Feb 7, 2010 Update for Matthew

Just wanted to send an update on how things are going here in Houston. When I wrote last, Matthew was about to begin chemo and radiation at the end of that week. It took awhile to get everything in control but, thank the Lord, things are running much smoother at this point.

At first, Matthew had an adverse reaction to the chemo drug. He had taken it before and told them that he needed "heavy duty" nausea meds for it but the doctor chose to go another route which didn't work. Matthew was very sick for 5 days and lost weight because he couldn't eat. Finally, they put him on the IV meds he had had in Knoxville. Within a day he was MUCH better and after a week had gained back a few pounds that he had lost. The extra meds are given to help with the chemo drug but they also help with radiation treatments and side effects.

Each weekday Matthew has a similar schedule of pre-meds, chemo, radiation, & blood-work. He sees both doctors on Mondays. He has the weekends off of the chemo and RT. One of the meds makes him sleepy and he gets the extra rest he needs. As he continues this week and next we would expect him to become more tired from the radiation as well as sick but we'll just wait and see. No need to borrow trouble!

We were given alot of harsh words of warning about the radiation since it his liver and the treatment is what the doctor called "outside the box". We were very concerned. I am glad to say we are extremely thankful to the Lord that the many warnings of what we could expect have not happened. It's still tough, but not like it could have been to this point.

Matthew will finish his last radiation treatment on Thursday, Feb. 18th. He will receive another new, heavy duty chemo drug on that Wednesday which he is supposed to continue when he gets home. Greg will come in on the 18th and we plan to leave to come home on Saturday, the 20th. Whew, it will be good to be going home for awhile!!

We have received thoughtful cards, drawings from our sweet, great-nieces, a visit from another niece, phone calls, emails, and several gifts that have helped to make our stay easier. All I can say is: WE ARE SO BLESSED!! Thank you, thank you! Thank you, too, for the prayers that give us strength daily.

I have been reading a new book by Ruth Graham (Billy Graham's daughter) called, "Fear Not Tomorrow, God is Already There". When commenting on God's presence in our lives, Ruth uses the scripture Exodus 33:14 which says, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." What an amazing promise! And He fulfills ALL of His promises because we know God is present and by helping us carry our "load" is giving us needed rest from stress, heartache, & weariness. Praise God for His faithfulness to us.

Love,

Nancy