The results are in...

The doctor reviewed the results of last week's PET scan...and the treatments are working!  Praise the Lord!  Since the PET scan is in line with effective treatment, Dad will continue on this regimen for another three cycles - nine weeks - before his next evaluation.  He received the next treatment today and will stay on the same two weeks on, one week off schedule.

Food Truck Review -  Cheese steak:  good.  Breakfast sandwich on bagel:  good.  Coffee:  excellent.

Please continue to hold Dad up in prayer as he continues chemo.  Many, many thanks to all who are helping out and supporting the family through action and as prayer warriors.  As we enter the Christmas season, join with us in reveling in the real reason for the season - the birth of our Savior.

Another week, another round goes by...

Dad had another treatment this week and the tough part of the round is over.  Dad's been extremely tired, but still managed to have enough energy to celebrate his 83rd birthday with the family on Thursday (11/19).  Happy Birthday, Dad!

After three rounds of treatment, the next step is to evaluate the effectiveness of this regimen.  We had good news about that - the insurance company approved the PET scan.  Dad will have the scan next week, then review it with Dr. Alley before the next treatment to discuss any changes or adjustments needed to the plan.

In case you're wondering...the schedule didn't work out this week so we don't have a Philly Food Truck update!  But I'm cautiously optimistic that the next visit will be more productive.  :)

Well, that's all the update for this week.  As we move into Thanksgiving, we are thankful for Dad, for the doctors and nurses who provide such excellent care, and that we have the ability to access it.  We are so thankful for faithful friends like you who support us in so many ways.  And, above all, we thank God for His gift of salvation and for being our shelter in the storm of life.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving and the many blessings we've been provided!

Oh, and if you get a chance...make sure to wish Dad a Happy Birthday!

Deja Vu - it's Round 2!

Dad started his second round of chemotherapy this week, same plan as the first round - two drugs, one drug, break.  Just to keep things interesting, the break week this time will feature a follow-up PET scan or MRI (depending on the whim of the insurance company) to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments so far.  If this regimen isn't as successful as they'd like, no worries - they've assured us that there are still plenty of options available.

Once again, the highlight of the day was the food truck!  We have now confirmed that they have an excellent chicken salad sandwich.  But alas!  We still don't have any definitive confirmation on the tuna salad.  Stay tuned for more news on the tuna front... 

Please pray that Dad's side effects continue to be relatively mild as we move through this next round of treatment.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Is that the bell?

Did you hear the bell?  Yep, it's the end of Round 1 - and Dad is the clear winner!  The first round of the three-week regimen is over and Dad came through the bout with flying colors.  In this case, "flying colors" means minimal side effects from the chemotherapy.  Amazing what happens when you have God as your corner man.  :)  Everybody gets to rest this week (hmmm...what to do with that extra time?) and the next round will start next week.

Thanks for your prayers - it's great to have you in our corner!