Tony checked into UCLA this morning and everything was ready and waiting for him. Everytime Tony is admitted to the 6th floor it's like coming back to visit friends.....nurses, caretakers, doctors....even the dining staff that delivers Tony's meals.
An Echo-cardiogram was performed on Tony late this afternoon to determine if his heart ejection rate is strong enough to accept the chemo agent, Doxorubicin. It was.....and was in the 60% range, (60-65% is considered normal range.) This means his heart is getting stronger every day, as the last two Echos' revealed Tony's ejection rate at 50-55%.
The scans that need to be done following this 4th round of chemo, will not be done next week, while Tony is in the hospital. The doctors told us, today, that the scans should be done 4 or 5 days following the last day of chemo, in order to get the best possible data on Tony's progress againist Lymphoma. We will have to return to UCLA on Monday or Tuesday, October 4th or 5th, to have all the scans performed. Hopefully it will be no more than 24 hours before we are informed of the results.
Tony's spirits are high, and he feels he is winning the battle againist cancer. We will be shocked if we hear anything counter to that belief after the scans are read. We will post the results and the doctors comments on this blog as soon as we have them.
Please continue to pray for Tony and our entire family. The stress is beginning to show, and somedays I feel like my family is coming unraveled. I thought we were all handeling this situation pretty well.....but it's starting to "take it's toll".
The devotions I read each morning to Tony and now Vanessa and Michael, DO help to keep us focused on our Savior. How blessed we are to have Him, know Him and be able to count on Him to never leave us.
Whatever happens next week, next month or next year, he remains the same, and faithful to His people.
May it all Glorify Him.
Dear Patrice and Tony- You are an inspiration us all!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised your situation didn't take its toll sooner-a tribute to your faith! It is always hard on the kids. They have certainly been wonderful "troopers" through it all.
Wish we lived closer so we could be part of the network that is on board with your schedule, food, etc.
As for now you are always in our prayers. May God grant you the strength you need everyday.
Have been sending most of your bible verses to one of our sons(Chris)who finds tremendous comfort in them. Keep them coming...
Love and prayers- Bob and Rae
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21
ReplyDeleteIn our trials we forget how able our Lord is. I pray that you will all rest in HIS strength. I am so thankful for your faith in HIM! We are praying for you continually! Much love to you all! xoxo
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” -Matthew 11:29-30
Have you ever walked in a canyon or valley so deep that very little sunlight came through. I have and it can be a little scarey. You are walking through such a valley and though it seems a long hike, you are almost through. Just remember Psalm 23, "yeah, though I walk thru the valley of death." Don't stop and camp like some do. Keep walking as you have been. Be the example you have been in CHRIST. Our prayers continue with you.
ReplyDeleteLove to all,
Lowell & Arlene Baker