Tentatively Hopeful....

We're back at the hotel now. The evaluation and consultation were long, and there was SO much information. I took notes, but feel a little overwhelmed with it all. However, we both left there feeling hopeful.

Much of what they do at this clinic is based on genetic therapy. So, we won't know our exact treatment plan until they get the results of the genetic testing back later in the week. Wednesday, we'll have an MRI to see if there are any abnormalities in the brain (no jokes, please). And a PET scan to verify if there is any liver involvement, and to be used as a base-line for monitoring the progress (or, hopefully regress) as we proceed through treatment. Apparently it's not totally clear if the liver is involved. The Dr. said that it's very odd for gastric cancer to move into the bones without first affecting the soft tissues, specifically the liver. This could indicate a genetic abnormality, which they think they can treat with some of their genetic therapy. So, PLEASE pray that the liver is not involved.

Tomorrow, they will start Steve on a sodium phenylbutyrate treatment. This stimulates the genes that fight tumors. Due to the aggressive nature of Steve's cancer, they will also start him on an oral chemotherapy. And, depending on the outcome of the genetic testing, there may be some other treatments coming. Thursday, he'll start an amino acid/vitamin IV that will make him feel human again, according to the Doctor.

We should be here between 2 and 3 weeks. After that, we'll continue the treatments at home orally. About six weeks later, there will be another PET scan to monitor how things are going. The Doctor said that the aggressiveness indicates a fast metabolic rate which hopefully means that it will disperse the medication and respond to the therapy fast. So, the first one or two months will be key to measuring the effectiveness.

The financial aspect was a little overwhelming at first. We have a big lump sum due now, which the Lord has already provided through so many people's generosity. The continual, monthly costs are a little worrisome. But, Steve said that this morning, he again read Matthew 6, and was reminded that we're only ever told in scripture to ask for our daily bread. In fact, we're told specifically not to worry about tomorrow. God has ALWAYS been faithful to provide what we need, so we just rest in that.

Sorry this post is so lengthy. There's so much information to digest, I tried to just give you the highlights. Our specific prayer request for today is that the liver is NOT involved.

We were both a little nervous this morning before the appointment. But, several specific things reminded us to be thankful. And that brought peace. So, we say with the Psalmist, "It is good to praise the Lord!" (Psalm 92:1)

Thank you for lifting us up and taking care of us in so many ways.