Dear Friends and Family, So sorry for the long delay in updating you all on our continuing fight, but we have been deep in the darkest of valleys, the challenge to keep fighting is greater every day. We know the God of the mountaintop is the same God in the valley and that He walks with us. But sometimes getting that from the head to the heart is a challenge. First of all, it has been over two months since Dwain has received any treatment whatsoever. After agreeing to test for the trial at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, that process ate up between three and four weeks of precious time. It also cost a great deal of precious financial resources. We were preparing to return home after the testing only to receive word that we were not qualified for the trial. And that the reasons for not qualifying were already known by the Vanderbilt staff before we ever made trip #1. Frustrated, we returned home prepared to move forward with the final FDA approved oral chemo option. However, the trial manager at University Cancer and Blood Center informed us that a new trial had just opened up in Augusta. We talked with our Oncologist who assured us that this was probably our best option even if it took a couple of weeks to get in. The oral chemo was not expected to have an effect before then anyway. We agreed to participate at Augusta expecting that our consultation would be today. After much telephone tag, we found out Tuesday that our consultation will not be until NEXT Wednesday, eating up another week of precious time. At the earliest we expect that treatment with the trial drug will not begin until probably a week from next Wednesday. We are also looking at some other options with Cancer Treatment Centers of America and a homeopathic approach with Hallelujah Acres. So we are discouraged. A bit defeated. Certainly depressed. We try desperately not to be overwhelmed by shadows, remembering we have a mission to give God glory even in the darkest times. But being inspiring is difficult when you’re just so bone tired. We both went in to see our regular doctor, and dear friend Jody Grahn at Toccoa Clinic. She talked with us, encouraged us, and made some medicine modifications to help Dwain deal with the ongoing situation. Shawna has been sick with an infection at the same time that Dwain’s symptoms have gone into overdrive. Dwain now has to be medicated throughout the day and occasionally requires a booster pain medication. There is not a time when he is not hurting. He suffers from constant nausea. There are not days when he feels “better”. This is very difficult for Shawna and the kids. They can do very little as caregivers to offer comfort. We know this sounds terribly depressing for you but it is our reality. And it can be very lonely. Meanwhile, Dwain has missed two weeks of church and hopes against hope to be their Sunday teach a class he has had prepared for weeks. Next week brings with it new challenges and opportunities. We gear up for Rylee to start her high school career and within a couple of days to move Bailey into Brumby Hall at the University of Georgia. Yikes! What happened to getting ready for the lollipop test and worrying about Accelerated Reader Points? But know this, friends. We know that He gives strength to the weak. He lifts up the head of the humble. He gives grace when we need it most. Stay with us. The fight’s not finished yet. STILL in the Grip of His Grace, Shawna, Dwain, Rylee, and Bailey
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 17:07:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015