Thank you my precious friends for your continued interest and concern in Tami's health. For those who regularly visit my blog my apologies for not writing much over the past six weeks or so. It has been a busy summer made even more so by Tami's illness. Though I will try to write a little more frequently please bear with me if that does not happen. I am currently working on a writing project for 21st Century Christian's Adult Quarterly Series. I think it will be in the '09-'10 Winter Quarter or the '10 Spring Quarter.
Tami had her first visit with the oncologist today and the news was not exactly what we had hoped for. It was our hope that he would say that her prognosis was very good and perhaps a small amount of mild chemotherapy as a preventative would be all that was needed. The news we received was that the tumor removed was of a very rare and aggressive nature. It is so rare, in fact, that there are no clinical studies as to the effect of chemotherapy on the long-term survival rate. This particular cancer travels through the blood stream and can reoccur anywhere anytime. It is highly aggressive. The type of chemotherapy used to combat it is very harsh and carries a number of side-effects including possible heart damage. Still, Tami has pretty much decided to go ahead with it. The next step will be a PET scan and echo-cardiogram on July 30th followed by another consultation with the Dr. on August 11th with the chemo to begin shortly thereafter.
In the meantime Tami feels good and looks great. She and I had several relaxing and enjoyable days in the Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee last week. She is planning on returning to work when school begins - teachers return on August 3rd, students on August 10th - and will give it her best and go as long as she can. The Dr. told her to do what she felt like doing. She will especially have to guard against infections - not an easy task when you're working in a school with children every day.
What is God teaching us? Patience - yes. Taking life one day at a time? Undoubtedly. Trust? Absolutely. He is in control. We know that He is going to lead us according to His will. God is good . . . all the time! And we are so thankful!
Tami had her first visit with the oncologist today and the news was not exactly what we had hoped for. It was our hope that he would say that her prognosis was very good and perhaps a small amount of mild chemotherapy as a preventative would be all that was needed. The news we received was that the tumor removed was of a very rare and aggressive nature. It is so rare, in fact, that there are no clinical studies as to the effect of chemotherapy on the long-term survival rate. This particular cancer travels through the blood stream and can reoccur anywhere anytime. It is highly aggressive. The type of chemotherapy used to combat it is very harsh and carries a number of side-effects including possible heart damage. Still, Tami has pretty much decided to go ahead with it. The next step will be a PET scan and echo-cardiogram on July 30th followed by another consultation with the Dr. on August 11th with the chemo to begin shortly thereafter.
In the meantime Tami feels good and looks great. She and I had several relaxing and enjoyable days in the Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee last week. She is planning on returning to work when school begins - teachers return on August 3rd, students on August 10th - and will give it her best and go as long as she can. The Dr. told her to do what she felt like doing. She will especially have to guard against infections - not an easy task when you're working in a school with children every day.
What is God teaching us? Patience - yes. Taking life one day at a time? Undoubtedly. Trust? Absolutely. He is in control. We know that He is going to lead us according to His will. God is good . . . all the time! And we are so thankful!
