December 10, 2014

     Since our last update in October 2014, Jane has continued to suffer from certain side effects related to the hormone therapy protocol.  After consulting with Jane's M. D. Anderson doctors, Jane has discontinued the hormone therapy for the time being.  The doctors, however, continue to treat the side effects related to Jane's cancer and the side effects from the various drugs taken over the past three years.  Although you would never know it because Jane is strong, Jane is in constant pain that often elevates during different times of the day and night.  The doctors are doing all they can and Jane continues to persevere and meet each challenge with positive hope and a renewed sense of vigor. 

    Since Jane was diagnosed with a recurrent, metastasized cancer in October 2011, we have asked all of you to pray for Jane's healing if it is God's will through the intercession of Blessed Bishop Alvaro del Portillo.  Bishop del Portillo (1914 - 1994) started out life as a Spanish civil engineer in the 1930s and then was one of the first three men ever ordained for Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church, in 1944.  He served as the right hand to the Opus Dei Founder, St. Josemaria Escriva, in the formative years of the organization and then succeeded St. Josemaria as the second Prelate of Opus Dei from 1982 to 1994.  On his death in March 1994, Pope John Paul II recalled Bishop del Portillo's "zealous priestly and episcopal life, the example he always gave of fortitude and of trust in divine providence and his fidelity to the See of Peter."  In 2002, a cause for the canonization (sainthood) of Bishop del Portillo was initiated and, in 2012, as approved by Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican announced that his life had been recognized as one of "heroic virtue", which is the first step towards sainthood.  From this time on, Bishop del Portillo was styled as a "Venerable Servant of God".  In July 2013, Pope Frances published a decree declaring the miraculous character of a cure for a young Chilean boy attributed to the intercession of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo.  Bishop del Portillo was beatified on Sept. 27, 2014 in his birth city of Madrid, Spain and is now referred to as "Blessed Alvaro del Portillo."  In the Roman Catholic church, Blessed Alvaro del Portillo needs one more miracle to be attributed to his intercession in order for Blessed Alvaro to be officially declared Saint Alvaro!

     The Christmas season is already upon us as we are in the second week of Advent.  Jane's two sons from LSU will be coming home in the next few days for a month long winter break.  Jane plans to spend a quiet holiday at home with family and friends.  We wish each of you a very merry Christmas and please know how grateful and thankful we are for so many family and friends at this very special time of the year.  We pray for all of you every night. 

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