life, cancer growth and a change in medication

most of you probably know what has gone on in our family over the last 2 months and it obviously has not been easy. heidi and the kids moved in with don and rachel after brian's passing in september. rachel's sister nancy passed away just 2 weeks after brian. so in the midst of it all, don has continued to receive chemo treatments and have doc appts with dr. wong, dr. p's temporary replacement until december.

about 2 weeks ago, at one of those appts with dr. wong, there was the realization that dad's chemo treatments were ceasing to work. his tumor had begun to grow again [really at an alarming rate, as the cancer was becoming immune to the meds and got aggressive -- one can see it growing]. at that point, dr. wong put the brakes on the treatment and set don up for MRI and CT scans and a new chemo regimen.

this past monday, don had surgery to have a chemo port put in so that infusion of his medications would be easier -- no more stickin' him with a needle in his arm! they used it thursday and it went splendidly well. he was happy and relieved -- a wise decision, indeed!

so this week, a new treatment was started. yesterday he had a 1 hour infusion of the new med. this morning he awoke visibly tired and a bit weary, though in good spirits as ian had a cuddle on his lap. nothing like a cuddle with ian! he has been going to the docs several days weekly for neupogen [white blood cell] shots and will continue on that regimen; he will not do hydration again until the doctor deems it necessary.

don will be having a consultation for radiation on november 3rd. it is not his first choice and he is quite hesitant.
please pray:

• for wisdom on all sides.
• don's peace of mind and trust in the Great Healer.
• rachel's peace of mind and trust in the Great Comforter.
• heidi and her three children.
  
• that God will lead you to pray for issues that are possibly unknown to us all.