Update - March 2009

On Thursday, March 12, Tom had a colonoscopy. This was the result of having a stomach virus and then the fever and other symptoms never going away. We, as the doctor did, that he had diverticulitis and there was an infection. His dad suffered from this and he had all the symtoms. Shortly after they took him to do the colonoscopy, they beeped me to let me know they were back in the holding area with him. The doctor came in and showed up the photos, told us he was unable to finish the colonoscopy due to finding a cancerous growth.

No matter how much you think you are prepared to hear anything, you are just never prepared to hear the “C” word. Still reeling from the doctor’s words, I went to talk with Tom’s parents and tell them what they had found. Thank the Lord they took it very well, as well as you can take hearing that your child has cancer. After about 30 minutes, we were on our way home and he was scheduled to have a CT scan to determine if the cancer had spread to any other area.

Fast forward to Sunday night, Tom begins running a fever again. On Monday, he went back to the doctor and was put on another antibiotic. On Wednesday, a friend who sees the oncologist Tom was referred to, called and asked if he could be there to see the oncologist the next morning. Of course I said yes! At the same time, the receptionist was calling Tom to schedule the appointment. Thank you Debbie Rogers!

The oncologist drew, literally, everything out for us and told us that the plan of action is 6 weeks of radiation and chemo (together) and then reevaluate the cancer. Best case, it shrinks and we do nothing further. Worst case, they do surgery to remove it after the treatments and a colostomy is required. Some of you may be thinking how awful that is and how can Tom lead a normal life? If you remember Ed McClarty, you will understand. Ed had a colostomy the entire time we all knew him . How much more active can you get?

To answer all the questions, we are fine, Layne & Zeke are fine. They were here the weekend of March 19th (by God’s Sovereign providence) and it was wonderful! Layne finishes her student teaching in May and Zeke’s last Sunday at Hope is Easter and then they head this way. Anyone interested in a cross country drive? Tom was planning on helping them but...

On Friday, April 3rd, Tom had a port put in that enables them to administer the chemo without going through his veins every time. He is still recovering from that, although a minor procedure and done all the time, being put to sleep and cut on is still a shock to your system anytime. He is scheduled to get final bloodwork done this Monday and then begin treatments on Monday, April 13th. There has been a delay of sorts because he was offered a chance to be in a clinical trial. The oncologist thought he would greatly benefit from being a part of this. We had to take a few days to pray and discuss whether or not we had peace about this and we opted for him to be a part of the trial. The main difference between this and the normal course of treatment is the addition of a drug during the first 6 weeks of chemo normally only adminstered after surgery. The course of treatment is 6 weeks of chemo and radiation simultaneously to shrink the tumor. Then if still necessary, surgery to remove any remaining cancer and then a follow up round of chemo and radiation.

How are we handling this? God is still on His throne and none of this took Him by surprise As I heard someone say the other day, “ it is what it is”. God will be glorified! Please keep us in your prayers and especially Layne and Zeke as they begin to let go at Hope and prepare to move cross country. Thank you for all the prayers and cards and calls of encouragement.

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In Him,

Tom & Jan