Wednesday, November 14, 2007

UPDATE

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT! Proverbs 3:5,6

The news we received on Monday was not the best news....but it was, also, not the worst news:

To quote the Dr: "The melanoma has shifted over the past 2 months-a definite change in more aggressive growth patterns. There is mild progression in the lungs and there are new nests of melanoma in the brain that were not evident before. The tumors in the brain are small, in the overall scheme of things. Bruce's body is under stress of melanoma but he is doing very well physically and this opens the door for other options."

The option we have is an experimental clinical trial called "AntiCTLA4", also known as "ippilimomab"....try saying that 10 times really fast! This trial has been around for 3 years, used on 1000 patients worldwide with a 20% success rate with tumor shrinkage. This is a 90 minute IV treatment given once every three weeks for a total of 4 treatments. This is done at Providence Medical Center in Portland. The side affects (possible extreme flu-like symptoms) most likely won't show up until after the 3rd or 4th treatment. The response is often delayed, which means we most likely won't see any results until after the 12th week...meaning the tumors could possibly grow before they shrink.
We are in the process of reading all the material and submitting the necessary paperwork to get this started. We anticipate Bruce's first treatment within the next two weeks...which looks like we will make through the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays with minimal disruption...YEAH!

The kids, overall, are doing well. We had a chance to stop by George Fox and see Spencer on the way home from Portland. It was a quick visit (college life is full and busy), but any time we can get with him is precious. We had a "family meeting" with our other three kids on Monday night and they did well hearing the news, understanding it and are prepared to go forward....just like we always have...one day at a time! We have such amazing children who are showing an incredible amount of maturity and courage in the midst of a very difficult time. They are living and learning what it means to "TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THEIR HEARTS"!!

Bruce and I have had lots to absorb, process and discuss. It has been good, hard, sweet, overwhelming, uplifting, challenging.....and lots more. We continue to learn what it means to "TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS"...and wouldn't want it any other way!!

I will post more information and details when I can.
We have so much to be thankful for and at the top of the list is the gift of friendship-each and everyone of you! Where would we be without you?
Keep praying. Keep walking with us. Keep trusting.

With much love,
MBA FOR THE A TEAM!!

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited....
It cannot cripple Love.
It cannot shatter Hope.
It cannot corrode Faith.
It cannot destroy Peace.
It cannot kill Friendship.
It cannot suppress Memories.
It cannot silence Courage.
It cannot invade the Soul.
It cannot steal Eternal Life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.
Cancer is so limited!!
~Author Unknown






10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated and informed, MaryBeth! We are DEFINITELY praying for your family many times throughout the day. You are loved and held and committed to the Lord on a daily basis!
Walking with you!

Anonymous said...

We know you are exhausted and have a lot to process, but thank you for the update and letting us know how thinks are going. Know you are being prayed for, loved and held in our thoughts daily. Love, Mary, Ron and Molly

rosepua said...

I'm staring at the screen, waiting for the words to come... All I can say at this moment is we love you. MA

Anonymous said...

We are praying for all of you!! In the face of your news, thank you for sharing the news with us. It's hard to know what to say right now but we're praying and fighting for you!! Love, Katherine, Dan & Austin

Anonymous said...

As I look at all of your pictures on the website this AM, I feel your strength, hope, faith and love for each other and for your friends. It was such a strong feeling, I felt as though I could have reached out and touched you. Hard to describe, but amazing. The energy you send out that radiates from absolute trust in a power greater than us. I am sending all of my positive energy to all of you. Thank you for what you give and thank you for opening up your lives to so many people who care about you and walk this journey with you. Love, suz. (the crazy girl at work at 4:30 in the morning)

Anonymous said...

What Suz said. Love, Rosemary

Anonymous said...

Much love to your family. I am still in CA. :) I will be praying.

Carol :)

Anonymous said...

Trusting along with you and for you.
Love, Lisa P.

Anonymous said...

HI My Beautiful Family of Friends,

You have got it...........

I have walked with you and continue
to.

I have prayed with you and continue
to.

I am in your corner beautiful friends and family.

Your faith continues to be my light

Marlene

Anonymous said...

I lit a candle at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans yesterday, praying for you and your family. I then ordered 4 plates of beniets and a diet coke at Cafe Du Monde! Your faith in God, your strength and courage are truly inspiring. Stay strong.

KLG