Next Steps

Hey friends and family!

I wanted to pass along an update from Marianne and Louie and invite you to pray with us as they navigate this next chapter.

Dr. H, Louie’s surgeon from Santa Clara, called Louie and Marianne after meeting with the tumor board. The big question now is how far the recurrence has gone. There’s a definite area of concern in Louie’s neck that is cancer, and there are also some suspicious spots in his chest that they’re keeping a close eye on.

Next steps include:

• An EBUS procedure (it’s a specialized scope test to check the lymph nodes in his chest)

• A CT scan with contrast, focusing on his chest

Louie and Marianne are so thankful that Dr. H is staying closely involved, even though he isn't local. He told them he will be watching everything “like a hawk” and will stay in regular contact with Dr. L in Fresno. Having Dr. H so involved and invested in Louie's treatment is such a comfort, especially since he’s a fellow believer! It means a lot to know that Louie is being cared for by someone who shares our faith, prays for his patients, and leans on the Lord daily. What a blessing!

Right now, there are two possible paths ahead:

Pathway 1 – If the EBUS biopsy comes back positive, Louie would start systemic treatment with chemo and immunotherapy to address his whole body.

Pathway 2 – If the EBUS is negative, then Marianne and Louie will head to Santa Clara for a quick neck surgery, which would most likely be outpatient.

Here’s how you can pray and believe with us!

• That the CT scan shows no new concerns!

• That the EBUS biopsy is negative!

• That Louie feels peace heading into the EBUS consult today in Fresno!

• For relief from the mucus, neck tightness, and trouble swallowing!

• For wisdom as Louie considers and prays about whether to have his esophagus stretched, that whatever he decides will be best for him!

In true Louie fashion, he said he’s glad they’re doing the CT scan first—so that we can all see what God has already done. He said it will make the story even bigger for God! I just love that. His faith is so strong, and it encourages all of us. Marianne and Louie both feel God’s peace and presence with them, no matter the outcome! They are continuing to keep their eyes on Jesus and bringing Him glory and honor in the way they walk this out. Please pray for continued resilience, peace, strength, and rest!

Thank you for praying, checking in, and walking alongside Marianne and Louie!

Sara

One Step at a Time!

Happy Saturday!

Louie and Marianne wanted to share a quick update and thank each of you for the incredible prayers, love, and encouragement they’ve felt in this season.

Louie is continuing to feel good and he is planning on taking everything one step at a time, trusting that God will guide him! He’s working, doing his vocal exercises, eating well, and focused on gaining strength. We’re so grateful for the progress he’s making and for the way he continues to set his eyes on Jesus every day. There is a decision ahead for Louie regarding a procedure that could help him swallow more easily, so we would love your continued prayers for wisdom and direction as he considers it.

Louie and Marianne's sweet pups are growing so fast and they continue to bring so much joy to their home right now and keep Marianne busy chasing them around! They came at just the right time and have the sweetest disposition of any dogs I have ever met!

Louie and Marianne also had a special evening this past week reconnecting with some of their longtime friends and neighbors. Hearing how many of them have been praying for Louie and Marianne was truly humbling and so special. After enjoying fireworks, the family circled up to pray over Louie. It was pretty incredible to see neighbors pausing nearby...Marianne's prayer was that those neighbors were silently joining in on their time of prayer and that witnessing this showing of faith would flow into their hearts and homes. 

We also would love to ask for your prayers for Grandma Nita — Marianne’s mom and Louie’s “bonus mom,” as he lovingly calls her. Even though Louie’s parents have both been promoted to heaven, he feels beyond blessed to still have wonderful parents here through Marianne's family.

Many of you know how much Grandma Nita has walked with Louie and Marianne through their cancer journey. She and Louie have always shared a special bond, and now that bond has only deepened. Recently, she underwent whipple surgery and was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. She started chemotherapy this past Wednesday and will be undergoing treatment for the next six months.

Despite the difficult news, the family feels encouraged and hopeful! Nita's doctor marked the "curative" box on her forms. We are standing in agreement and praying for God's hand of healing over her body and increased strength as she walks this out, day by day. The family has already seen God’s fingerprints in the details: some of Nita's medical team cared for Martin during his treatment and one of them even graduated from the same high school as Louie! Only God could weave those connections and allow us to see His goodness in these small ways.

Grandma Nita’s faith is as big and bold as ever, just like Louie’s. They both have the biggest hearts for others, and Louie already jokes that Nita just might have a new "chemo buddy." Marianne and Louie are so looking forward to having Nita come and stay with them to soak up family time. Marianne says Nita has been navigating this season much like Louie has been; with faith, focus, and intentionality. In Nita's words, "Louie’s my hero." Nita has been staying with her son's (shoutout for the amazing care and love the family down south showered her with!) but is now back home! She has been enjoying quiet moments in Martin’s chair, journaling, loving on Casey the cat, and soaking in every phone call and text from friends and family.

And speaking of Grandma Nita, her birthday is coming up on July 15th! She’s always been the one to make sure everyone else feels celebrated, and now it’s our turn to pour love and encouragement right back on her. If you think of her on that day, I know a quick text, call, or prayer would mean the world to her! She loves her friends and family deeply and so very well! 

Marianne and Louie continue to be so thankful for the support system God has surrounded them with, from their church family and neighbors to their family and lifelong friends, and to each of you reading this.

Please keep the prayers coming for Louie and Marianne and for Grandma Nita. Stand in faith and believe with us that God’s got this! They are trusting His will in every area of their lives, and know He is faithful!

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Sara