I wanted to give you an update on my dad's appointment this afternoon with his oncologist. Overall, the visit went well and was more positive than last time. Dad appears to be gaining a tiny bit of weight, so that is great news. However, he is having some difficulty swallowing so they are running some tests on Friday to see if he needs to have his esophagus dilated. (He's had this done in the past before his cancer diagnosis.)
They also ran a culture of the fluid that they drain from his stomach every night. They're checking it due to the color and appearance of the fluid. We don't have those results yet.
His liver enzymes and alkaline phosphate numbers are also quite elevated. This could be a sign of tumor growth and or increased obstruction, but they don't know that for certain, so they are going to schedule a CT sometime soon in Little Rock. So please be praying that these higher numbers are nothing to be concerned about.
They are still holding off any additional treatment at this time in order to give dad's body a chance to heal and recover from the way it reacted to the past treatments. The oncologist did mention that there are some other options that they can try, but the primary concern right now is dad regaining his strength and weight.
My mom has had a rough few weeks due to the stress of dad's illness. They are both aware of how grave dad's situation had become and it has been a long battle for both of them. The stress of it all caused my mom's illness to flare up for the first time in a long while and the lack of sleep they've both been getting has taken it's toll on them both physically and emotionally.
BUT, they are also very aware that God is in complete control of this situation. In my Beth Moore study tonight on Esther Beth made a statement:
"Every man-scheduled date subjected upon one of His children is written, not just on a doctor's calendar, a hospital's calendar, or a trial judge's calendar. It is written on God's.....Trust that time is God's alone to give."
Our family continues to trust God with everything we are facing and dealing with. We will not allow fear or doubt or another's opinion cause us to doubt in the One who controls it all. He alone has the power. So we continue to press on believing in our Heavenly Father who can do ALL things.
My parents want you to know that your prayers mean the world to them. Your encouragement and love keep them going. Please continue to give them your hugs and your support. They really need that most of all.
