Rich & Ramona Wagner

We are finally at the point where we can see light at the end of the treatment tunnel! Tonight (Monday, May 21st) Ramona will give herself her 45th weekly Interferon shot. This means there are only 3 injection treatments left. Nothing has gotten easier, the side effects continue to keep her sick all the time, but at least the end is now in sight. Two to three times a week she has a window of an hour or two when she can get out of the apartment to eat at a restaurant or soak in some sun at a park.

It was neat that the Lord opened up one of those windows of time last Friday, as it was out 38th wedding anniversary. It was encouraging to her to be able to eat a real meal at a restaurant; as opposed to whatever I would have made her.

After the last shot we are looking at a 4-6 week recovery time as the medicine works it’s way out of her system. Her red blood cell count fell very low and had to be treated. Now her white blood cell count has fallen to where it’s right on the edge of having to be treated as well. Please pray that the white cell count will stay high enough so as to not require treatment. The treatment is very painful and expensive. Once the medicine is out of her system, this should not be an issue.

On a most excellent note, the Hepatitis C viral count in her body remains at zero. It has been that way for several months. But all that shows is that the specimen of blood taken at that moment, from that specific vein & arm, didn’t have the virus. That’s why the treatment has to continue for a full 48 weeks to make sure that the viral count is really zero, all over her body. At the end of 48 weeks, it should be completely gone.

We have been in contact with Mission to the World with regard to what our next assignment will be. There are several possibilities at this time, and we are waiting on the Lord to open the door that He has prepared for us. Please pray also for this decision.

While we are anxious to get back to work, God has used this time in the states to remind us that He is in absolute control. That He has His plan for us, and that He is working that plan, without surprises, mistakes or hesitation. His grace is, and has been, sufficient for us.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers, expressions of love & concern and help with the medical expenses. God has used you to help bring us through this difficult time.

Lord Bless,

Rich