Since my last report on Jeffrey, he has had mostly good days. The doctors gave him an appetite-inducing drug which is working! He has been eating pretty well and has even gained a couple of pounds. He feels strong, his voice sounds stronger and his eyes have been brighter. One warm day last week when I called to talk with him, he was outside playing with his boys! As he told me how well he's been feeling, for the first time since his diagnosis, I began to feel hopeful...maybe...just maybe! He had even expressed that he felt maybe he had "turned a corner."
Later that night, Jeffrey received a report that the drug which replaced the chemo, and is supposed to intercept the growth of new cancer cells is not working. The tumors in his lungs are still growing and he is to discontinue use of the treatment. That news was especially difficult because it contradicted his experience (no new palpable growths since he began taking it), and it doesn't fit with his general sense of improved health. Needless to say, it's an emotional rollercoaster for all of us.
As I write this, Jeffrey and Dawnn are out west. He was feeling well enough to take a trip he's always wanted to take to the Grand Canyon. They flew out Monday and will return Saturday. So far, so good! They saw the Hoover Dam yesterday and hope to do a fly-over of the Canyon, plus venture out onto the glass-bottomed vista overlooking it. He is absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity, which up until 2 weeks ago, looked impossible. They plan to return on Saturday.
Give thanks for his current strength and pray that this trip will prove to be a joyful, fulfilling and faith-building time for him.
5 comments:
So glad that Jeffrey arrived safely out west and is able to take in the Grand Canyon. Continuing to pray for him and all of you.
What great news that he was able to go on an adventure of a lifetime. We are continuing to pray for a miracle.
How happy to hear that Jeffrey is able to get away for a bit. I don't know if you've ever been to the Grand Canyon or not, but it is such an incredible experience, it's hard to comprehend what your eyes are seeing. Fran and I were there three or four years ago, and we still consider it the ultimate vacation.
I am praying that Jeffrey continues to experience physical strength. As he marvels at the intricate care and beauty of God's hand in creation, may he be comforted to know how much more God cares for him! (Hope that makes sense.)
As I heard John Piper once say something like, "No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase their self-esteem...they go there to gaze on God's creation, to be in awe, to confronted with majesty." May the majestic God grip Jeffrey & Dawnn as they stand at canyon's edge.
I'm so glad to hear Jeffrey is feeling better even if the medical information is not as hopeful. We continue to pray for his improved health.
I have to agree with Rhonda about the Grand Canyon. I was always one of those people who thought, "Why would anyone want to see a giant hole in the ground?" Then Mark's parents took us there the year I was pregnant with Calvin, and I understood what the big deal is. It is totally incredible! It is wonderful that Jeffrey and Dawnn got this opportunity to visit this great evidence of God's glory in the world.
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