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Wednesday May 4th, 2016

In one of the early excellent books that Karen and I read together after her diagnosis of over a year ago warned us that the time would probably come when we would feel very much alone. Everyone is busy and has a life to live and plenty to do this author warned. Therefore cancer patients who are wise should start preparing for the day when feelings of abandonment would set in.

For many that is probably the sad reality. However, we realize that we are extremely blessed with the tremendous support team that God has built in our lives. We are surrounded by such a company of very dear folks who not only care about us, but who also faithfully pray. Many are asking the Lord to do great things that only He can do. I am so excited to tell you that the Lord is indeed doing great things. Let me share some news and an update.

From Karen’s recent PET scan the news is good. Very good! Our Oncologist tactfully and tenderly shared with us that Karen’s outcome is not the typical outcome for those with Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. For those who know my Karen and love her, why are we not surprised that she is not the typical! Our Oncologist told her “You have responded so well to treatment that I hardly know what to do with you!” We laughed together and he then shared with us that he was sending us to Dr. Roger Ove, the Radiation Oncologist for consultation.

Last week we had a great office visit with Dr. Ove who explained to us about the new and quite amazing treatment called “Cyber Knife” surgery. With this amazing technology comes times of very specific testing. This was further explained to us today as we met with the University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Christopher Towe who is ordering a high definition CT scan as well as an ultrasound guided thoracentesis which will remove the remaining little amount of fluid in the bottom of her lung. This will be tested for cancer cells. When these tests are completed, unless something more turns up in the testing, Dr. Towe will implant gold particles around the mass. Soon thereafter Dr. Ove will perform surgery that requires no incision and has no stitches. The reason for the gold is to guide the cyber knife as the patient breathes. The goal of this cyber knife surgery is the obliteration of the cancerous mass! While obliteration of the mass is the goal, doctors cannot pronounce her “cured” because a tiny particle of cancer may still be present. Having said all that, let me share with you that I am thrilled for the possibility of such surgery. I have been telling my family that my new favorite word is “obliterate!”

We realize that we have hurdles over which we must pass! Something could still surface which would prevent the cyber knife surgery. We truly are placing this in the Lord’s hands. If it would be His will, we would be thrilled to have this cancerous mass, you guessed it, OBLITERATED! So as we come to your minds, thank you so much for your prayers and interest. It will take about a week before we hear of our first test appointment. I promise to keep you updated on any news. It is such a joy to know that of all the emotions we both have experienced, the profound sorrow of abandonment is not one of them.

“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). This is the truth that blesses us and the outcome that secures us. He is our Father Who cares for us. He is our Sovereign Who has everything under control. Karen and I thank you so much for your prayers and we will indeed keep you posted!