Just a quick update on David. He has had his radiation and his chemo today. He has handled them well. He continues to drink well but is hardly eating.
Here is what the next few days look like: 1. Chemo -- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. 2. Radiation starts again on Monday and goes through Friday. 3. Mid next week we will be moved to treatments on an outpatient basis. 4. At some point toward the end of next week and extending into the first week or so when we get home Dave will have to have a special shot that stimulates his white blood cells to multiply. He will be on this until his white blood cell count is correct.
Laura and I have had several folks ask what the loss of heteorzygosity means and why is it so bad that David had to get this more intensive treatment. Here is the explanation that made the most sense to me. Each of us have genes that are called tumor suppressor genes. Different genes impact different cancer cells. For David two of the genes that are tumor suppressors for Wilms tumors are no longer working. This means that he has a higher likelihood of relapse and his surival rate drops. Considering his own inability to defend his body from the cancer cells, he has to take this much more aggressive treatment so that the radiation and chemo can do the fighting for him.
We are looking forward to Saturday and seeing Kyle and Hope. We have missed them while we are here and can't wait to spend some time this weekend as a family even if it is on 7 Central.
In a previous post Laura has mentioned a song that I heard on the way here Wednesday night and really liked. The song is filled with several thought provoking verses. The one that continues to rattle around in my brain is "What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise." We all have trials in life, some as serious and frightening as the one we are experiencing but there are many more that we all experience periodically. Any of us could be facing an important life decision for ourselves or someone else, we might experience the trials of our workplace, or a struggling relationship. I think the stress of these situations often have us praying more frequently and by doing so drive us closer to God. So whatever trial you are facing or storm you are weathering look for the mercy of our God that might be in disguise.
From 7 Central have a great weekend. We are so appreciative of each of you.
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Such a great line in the song. Trials are definitely part of being on earth. So sorry your trial is such a difficult one involving your precious David. You are right that they make you stronger and closer to God. I remind myself during trials that God is equipping me for something eventhough I fight it at times. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Michael, you and Laura are such examples of perserverance and strength during your trial. I am sure there are times of weakness but the two of you always seem to remember God's promises and gain strength. Stay Strong!!! Prayers going up for you all! Enjoy your weekend with the whole family together.
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