Thanks for the prayer and support over the past week. I just wanted to send out an update on how things have been going.
My dad's physical went well on Monday. No problems have been identified so far, but we're still waiting for the test results to come back for the specific details. Keep praying!
My mom's appointment with the oncologist was on Tuesday and we found out the following things: Although the enlarged lymph nodes are still within normal range for now, from his experience the doctor believes that it is an indication that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This is further supported by the tumours in her lungs. Although the larger tumours in my mom's lungs are shrinking, the smaller ones have grown. These signs indicate that the last medication was not effective enough so he is suggesting a change in treatment.
The treatment options are to 1) do nothing; and 2) to try a new experimental drug that is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in Canada. We've decided on option 2 and the drug has been ordered and should be arriving in 2 weeks or so. My mom will be starting the treatment then as part of the studies that are being done, and she will be monitored for side effects, etc.
It's a blessing that there are still treatment options and that the side effects for the next one are not too serious. The drug has had some success in North American and Europe, but apparently in Japan, there were some patients who suffered lung damage from using it.
So please continue praying, that this medication will be more effective and that God will be the true Healer in my mom and dad's lives. :) Thank you all for your support!
Deb
