We couldn't write much last time because we were still processing our difficult situation. We just put the diagnosis on the blog so you would know something.
For our medical friends this is exactly what we were told. It's called Metastic Chelangis Carcinoma or simply put Stage IV Biliary Cancer. I guess this conclusion was drawn from all the MRI's, CAT scan, and blood work. He had the marker called CA 19.9 which I believe is a cancer producing protein. The oncologist in Reston (Dr. Felice) wants to treat this with 2 chemos called Gemzar and Cisplatin. People tell us that these are the "big guns" or "gold standards". But we don't know where we will ultimately go.
We are going for a second opinion on Tues. morning Aug. 10th at Johns Hopkins Liver Dept. They want us to come up there on Mon. night for another MRI. I am expecting Sam to start glowing in the dark soon. That should help me find him in the middle of the night. At least by now he's learned that they won't let you wear jeans in the donut because they have metal brads on them. Next time he'll wear gym pants so he can stay warm :o)
Monday is my birthday so we are going to go up to Baltimore earlier in the day and walk around the Inner Harbor before the MRI and then out to dinner after the test. The next morning we will meet with the Hopkins' team of specialists. Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words. When making comments on this blog, please use the initial of your last name as we know too many folks with the same first names. We are claiming Ps. 71:12; 14-18.
A.B. Tozer said,
"Unbelief says:
some other time, but not now;
some other place, but not here;
some other people, but not us.
Belief says:
anything He did anywhere else He will do here;
anything He did any other time He is willing to do now;
anything He ever did for other people He is willing to do for us!"
years ago, Steve Brown said (and continues to i'm sure) that everytime a non-christian gets cancer, a christian does so God's glory will be seen. it is so true! this is when the truth that you have learned all these years becomes gut level real in ways you never imagined. God's grace truly IS sufficient...for whatever happens. He really IS faithful. all the time, the One in who you have trusted has been trustworthy. just think, sam and joni are going thro' chemo at the same time! you are not alone. there is no question that this is a dark time. our prayers are with you both. martha brady
ReplyDeleteSam and Nan.... You are deep in our hearts and our prayers as we continue to believe God for healing. We are thankful that you are surrounded with a caring and wise medical team and going to John Hopkins will add even more insight. Please know we are standing with you as God gives light for the next step...
ReplyDeleteBobbie and Jim
Sam and Naners, We are with you in hope and prayer. We'll be praying daily, and claiming Ps 71 with you. Also Jn 14:12, the WHOLE verse!!
ReplyDeleteRay and Marf
Sam and Nan, Phil read this from Streams in the Desert this morning and it encouraged us. "Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God." Isa 50:10 "Man's relationship to his God should not be shaken by the fact that he does not understand God's providence. Quite the contrary, when the climb is difficult and rugged and the way is dark, he must desperately cling even more to his faith. For it is the only thing this side of heaven that can give strength and courage to face the obstacles of life's journey."
ReplyDeleteKnow we are clinging in hope to Him and that we love you...Phil and Ann
Thanks again for the updates.... take one step , one push at a time. each day God will give you strength for that day and that moment. We love you and know that you all are already showing so much light to others thru all you are facing! My mom filled me in on the phone too....
ReplyDeleteThe Hunters