MRI Update

We met with the oncologist today and learned that the most recent MRI showed that there continues to be some change and that the tumour is growing.  The oncologist believes the tumour is operable, so my Dad will be preparing for surgery within the next month.  After surgery, he will switch to a different form of chemotherapy that will hopefully be more successful at destroying the cancer cells.  My Mom told my Dad that he is sure putting us through the wringer before he gets better!

The oncologist told us about a clinical trial that should be restarting in Edmonton within the next couple of weeks.  This trial also involves surgery but the chemotherapy is delivered differently.  So far, it sounds like the results of the trial have been very promising so we are praying that the trial gets running soon and that my Dad is eligible for the trial.

As another example of how God continues to walk with us on this journey, today assured us again that He has blessed us with an attentive and proactive oncologist. Originally, my Dad wasn't scheduled for another MRI until this month but he had to have an MRI in September before his seventh round of chemo.  That MRI showed some change but as mentioned in a previous blog post, we weren't sure if that change was due to growth or radiation scarring.  The surgeon and the radiologist both thought that my Dad should wait another two months for an MRI but my Dad's oncologist wanted another MRI done in one month.  Knowing about the tumour growth as early as possible will mean a less invasive surgery.

We ask that you pray for courage and hope as we prepare for another surgery and a change in chemotherapy.  And we ask that you also pray that the trial gets restarted as soon as possible and that my Dad gets accepted into the trial.

I think that my Dad summed it up pretty well in a text he sent out today: "We knew going in that the beast was going to be a beast!  It is!  But the beast can be defeated by our healing God."    

- Tara