First, what a blessing it was to see Dr. K. again. The first comment she made was she was sorry our Steelers didn't make it to the Super Bowl. That speaks volumes when you realize she is a Cowboy fan!
Now, for the Pet Scan results: nearly all of the lymphomas are gone and most of the areas are clear. That is definitely a praise!
The rest of the news is we are not in remission. The mantle cell tumor/mass in Stew's colon is still present, and it is "worsening" not improving. Statistically, it will not remain contained in just that one area. Chemo again is a possibility, but there is a question as to what impact it would have. Dr. K. will be consulting with the Mantle Cell Specialist at MD Anderson and a doctor at Baylor. In fact, she called the doctor at Baylor while we were there. Surgery is not a normal option for mantle cell, but that is being considered as well.
As we were leaving we reminded her of how thankful we are that she is our doctor and that there are so many who are praying for her both from the blog site and our son's Prayer for Dad face book page. She was very touched and said thank you.
She encouraged us to "rest, enjoy each day, don't worry, and that she was with us all the way."
As we parted ways, she tossed a comment back and said with a smile, "Tell your son Virginia is a good name for a baby girl!" We both burst out laughing. It felt good!
We will see her again, after having another colonoscopy on the 9th, to discuss options.
Thank you for praying, encouraging, and being a blessing in our lives.
Stew and Deb
Even in a cancer clinic you can be reminded of God's caring love. This was on Anna's desk as we made our final stop on the way out of our new oncology clinic. She said she put it there to remind her of its truth, but left it there for others to see as well. Wise lady!
We believe in memorials that remind us of God's goodness and faithfulness in times past, and since He never changes, His goodness and faithfulness in the present and days yet to come. It is why we have Scripture on the walls of our home in strategic places, photographs of special moments and special people, prayer and praise journals, etc.
Here are two of my "present" reminders that I wear. One a gift from my sis, the other a gift from a friend who wears the same bracelet and is fighting her own very painful battle of a different kind.
All that to say, after some rejoicing over the good news, and a few tears for the journey yet to come,
God still has this!
Psalm 103