MD Anderson is a happening place.

First just let me say that everyone that we came into contact with at MDA today was wonderful.

And a lot of people have cancer. Too many.

And I hate it for all of them.

So, finally after lots of checking in and seeing this nurse and that registration person and whoever, we met with Dr. T and his lovely assistant, Vanna White, haha not really, I don't know her name, the paper I have says it is Zita Lim but David said her jacket said something else. I'll just call her Zita.  She was lovely.

Anyway, we talked with Zita and she was very thorough explaining this cancer and the current options.  She is very optimistic. We told her we are ready, let's move forward with something!

Then Dr. T. came in.  Evidently she told him we said that.  He comes in saying here's what we should do-yes! just tell us! First, have the surgery.  Taking out the tumor sometimes causes the lung nodules to shrink. The tumor has also caused a clot in a vein that has to be removed and repaired. They will have to biopsy the tumor to determine what kind of cancer it is. Pray that is is something called Clear Cell. This is the most treatable and will allow us to advance to the clinical trial.

Then after 4-6 weeks recovery he could begin the trial. David would have a 50/50 chance of being in the group that gets the experimental vaccine, along with an approved drug. Or he could just get the approved drug.  The vaccine has shown in its phase 2 study to greatly boost the effects of the approved drug.  If he doesn't get in the group that gets the vaccine, he will still be receiving the correct drug. Being in the trial will require a day trip to Houston every 3 weeks. Idk for how long.

Dr. T. is very optimistic also that with David's overall good health, he has lots of good years ahead of him. So we are going with that and praying for advancements along the way!

So now we have to wait for the surgeon to see us. Dr. T is going to tell him we are from out of town and try to make that appointment happen quickly.

Also, through some misunderstanding, David's scans did not make it here. So the hospital is having them sent overnight from the lab in San Marcos. The surgeon needs to see these before we can make plans.

Here's what I am asking God for:
1. Remove the cancer. It doesn't hurt to ask!
2. Get those scans here ASAP.
3. Meet with surgeon ASAP.
4. Have surgery ASAP, with a speedy and uneventful recovery.
5. If it has to be cancer, let it be Clear Cell.
6. If it has to be cancer, let David get in the most beneficial study to beat it back!
7. Let the drugs work for a long time.
8. Quickly and continuously find new and better treatments and cures. For all cancer. Cancer stinks.
9. Give all those sad, scared, worried, hurting people I saw today, peace.
10. Bless you for praying with me.

Thank you for your prayers, and cards, and hugs.
Thank you for the care packages for our trip.
Thank you checking on us and the girls.
Thank you for loving us!