In Chicago spending time with long time friend since under grad Alex
Family enjoying the city of Chicago
All is going smoothly here in Waco and we are all well, including me:) I am five weeks post surgery. As you may know, the treatment plan is for a 21 day course of Temodar (chemo pill) and tonight is the first night without it. I am relieved, even though the meds don't bother me it is still nice to be off of them. I will take 7 days off before I continue the next round of 21 days. We pray hard in our family and it can be tough at times. Having this stress once a few years ago is hard but twice just seems more difficult. We are strong in our faith of God as our healer and we have such a huge following of prayer warriors. We see the strength and power of your prayer every day.
I have been talking with very good friends, smart doctors and doctor friends. We have really been looking outside the box for some alternative treatment options and research protocols and some are very promising. Dana and I recently drove down to Houston to meet with a Family practice doctor that had been practicing Alternative Medicine techniques for the past 12-15 years. He too was a very smart gentleman and certainly passionate about his practice. He has had many success stories. Unfortunately, his approach to my treatment plan did not feel right for me. I am going to an acupuncturist tomorrow for the first time and hopefully soon a massage therapist whom I have higher hopes. At least I hope to feel more relaxed afterward.
A few research trials at MD Anderson look very good with promising results however the patient must have active tumor to be enrolled, not post surgical like me. So, I am scheduled for a MRI in 4 days and will review the scan for new tumor. You can imagine the stress of praying for no tumor knowing that without it we do not qualify for most research trials.
I want to let all of you know we are not desperate just seeking parallel therapies to be more comprehensive. I have read several studies that imply most of the healing can come from within with the right stimulus, either internal or external and I do believe this. We thank everyone for all their well wishes and prayers and want you to know how much we appreciate them all. Everyday we feel loved by one more individual and family and hope to spread this on to others in our lives. We are spending as much time together with family and friends and wish we could get together with everyone.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thank you everyone
David & Dana
Audrey & Parker
