Annalie's appointment last Wednesday

Wednesday was a busy day. We saw Dr. Estopinol (radiation doctor) in Huntsville in the morning, then went to Vanderbilt to see Dr. Edgeworth (radiation doctor) in Nashville. They both confirm that they think the best approach at this point is to begin radiation.
I will be doing the radiation in Huntsville, and checking with Dr. Edgeworth in Vanderbilt, as I feel is is necessary. I am going Tuesday for my simulation here, which will consist of creating a device for my head that will insure the radiation goes to the same place each time.
Once the radiation begins, I will have 6 wks of it, 5 days per week. It will not be a lengthy procedure each day, maybe a couple of hours total, so that will be nice. Both doctors are very optimistic about my treatment, saying they do not expect very many side effects, since I am very healthy, except for this tumor.

They are administering a drug called Temodar which seems to enhance the radiation. I will also be receiving a chemo drug in pill form. Although the long term outlook for all of this is not great, it will certainly give me some time that would not be available to me otherwise, medically. Dr. Edgeworth says that we did the right thing by removing as much of the tumor as was possible, which will also allow the radiation to be more effective. He said that they are tracking some patients now who have survived as long as 5 years with this, in conjunction with the drugs being administered.

All of this sounds encouraging to me, but I know, and Dr. Edgeworth concurs, that there is only so much the medical profession can do for me. I still have a wonderful peace that God is in control of this situation and I am trusting him COMPLETELY to remain in control. I am still praying for my healing, because I have so many things I would still love to do, BUT God sees the big picture, and I am trusting Him to work out the details. If He chooses another path for me, that is the BEST PLACE for me to be--and ALL MY FAMILY too!!


Thank you so much for your continued prayers, especially for Gordon, as he is having a very difficult time with this. He is so wonderful, and has been such a comfort to me during this time, but God has a purpose for him too in this. Please pray that he yield to that too!