My dear Prayer Warriors,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had great holidays. We certainly did. Andrew declared ours the “best Christmas ever!” (as he usually does) so I know you have all been keeping the prayers lifted for us. Thank you.
At my last writing we were preparing to have more tests done and investigating the possibility of some extensive surgery. Overall my tests came back pretty good. The area of concern has decreased in size and contained in its original location. There is no evidence of metastasis! The fluid around my lung is still present but continuing to decrease in volume! Both of these were very good results. My pulmonary function test however showed a decrease in my breathing capacity. We were surprised by this development as I have been told that my breathing function all along has been “superb”. Unfortunately it seems the chemotherapy drugs can have an adverse effect on “good lung” tissue. The UNC surgeon did not feel that my lung function was good enough to pursue the surgery.
Doctor Socinski (my oncologist) has suggested we visit a surgeon friend of his at Duke and we are awaiting that appointment to get another opinion. In the meantime I have been exercising my lungs to try to see if the good lung capacity can be increased and re-visit the surgery option. I will be seeing a UNC pulmonologist to discuss this further. For now I will continue to have a lighter version of the chemotherapy I just finished, since it seems to be working to keep the disease contained. The fluid level has decreased significantly and we have been very encouraged by that. Overall I am feeling pretty well, actually getting back into my office some starting this week.
We thank you so much for your continued prayers. While we wish we could go ahead and get the surgery question answered, we are learning that waiting on the Lord may be just what He intends for us to do. Seeing the fluid level reduction as we wait has been an important lesson. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. There are several things that need our Lord’s attention:
1. Encouragement and peace of mind for my dear family
2. Wisdom for us and the medical team as we pursue future treatment options. Please pray that the Lord will close all doors that lead down incorrect paths. Please pray also for a hedge of protection around us as we continue on this journey.
3. I am developing some sensitivity to one of the chemo drugs. Please pray that I would be able to continue receiving this drug. We are on a schedule of treatment every 3 weeks, beginning on 1/19.
4. Vein access (enough said!)
5. My overall endurance – physical and mental
6. Restoration of my health
We want you to know that your prayers mean so much to us. And please know that God hears your prayers. We are convinced of this many times over as we see God’s fingerprints all over our situation and the many blessings that continue to pour our way. We thank God for you and your dedication to us. And we trust Him with all the details and with the outcome.
Psalm 57:3 “He sends from heaven and saves me…God sends His love and His faithfulness.”
Kay and family
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