Thursday, November 20, 2008

Update for November 19th

Dear Family & Friends,

Just wanted to bring you up to speed on Matthew's progress.

He did complete his week of chemo that came on the heels of a stomach virus. The week turned out to be one the most difficult chemo weeks in a long time.

When the weekend arrived, we knew we were on the "uphill" climb to Matthew feeling better. But unfortunately, with continued chemo side effects that mimic the stomach virus and the inability to eat more than apple sauce and popsicles, Matthew has been unable to make much progress at feeling better.

We canceled the Petscan that was scheduled for tomorrow (Fri, 11/21) and the doctor has requested that Matthew come in and see him instead. Hopefully, we'll get some more answers tomorrow. His scan will be rescheduled when he feels better.

The most likely scenario is that because of the virus, Matthew's body was in such a weakened state that it could not handle the chemo and its side effects as well as usual. We continue to pray for improvement even if it is ever so slight.

Thank you for the encouraging e-mails and entrees on the blog site. They really encourage us! Of course, your faithful prayers lift us up when we don't have the strength to do so.

In case I don't talk to you before then, I pray that each of you will have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! We ALL have much to thank the Lord for!!

Love to all,
Nancy

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Riding on the wings of prayer...

Dear Friends and Family,

I would like to bring you up to date on Matthew's current situation and schedule. Yesterday (Nov. 10) began another week of chemo (This will be the usual Mon thru Fri w/ shot on Sat). Even after 2 years, Matthew does so well "taking things in stride". He is amazing!

This chemo week had a tough beginning since Matthew had a stomach virus on the weekend that was still underway Sunday evening. It was touch and go to see if he could even begin chemo yesterday. Riding on the wings of prayers of those that knew that he was sick, Matthew was able to get up and make the trip to Knoxville.

Since his bloodwork was acceptable and the virus seemed to over, the decision was made to go forward. Matthew was given extra meds to help him rest during chemo as well as to help his "post virus" symptoms. It was a long day, but thankfully he completed his treatment.

On the ways home, around 5 pm, we stopped to pick up something for Matthew to eat. (He had hardly had anything for a day and a half.) As we left the parking lot after getting the food, a driver to our left did not see us ( I believe the sun was shining right in her eyes) and came very close to "t-boning" us (better known as hitting us broad side on the driver's side). I slammed on the brakes and blew my horn...it was very, very close.

Well, since it was so unexpected, this finished Matthew off and he became so sick to his stomach we had to pull over for him. Needless to say, he didn't get to eat the food we had just purchased. We got home, Matthew ate a little bit of applesauce, laid down and went to sleep. Thank the Lord for restorative sleep! We are praying for a calmer, better day today!

Matthew is also scheduled for a Pet Scan on Friday, Nov. 21st. We'll receive results on the 25th at a follow-up doctor's visit. We will be praying for phenomenal news to add to our Thanksgiving celebration that week!!

It has been 2 years this month that we have been on this journey with Matthew. Thank you for loving us, praying for us, and supporting us through these tough times. Your faithfulness to us has been so humbling and we love you for it. God has blessed us in so many ways during this time and you definitely are a big part of His blessings! Thank you.

Love, Nancy