News, but also a reminder

First, the update: Mom is in good spirits most of the time, and looks and sounds good, although she feels pretty bad -- she's coughing a lot, and that hurts her sternum every time. But the fluid/collapse situation is as before, and they're talking about trying steriods to reduce the inflamation (but they might mask any infection that starts) or going to surgery to put in a chest tube so she can drain constantly, in the hope that reduced fluid pressure, in combination with the breathing treatments, will help her expand her lungs. She also got more packed cells (red blood cells, so blood without the plasma) yesterday 'cause her count was down again. So please pray for:

• coughing only as much as needed to clear her lungs, and less pain with that
• continued energy to walk, talk, and so on
• a good decision from the doctors about the fluid in her lungs
• eventual (soon?) reinflation of all of her lung
• that everything else would stay on track: blood count, blood pressure, heart working well, etc.

However, I was reminded this morning that however worried and sad I am about how well she's doing, she really is doing pretty well and there are many folks with many more problems. 2 couples we were friends with in college are going through some really hard times right now, and I'd appreciate your prayers for them too:

• John and Abby lost their 16 month old son, James, a few weeks ago (late August). He had many medical problems, but seemed to be doing better, and I cannot imagine the emptiness they face each morning when they get up with no little boy to take care of.
• Xiao has cancer with tumors in his brain; he's in the midst of chemo and radiation, but his body is so weak they can't do all they'd like. Right now he's lost the ability to walk and talk for the most part. Michelle is incredibly confident in God's ability and will to heal him, and it's inspiring to read. But I know it must be really scary for her and their kids, and also for Xiao.

(If you read this, know John, Abby, Xiao, and Michelle, and didn't know about this stuff, you can contact me and I'll get you more info.)