Update from Texas

We spent Monday at M.D. Anderson, going through various tests – blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans. Tuesday we met with Dr. Crane of the Proton Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology. We spent nearly an hour with him and his associates. The bottom line is that I am not a candidate for proton therapy. Because the cancer has involved the superior mesenteric arteries, proton therapy is not an option. The heavy dosage of radiation cannot be given because of the damage it would do to the duodenum and the arteries.

So, once again, the door has been closed to what we felt was a promising option. Dr. Crane suggested that we consider traditional radiation in Atlanta. The radiologist whom we saw in Atlanta, back in February, did his training at M.D. Anderson and Dr. Crane speaks highly of him. We considered this option early on and decided against it because of the residual effects on surrounding tissue and organs. We will, once again, look at this option, but I’m not sure we’ll go there unless we are convinced the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Thanks you for you prayers. Even as we face the fact that there are few, if any, options left, we continue to hold on to our faith and to the promise of God’s love and care. Your prayers and assurances of love are daily reminders of those promises.

- Jack