Thursday, June 16th, 8pm
Dear Ones,
We're trying to digest all that happened today: two doctor appointments and the first MRI since finishing radiation. First we met with a new Internist who had been recommended as a very good Primary Care Physician. We were very impressed with her and relieved to have that piece of the puzzle in place.
Next came the MRI which was read by the Neuro Oncologist at our afternoon appointment. "That looks great- nice and clean, no swelling, nothing going on!"
"Why did you have so much trouble with (weaning off of) the Decadron?" At this point there is no answer to that question. Katy is again cutting down on the steroids and so far, no problems. Thank you, Lord for these wonderful steps.
At that point we were anticipating his schedule for the chemotherapy he had indicated Katy would be using for a year. It seems that things are not so clear as we had thought. He said that Katy has three choices: Temador (chemotherapy drug) now; do nothing until the tumor recurs, then treat; take part in a study using Temodar and Motexafin Gadolinium together. The doctor decided to consult the Tumor Board next Monday before recommending a treatment plan.
He wants to let Katy have 3 weeks off to recover, return to work and weigh her options. Anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas are rather rare; treatment options are few. It is known that that type of tumor responds to radiation; chemotherapy results are unsure.
What is sure is that God is sovereign and loving. We continue to marvel at His faithfulness and daily miracles.
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for these things for Katy:
1. wisdom in making medical decisions
2. being able to get off steroids totally
3. getting back to work successfully
4. that there would be no other side effects from radiation
Please know we can feel your prayers and are grateful.
Love,
Rick, Patty, Lenny and Amy
We're trying to digest all that happened today: two doctor appointments and the first MRI since finishing radiation. First we met with a new Internist who had been recommended as a very good Primary Care Physician. We were very impressed with her and relieved to have that piece of the puzzle in place.
Next came the MRI which was read by the Neuro Oncologist at our afternoon appointment. "That looks great- nice and clean, no swelling, nothing going on!"
"Why did you have so much trouble with (weaning off of) the Decadron?" At this point there is no answer to that question. Katy is again cutting down on the steroids and so far, no problems. Thank you, Lord for these wonderful steps.
At that point we were anticipating his schedule for the chemotherapy he had indicated Katy would be using for a year. It seems that things are not so clear as we had thought. He said that Katy has three choices: Temador (chemotherapy drug) now; do nothing until the tumor recurs, then treat; take part in a study using Temodar and Motexafin Gadolinium together. The doctor decided to consult the Tumor Board next Monday before recommending a treatment plan.
He wants to let Katy have 3 weeks off to recover, return to work and weigh her options. Anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas are rather rare; treatment options are few. It is known that that type of tumor responds to radiation; chemotherapy results are unsure.
What is sure is that God is sovereign and loving. We continue to marvel at His faithfulness and daily miracles.
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for these things for Katy:
1. wisdom in making medical decisions
2. being able to get off steroids totally
3. getting back to work successfully
4. that there would be no other side effects from radiation
Please know we can feel your prayers and are grateful.
Love,
Rick, Patty, Lenny and Amy
posted by Neighborhood Ministries | 6/16/2005 08:32:00 PM
9 Comments:
Dear Patty, Rick, Katy, Amy and Lenny,
I can understand that you are still digesting everything; I'm having the same problem and I wasn't with you yesterday! I asked Eric to read your message this morning before he left for work, and he wondered if you could post the official medical report on the blog (or maybe we can call you this weekend). He is being very cautious because of the dangers of reading between the lines of what the doctor said, and jumping to conclusions that may be false.
Anyway--I talked with Kirsten and Heather last night and all three of us were checking and rechecking the blog yesterday. Guess we should have stayed up later! :)
We are continuing to hold you up to God, praying for total healing for Katy as well as peace and health for all of you. And that God would give you all and the doctors wisdom concerning the next step of treatment.
Sending you hugs--Love, Miriam :)
The power of all of our prayers has lifted your family from darkness; and we all have faith that this power will continue to bring the blessings of the Lord to you. I was so inspired and uplifted by your courage and endurance, Katy when I came to see you the day that you left. I felt as if the Lord walked out the door with me.
Again, I send the prayers of our family to all of you.
Don, Denise, Michelle, and Angela
Reel Family,
We are still praying for you everyday.
Love,
Scott & Lori
Dear Patty, Rick, Katy, Amy and Lenny,
Thank you for posting the new report. It seems very encouraging. But it must be stressful to be faced with these monumental decisions. Hopefully the doctor can give you more guidance after meeting with the board. Cancer is such a monster. We found out last weekend that Bob's sister has lung cancer. I am so thankful to God that we have been given the gift of prayer. We think of you often and pray daily. Love, Julia
Thank you for the information in the update, and for providing guidance in praying. Will do, am doing. . . .
Blessings on you all!
Dear Reels, thanks so much for the update on Katy. We're so thankful that the signs are so positive. We'll continue to pray for you daily, especially as you make the difficult decision regarding what to do next. I hate the thought of chemo because it kills so much, but God knows so much more. Do keep us posted.
KK may go on work crew for Young Life for a month starting next week, but if she doesn't we'd love to come and see you guys. I'll let you know. WE love you! Vicki King and crew
Dear Reel Family,
Know that you and especially Katie are still in our prayers daily. We will pray for all of these important decisions and that God's wisdom would be crystal clear to the doctors and to you. We come against any spirit of confusion in Jesus name. Thank the Lord for the recovery so far.
Please pray for me and my family as I will leave Tues. for Romania and work with the institutionalisd kids.
Love, Diane, and the Serban guys
Katy and family, Glad to hear the good news that the radiation did its trick and drugs are being reduced. I hope you can have a nice Father's Day tomorrow. I pray that you will be at peace with whatever decision is made next week with regard to further treatment. Enjoy the next 3 weeks of no treatment Katy. Love Pat L.
Dear Patty, Rick Katy,Amy and Lenny:
I was so happy to read your update today. We all conintue to pray for Katy and all daily.
We will pray for strength for Katy and peace and comfort for all. Also knowledge for the doctors and nurses.
Our Lord is in control and everyday we praise Him for His grace and Love and Abundance.
We think of you everyday and I think of that cute little house and our visit to you. It makes me feel so much better when I can put people I am praying for in their surroundings.
Be well and strong.
Blessings for your day
The Osts
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