October 28, 2007
UPDATE

Here we are with 2 days and counting until we are coming to the completion of our daily treks into the radiation lab at MGH. When we were first told of the need for these trips, my mind couldn’t imagine the challenge of that daily experience. Now that it is coming to an end, I still cannot imagine the challenge of that daily experience. I knew it would be tiring; I just didn’t know how tiring. It is also amazing how long it takes to adjust to a different pattern in your life. We continue to be most thankful that Jack has tolerated the treatment so well. He never experienced nausea with the chemotherapy. He has experienced fatigue with the radiation but only a 1-2 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most fatigue. The Lord has so patiently and tenderly carried us through the first phase of treatment. It makes us so know that He is the potter and we are the clay. Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” We are so indebted to His mercy.

We met with the radiologist, Dr. Shih, on Friday. She informed us that it is likely that Jack will continue to deteriorate over the next 2-3 months due to the radiation effects. As I mentioned in the last update, it is likely that his next scan will also look worse due to the inflammation to the blood vessels from the radiation. She also told us that it will likely be months before we know the true effect of the initial treatment. On November 16, he will have his first scan since his treatment began. We also meet with the Lahey Clinic medical team that day to outline the next phase of treatment. It will likely be 5 days/month of the chemotherapy that he is currently taking except it will be a much stronger dose. Generally, this regime will last for 6 months as long as he tolerates it and then another evaluation will be completed to determine Phase 3.

Since Jack has tolerated all of his medications so well and his treatment has progressed so smoothly, we have eliminated certain medications since early onset of treatment. We are now reducing the steroid that reduces the swelling. All of these medications have side effects. It is like a domino effect. One medication is prescribed to reduce swelling (steroid). Another treatment is prescribed to prevent bone erosion due to the steroid, etc. It takes 10 minutes each morning to organize all of these pills for the day. Amazing!

Jack continues to maintain his sense of humor. For those of you that don’t realize this about Jack, he loves coffee, especially espresso. I think we have tried the world’s espresso makers. When we have traveled in Europe, one of our many shopping experiences usually involves a trip to a coffee store that sells coffee makers. Since Jack became ill, I got him a machine that I just fill with water. He opens the handle, drops in the little cup that contains the coffee grounds, hits a button, and viola – coffee!!! One morning recently, I was adjusting his arm sling (prevents hand swelling due to the arm not moving) and he informed me that his coffee has gotten a little cooled off (Jack also likes extremely hot coffee). He requested that I heat his coffee for 20 seconds in the microwave. As I was doing this, I told him that if he did not survive this tumor that I was burying him with some coffee – he immediately responded by saying, “make it espresso”!!!
Thankfully and joyfully, Jonathan and Megan made it to Boston on Tuesday evening (they arrived home before I returned from CA). We are so happy to have them here. It is hard to believe that they are not leaving to return to LA. They are now homeowners in Somerville upon signing their names about 100 times on Friday. They are very excited about their new home. We are excited to have them nearby.

I had a safe and restful trip to CA last Sunday-Tuesday. I had a wonderful visit and dinner on Sunday evening with Megan’s parents, Jack and Margaret. We need to remember to pray for them as they adjust to their daughter and son both leaving CA this year. Margaret is a flight attendant with a base out of NJ and NY so, hopefully, she will be visiting us all soon. Jack’s brother, Keith and his wife, Paula did an excellent job at winterizing the house. I think I will go away more often. Jack can now relax that many of his chores prior to the snow flying are completed.

So many of you continue to send your thoughts and prayers for which we are so thankful. I attended an MIT dinner last evening celebrating the birthday of one of Jack’s colleagues, Ken Smith. Many people came to me wanting to know so many things about how we are doing. I can honestly say that we are doing all things by the grace of God. This experience illuminates our frailty and our dependence on the Lord moment by moment. We are all in the palm of His hands and I can think of no better place to be. The MIT group is a very special family for which we are happy to be part.

Early on, Jack described how he felt that his cup was overflowing. One of his high school classmates, Carolyn Campbell, recently sent him a card and poem that I think appropriately describes where we are at the moment. As a child in particular, growing up in the South, you are taught to cool your hot chocolate or coffee by pouring it into the saucer. Jack and I both have this childhood memory. Here is the poem.

Drinking From a Saucer (A farmer’s thoughts)
I’ve never made a fortune
And it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much.
I’m happy anyhow.
As I go along life’s journey
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.

Ain’t got a lot of riches.
Sometimes the going is rough.
But I have children that love me.
That makes me rich enough.
I just thank God for His blessings,
And the mercy He has bestowed/
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has over flowed.
And I remember times when things went wrong
And my faith got a little thin.
But then all at once the dark clouds broke
And the old sun broke through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.

And if God gives me the strength and courage
When the way gets steep and rough.
I won’t ask for other blessings.
I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy
To help another bear his load.
Then I’ll be drinking from my saucer
Cause my cup has overflowed.

Our cup has overflowed daily by God’s grace,
Carolyn and Jack