February 20, 2009


Dear friends,


Greetings from Denmark!


We have decided that Peter should go to the hospital in Munich, Germany for intensive cancer treatment. He leaves on Tuesday and will be there for 3 weeks.


We have consulted with many of our friends, family and supporters who have encouraged Peter to go. We’ve also talked with Peter’s doctors in the US, who’ve given their green light. In addition, we’ve heard from several people who know the St. George Hospital, who have strongly recommended it. So, although it’s been a very difficult decision (considering the huge financial costs and whether or not this is the right treatment approach for Peter) we’ve come to this conclusion and we feel peace about it.


This has been a tough week for Peter. He seems to be at the end of his ropes. He is utterly miserable and so desperate for this to be over… or at the very least to experience some relief from the terrible constant itching that has tormented him for well over 2 years now. It is heartbreaking to watch someone you love suffer so much, and feel completely helpless. There is nothing that gives him relief. He cries a lot at night. Not because he’s sad, but because it’s the only way he can release the stress this is causing. He is not angry or bitter, just tired, frustrated and weary.


The doctors at the hospital expect Peter’s tumor load to dramatically decrease in the 3 weeks he’s there. Depending on how it goes, he may have to go back 1-2 times for 2 weeks at a time (with 4-6 weeks between). It is Peter’s hope that, as the tumors decrease/die, the itching will subside as well. It is believed that the itching is caused by an allergic reaction (only affecting 1/5 of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients) and that the tumors give out something into the body, that irritates the nerve-endings as it comes out through the pores of the skin. Even if the next 3 weeks of treatment does nothing else than take away the itching, it will be worth every penny (but I firmly believe it will do much more than that).


The big question: How do we pay for this?


The initial 3 weeks of treatment will come to approx. $35,000 (plus possible follow-up treatment later). A kind person has donated $8,000 and has offered to loan us the rest, in order for Peter to start treatment immediately. We’ve said yes to the offer, knowing that we have no idea where the money will come from. Even if we have to pay off on the debt the rest of our lives, we feel we need to do this. But at the same time, we trust in God, that He will help us erase the burden of this debt as soon as possible. Peter’s sister has offered to help us by attempting to raise the funds. She is opening up a special account for this purpose, in order for us to be able to receive the donations tax-free (saves us the 50% Danish income-tax). More info. will come out soon, for those who might want to help us out financially. We´re grateful for any help, small or big. There is an appropriate Danish saying that goes: “many small creeks make a big river.”


We are so ready for this to come to an end soon. It has been a long tiring journey, and we are all weary of the battle. I want to see my husband back to full strength, enjoying the life God has given him, fulfilling the plans ahead of him and I want to see him completely free from pain and misery. The day will come. I know it!


Thank you for standing with us. It is a critical time for our family and we are more than ever aware of the importance of the many meaningful friendships God has entrusted to us.


Blessings,


Shanie