SEMPLE JOURNEY
Having finished the first 9 weeks of chemo, it was time to return to MD Anderson for an evaluation and new prescription from Dr. Ajani on November 10. The liver spot seemed less defined (that is good), but the two tumors in the upper and lower esophagus had grown in spite of the chemo, and had coalesced into a single tumor. So Dr. Ajani said that obviously the two chemos were not working, and we would need to change. He said that we should continue with the Herceptin (a genetic by intravenous infusion)) and add another called medication Lapatinib only if the latter would be covered by insurance. If not, he has an alternative suggestion.
We went to see the Baylor oncologist, Dr. Denham, yesterday (Tuesday). Jill McKinney took us to the hospital and Her sister, Janae Gibson (accompanied by her 5 month old son, Daniel) stayed with Betty and me and took us home. He advised that I should continue Herceptin while awaiting information from our insurance, so I had an unexpected Herceptin infusion yesterday. He also suggested that we meet with a radiologist in the morning to see if radiation would be advisable. He will also attempt to discuss the options with Ajani at MDA.
Last Sunday November 13th, in the midst of the morning message, my voice just stopped. Of course, I had to stop preaching, but by the time of the end of the service my voice had returned enough to pronounce the benediction. I think I was just pushing it too much, and believe I will be able to speak on November 27 when I return to Stephenville.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ben Macklin from FBC Vernon will preach in view of a call at FBC Stephenville this Sunday November 20. He is a fine young preacher with an earned Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southwestern. He has an evangelistic heart and a brilliant mind. He loves people and relates well to the community. Sounds like a perfect fit for that great old church in Stephenville and those sweet, sweet people there. The Pastor Search team is to be congratulated for their diligence, patience while waiting on the Lord, and prayerfulness. The staff is to be commended for their faithfulness and willingness to go the second and third...and 4th miles during the interim, and the wonderful people of FBC have picked up the slack if there was some, and have refused to let down. It has been a joyous journey for me, and I hope so for them too.
Stephenville High plays in the second round of the playoffs Thursday night in Cowboy Stadium. Deacon Darrell Brown in Stephenville has overnighted 2 tickets for Jordan and me to attend the game. I`ve never been in "Jerry`s World", so I am really looking forward to being there to pull for Stephenville. Thank you Darrell!
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