First Visit with Oncologist

We spent Friday morning steeling our minds and our hearts for our first visit with the oncologist. After visits with our surgeon, terms like "bad diagnosis" and "worst case scenario" had framed our thinking. But as we entered the offices, a peace swept over us.

We loved our doctor. She was matter-of-fact but not negative. She described Teresa's disease and said it was not curable. She did tell us that the chemo protocol for this type of tumor was universal and typically the disease did respond to treatment. At some point, the tumor would become resistant to the chemo and we would then have to switch protocols. That's the report in the "natural". However, in the Kingdom of God, the Word of the LORD is the only one that counts. Read Psalm 41:1-3. That's my God.

Our doctor also encouraged us to pursue our appointment at Johns Hopkins on Friday June 29. She was more than happy to work with the research physicians there. That was more encouragement. So we'll take that appointment and then begin chemo treatments on Monday July 2. We will have 1 treatment a week for three weeks and then have a week off. We will have 9 treatments total then we will do another scan and evaluate where we are.

We are also working different things for pain management. We'll keep you posted on that progress. The doctor said there was really no reason Teresa had to deal with any severe pain. They could manage it.

So specific prayer requests:
1. That we will qualify for an advanced clinical trial at Johns Hopkins.
2. That the pain medications will have the desired effect while allowing her to live normally
3. That Teresa's body functions will regain balance
4. Of course, that Jehovah Rapha will heal her completely of cancer
5. That HIS NAME will be made famous in the lives of everyone we meet

We love you all. The Body of Christ is fighting this together and I'm so excited to see what work HE brings in all of our lives as we walk this out.

Your prayers are our best medicine, so keep them up.

We love you all.

Steve

"We are pressed but crushed, persecuted not abandoned. Struck down but not destroyed. We are blessed beyond the curse for HIS PROMISES endure and HIS JOY is going to be my strength. Though sorrows may last for the night HIS JOY comes in the morning."