New developments

We want to let everyone know, we are safe, as well as my sister's family and her in-laws (Carl & Sharon). Our hearts are certainly heavy with the news in Oklahoma today. We now understand  firsthand what it is like to walk through something unexpected knowing your life will never be the same. As we watched the coverage of the destruction and saw the devastated looks on the survivors' faces it brought tears to our eyes. All we knew to do was pray for those precious families the same way you have been lifting us up. We have included some photos below of the destruction very near Carl and Sharon's home.

 

 

 

Before Oklahoma became a hotbed of national attention, we had some encouraging developments in my treatment plan and I can gratefully report several folks from MD Anderson are providing help and direction. I am so thankful for those who have advocated on my behalf at MDA and for all of you, my faithful prayer warriors. Dr. Benjamin communicated with my OKC oncologist. My diagnosis was confirmed and my treatment plan set in place (a significant change from the previous post). From what I understand, I will begin treatment before I see Dr. Benjamin again.

 

-- Dr. Benjamin recommends radiosurgery (a targeted radiation treatment) on my C7 vertebrae first. I can do this treatment in OKC or in Houston, it is my decision. From what I understand, treatment could last one to two weeks with one treatment per day.

--Following radiation recovery (2-4 weeks), I will be doing a less intense, outpatient chemotherapy in OKC. Although details are vague, I think each round is three weeks. If I tolerate it well and it is effective, Dr. Benjamin's PA said I may undergo six rounds (eighteen weeks).

-- There wasn't much discussion beyond that but I assume the next step will be surgery to remove the primary tumor in my right forearm.

-- I am sure there will be more steps, possibly treatment, but I pray a thanksgiving celebration will be the final step because I will be clean. You will all be invited and we will p-a-r-t-a-y, giving all glory to God!

 

Please lift up the following:

-- Survivors of the devastation in Newcastle & Moore as well as ongoing recovery & rebuilding efforts.

-- Wisdom in making a quick decision about whether to do my radiosurgery in OKC or Houston.

-- The treatment plan set forth will be effective in eradicating my cancer.

-- My body would be able to tolerate each treatment successfully, and I would have God-sized strength, endurance and trust in Him during the treatments.

-- For healthy weight & muscle gain in the downtime. My back continues to ache. I start to worry why. Pray it subsides.

-- For the cancer to shrink and not spread in the waiting.