Derek is through with the lung pleurodesis procedures and biopsies. The surgeon informed us that there is cancer on the lungs which has most likely contributed to the lungs collapsing. I don't want to believe that the cancer has metasticized (moved to another location). The surgeon felt that the procedure went well.
There will be a pathology report in a couple of days confirming the type of cancer. At that time, they will suggest chemo treatment options. Radiation on the lung is not an option, because there are so many tumor spots.
We have agreed to have Derek's tumor/blood entered in a targeted gene testing program which is fairly new here at Mayo Clinic. It is in the Individualized Medicine division. This could help determine which chemo drugs to try. There are three different tests...one taking as long as 2 weeks, and another taking 3 weeks, and the third taking 15 weeks. We are only patient #12 here to go through this process, so there are not many statistics and certainly no promises.
We haven't seen Derek yet or received our room assignment, but we will be located on the Francis floor 5 at St. Mary's hospital, Mayo Clinic, for the next 5 days at least and probably more.
I trust in God Almighty who knows and sees all things, and He LOVES us more than I could ever love Derek, and that's a lot.
Love to all of you who are praying and helping,
Leann
I'm so sorry, Leann! My heart aches for you and tears well up in my eyes. I agree that God loves us more than we can know and am so thankful you are trusting in Him in this extremely difficult time. I pray He will continue to comfort and keep you. I will come up with Doug and Dad on Saturday. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or bring. I will pass this info on for prayers to continue to be lifted up. Love you both.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you guys every day! Praying first for total healing and then for peace, comfort, even joy during these really hard times.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for your updates. Its good to know how we can pray.
-Stef (Brooke's friend)
Praying for you Leann & Derek! We love you so much, and our hearts ache with yours over this new information. We remain confident in the exceeding great and precious promises of our King, and know that He is with you at this time. We are praying for you with great love. -- Kevin & Jody
ReplyDeleteLeann, my heart aches for you. We have been and will continue to lift you and Derek and your family up in prayer for healing, strength and peace. Isaiah 41:10
ReplyDeleteFear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. - Sandy (& Andrew)
Praying...
ReplyDelete