How God Used Facebook to Save my Husband's Life

Steve at Duke University Medical Clinic

Steve loathed Facebook since the day I created my account. He says "Facebook isn't good for anything but gossip and confusion!"

March 2012, Steve had a lung biopsy diagnosing IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). We were basically told it was terminal with no treatment available. The news left a lump in my throat that I couldn't swallow. I felt
like I was branded with a searing hot iron. My pain burned deep and Steve felt worse than me. I prayed to God for help and answers. I joined a Facebook group called Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness. I didn't visit it or read too often, it was just too depressing.  A lady posted in January praising Duke University for their knowledge and treatment of IPF. Immediately, I called for Steve an appointment. Surprisingly, I got one for March 1st just five short weeks from the day I called. I marveled how I got the appointment without a referral and so quickly.

I read a touching book by Rose W. Long this week Waiting for a Miracle. You should get one. She quotes Romans 8:28 many times "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." God amazed me once again. If He doesn't amaze you, you should let him! All things do work together for good to them that love God. Nearing the appointment date, Duke called wanting several pieces of information stat or the doctor was canceling Steve's appointment. They needed...

• the referring doctor
• cd of his last ct scan
• pulmonary records including biopsy

Steve conference me on the phone with them. Action is one of my best qualities although I innocently answered "No one referred us I just called". The voice on the other end said "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that and ask again." I said "Our family doctor." The voice said "I need a pulmonary referral but I'm going to make an exception this time." Shew! We jumped the first hurdle. I picked up a CD of his CT scan from Murray Medical over-nighting it to Duke. We failed at getting the records from Redmond where his biopsy was done. Nevertheless, Duke called us after they received the CT scan to confirm his appointment, one day before we needed to leave. I forgot to mention several times during the five weeks, Steve asked me to cancel the appointment. I could not bring myself to cancel it and on the Monday before the appointment, Steve decided to go. It was a long 7-hour trip one way but praise Jesus was it worth it!

Almost three weeks after the appointment we finally got the news Steve has a rare autoimmune disease called Antisynthetase Syndrome. He starts treatment with two drugs this week. The best news we've heard in a year concerning his illness. The Duke doctor is optimistic the drugs will slow or even stop the disease. In some cases, lung damage has been reversed. He should see results from the drugs as quickly as two weeks. My words cannot convey the overwhelming joy in my heart nor the thankfulness I have for each of you that prayed for him. If you took just a moment from your day to whisper his name to God or send positive thoughts his way...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! We are eternally grateful.

If you read my newsletter last week, I hope you felt the intensity with which it was written. Steve's tests are posted online. Google is my friend and I figured he had this syndrome which was prematurely diagnosed pending test results. God confirmed it for me as I was writing with tears of gladness streaming down my face for he ran my cup over. Please continue to pray for Steve as he starts treatment. Drugs are unknown but God always knows! I doubt Steve will open a Facebook account but I'm sure his opinion of it has changed. God used Facebook to lead us to hope. Steve's new motto "Hope is a wonderful thing!" Truly, all things work together for good to them that love God.

Grateful for His Hope,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap