Our Bishop tells a funny story about one time when he was returning to the USA and the line leading to immigration was moving ever so glacially. Stuck in a stuffy stairwell, everyone was irritated until one lone voice called out, "OK, who prayed for patience..." So if any of you has prayed for our patience, you can stop now! Just kidding...
Actually, we need more patience than ever. Late last night an email came in that didn't exactly have the news we wanted to hear. The scan results are murky with a few spots of high [i.e. potentially cancerous] activity in AJ's chest. They are tiny - too small to biopsy - but surprising given how well the therapy seemed to be working at the mid-way point. "This is cause for concern; I won't minimize this," said our oncologist when we met with her this morning. On the flip side, no one is [yet] calling this a relapse. PET scans are super sensitive so they often detect things that are nothing at all, or a virus, or something else altogether that isn't cancerous.
Bottom line, we wait a month and then AJ has another scan. (This will be right during our kids' week of final exams, FYI!) Our oncologist is pretty certain that we will see one of two things: either no activity at all or increased activity in these areas. We're praying for the former, obviously; we want complete, clear-cut healing for AJ.
Until then, patience...more patience.
Andrew....It was Scott Bellefleur who directed me to your blog, when I sent out a lost "Happy Birthday" to you on my Facebook page...I commented on how your mom (a tremendous mother/person) brought in cupcakes for both you and me, since we share the same birthday, not only once, but at least twice or three different years that I can remember... I always think of you and your family when my birthday rolls around..., Scott read my post and was kind enough to lead me to your story.
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Please know that it is people like you & your family who come to mind when one considers where they would get the strength to face such a challenge as yours. I am certain that you are surrounded with love, prayers and the strength of an amazing family. Draw from these, and know that I am prayerful, too....Trust in God, yourself, and the power of all that love around you.
All the best to you and your family....
Lauren (Festo) Villecco, Ox Ridge classmate
Andrew... Lauren posted on facebook which lead me here to read your story. I had a brother in law who had non hoch limphoma, not a fun thing to endure. But 10 years in remission is amazing. My husband Andy and I will keep you in our prayers daily, for this thing to just go away! Simple as that!! Where are you guys? We're in Arizona and if you are close we're here if you all need anything.
ReplyDeletePrayers and Strength to all of you. and ps. never ever pray for patience. ;)
laura (bouton) macklin
Christine and Andrew- Ed and I have just emerged from the hurricane of the last few weeks of school to read your May 15 post. Like you, we were a little dumbfounded by the results. Like you, we have great faith that God is ever present in our lives and that His love for us knows no bounds. We pray that you can rest in that abiding love and in the great love and respect of your many friends during this tough time of waiting. If the next PET scan is completely clear, we will join you in some seriously loud rejoicing! If not, we will continue to pray for you and root for you while you both continue the fight. And we know you will beat this! Love, Mel and Ed
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