Tonight at 6:30, Chris and Mandy will be meeting with Dr. Mennel and hospital representatives to set up hospice care.

Mandy has specifically asked for our prayers as they prepare for this meeting tonight -- that they will know what questions to ask and that they can get answers to those questions. Mandy said that she has pretty much cried herself out for now and is operating in crisis mode. Please be in prayer for the entire Joyce family.

Thank you.
Kathie