Of the three options available, two oncologists so far and both of us parents agree that the best option is for Thomas to continue with chemotherapy, but with a new-to-him combination of higher doses spread over a longer infusion period (five days in a row instead of three days). The difficulty with this path is that with each additional round of chemo and with higher doses, it brings with it increased potential of long term side effects such as hearing loss and infertility.
After a little more consulting, we and the team will make a firm decision next week and chemo would begin October 5.
Chris and I gave Thomas the news by himself before telling his siblings--mostly to try to hold the attention of a five year old!--and he replied sweetly, "Oh, any number of days of chemo is okay with me."
We parents strive to understand how we are supposed to do our duties diligently, pursue understanding of our medical options, and take every step asked of our family while also being malleable and at one with God's present will, such that we could hope to say, "Oh, any number of days of chemo is okay with us."
"Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.'” (Matthew 26:38)
Our family is loved and supported by so many people praying daily for Thomas by name and doing corporal works of mercy for us.
We will watch and pray--and research and pack backpacks for the hospital and run the home and do the income-earning job and smile to keep up the spirits of the children--ever while moaning Christ's words, "Father if it is possible remove this cup, but thy will be done."
From the hymn O God Beyond All Praising
"Then hear, O gracious Saviour,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favour
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'll triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise."
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| Artwork by Thomas |
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| Artwork by Thomas |
Your latest blog news about the results of your precious son’s scans brought some tears when reading his response to the news. I have been taking care of a loved one with cancer for the last two years so I’ve experienced with him the anticipations, hopes and yes the determination to carry on. So many of us are rooting and praying for him, for you his parents and family and hoping that the new plan will bring positive results. With God all things are possible.
ReplyDeleteI came across this quote from St. Therese today and thought of you, Katherine.
ReplyDelete“Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father’s love—difficulties, contradictions, humiliations, all the soul’s miseries, her burdens, her needs - everything, because through them, she learns humility, realizes her weakness - Everything is a grace because everything is God’s gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events—to the heart that loves, all is well.”
- St. Therese of Lisieux
We will continue to pray with you and your family for Thomas's recovery. He certainly is in the hands of Angels:)...that is for sure ;)
ReplyDeleteLove and Prayers
Ellis Spear
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ReplyDeletePrayers for Thomas and your family.
ReplyDelete