Thank you all for praying specifically for this biopsy procedure. The lymph node was a bit challenging to find, but none the less, it was found! Results will come late Tuesday or early Wednesday. We are in prayer about this particular biopsy being negative.
As for my MUGA scan (i.e., heart test), it is scheduled for Tuesday, 9:30am.
We are also scheduled to get our second opinion at the University of Tennessee Cancer Center this week, which is a rapid feat of scheduling considering we made the initial call today. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we meet with the UT surgeon, Dr. Bell, at 2:00 pm. We will then meet with the UT oncologist, Dr. Pinella, this Thursday at 12:00 pm. Please pray that these two doctors will conscientiously and carefully evaluate Julie and her file, and render an objective recommendation.
If, after receiving the second opinion, we agree to move forward with the proposed course of treatment (6 months chemo, followed by surgery), Julie will receive her first round of chemo on Wednesday, April 29. Please pray that Julie will be strong and that the toxicity of the chemo will selectively target the cancer cells while minimizing the effects on the rest of her body. Julie has been spiritually, mentally, and nutritionally preparing for this date. Ever since the diagnosis she has embarked on an ambitious diet to prepare her body and her healthy cells for the chemo. Julie has been very disciplined in consuming a lot of raw fruit and raw vegetable juices. Dave has been doing most of the juicing, and he has incorporated fresh wheat grass juice (2 0z. a day), and a very diverse range of dark, leafy green vegetables for juicing before lunch and dinner. Julie has also kept up her protein intake with chicken and fish for lunch and dinner. Julie has another week-and-a-half to maintain this aggressive diet prior to chemo. Please pray that Julie's body will optimally absorb all of these nutrients which she has been consuming so that her body will be able to better handle the days ahead.
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Hi Julie and Dave,
ReplyDeleteBeen praying for all four of you and glad things are moving forward as well as could be expected at this point. Dave, I really feel for you brother, as a man and as shepherd of your family this has to be terribly difficult. I'll be keeping you in my prayers every bit as much as Julie since your job will be just as tough as hers in the coming months.
Quick question / suggestion: I'm not a doctor but am spending lots of time in the gym lifting weights and have read that excercise stimulates nutrient absorbtion. It might be worth asking the doctor about Julie taking her protein and veggies right before and after some streneuos excercise, if that's OK medically...
Please let me know of any specific needs and / or prayer requests, especially for Dave as we are already praying for Julie's cancer and related health stuff.
May the Lord redeem this situation and may your family emerge stronger and more in love with Jesus and each other!
Dave,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know that Mary and I are thinking and praying for Julie and her situation everyday(and if something brings it to mind). We are also praying that you have the strength and fortitude to handle everything that is going on right now. Remember Joshua 1:9.
Jeff Payne
May the Lord bless your efforts to strengthen your body for the fight ahead! Sara and Gil Baker
ReplyDeleteJust a note to say I am praying for you and giving you all a virtual hug.
ReplyDeleteBelieving it will be all right.
Joanne
Julie and Dave
ReplyDeleteI am praying for the both of you that God will continue to strengthen and uphold you during this trying time. Dave I have never had the opportunity to meet you but have come to know you through talking with Julie. You are both in my prayers and also for the doctors to find the right course of treatment.