More Answered Prayer

Thank you for continuing to keep Mike and I, and our family in your prayers.

We have received some more good news today! Mike's tumor, though not completely gone, has now reduced to .9 centimeters...which is slightly more than a 1/4 inch. (last time it measured 1.2 centimeters, just under 1/2 inch)

In Dr. Sneed's words, "This is an outrageously, remarkable response than I had anticipated when you first walked in here!" Obviously, God is working in our midst! Dr. Sneed isn't sure if what is showing up on the scan now, is tumor, or scar tissue, but for safe measures, he wants to continue with a couple of more treatments.

There was additional conversation about us returning to MD Anderson, to consult again about surgery. I guess the thought is, if it is tumor or scar tissue, it's better to have it completely gone, or out. Mike and I are a little confused why Dr. Sneed thinks the outcome of another consultation would be any different, than what it was in Dec/Jan., but we're willing to do whatever is best for Mike. Dr. Sneed didn't feel a surgical consult, at either Baptist or UAMS, would be helpful. Nothing was scheduled today, because we were interrupted with the return of Mike's lab report, so we're not really sure where this leaves us, on the trip to MD Anderson. (Added later: We see Dr. Sneed again next Thursday, July 31st.)

So, we were ready to go back to the treatment lab, to continue treatments today, when in the midst of the exam, Mike's labs were handed to Dr. Sneed, and we were told they were abnormal. (you can't be treated if your labs are not good) His bilirubin count was up to 5.1, indicating that his biliary stents are malfunctioning again. That could possibly explain why Mike has been feeling so bad this last week. Dr. Sneed also noticed Mike was a little jaundice. So we are now waiting to find out when Mike will be going into Baptist to have surgery to replace the stents in his liver. Dr. Sneed wanted it done tomorrow, or this weekend, but it's looking more like it will take place Monday. (We have now learned the surgery will be Tuesday, at 10 a.m. It will require an overnight stay. It is likely he will have tubes for a few days, and then will need to go back, and have the tubes surgically removed another day.)

Surgery, to replace the stents, isn't anything unexpected. We were told Mike would likely need them replaced within 5-7 months...and the last time he had them done was last January. But, it has been sort of a kick in the gut to Mike..because he was hoping to hear everything was gone today and the treatments were over. Also, because this procedure to replace the stents is so hard on him, he's pretty down, constantly facing getting this done. If another trip to MD Anderson, could get rid of Mike having to repeatedly get this procedure done, and lead him to be cancer free/treatment free, then it would be well worth it.

How you can pray:
First, praise God that the tumor continues to respond to treatment and that it is getting smaller. God is caring for us in such a way that even our own doctor is marveling at what is happening. Continue to pray that God will completely remove this tumor and restore Mike to full health.

Second, please remember Mike and I in your prayers over these next couple of days as we get these stents replaced and Mike to feeling better. The liver is such a delicate organ, that any kind of procedure to where this tumor is located, is very dangerous. Please pray the anesthesia will work well for Mike, and recovery will be easy. We won't know until we get in there, if Mike will have to come out of the hospital with tubes and bags for awhile, or if they will be able to do the replacement all at one time. But, if he comes out with tubes and bags, it is harder on both of us. So please pray that we will have the strength that will be necessary to get him back on his feet.

Thirdly, please pray that if another trip to MD Anderson could bring about a better solution to all of this, that everything will fall into place and we won't be making any unnecessary trips, wasting time, energy and money.

And lastly, please continue to pray for the special request I mentioned yesterday, concerning Mike's unemployment and insurance.

My heart is so overwhelmed when I think about your faithfulness to stand by our side in all of this. It is such a comfort to know we have so many friends and family who care about us and want the best for us. Thank you for being our support.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7