It has been a while since I have been able to give an update. Most of you know that Emma and I were traveling throughout Europe over the past 3 weeks with a special visit to Scotland. We truly had a fantastic time and in good and proper jet lagged condition, I am just now able to sit down and write. The truth is, I still am on another time zone since I keep waking up at 4:00 in the morning and staring at the ceiling, willing my mind to stop thinking about all manner of random things.
It has not worked. So alas, I find myself with some time to sit down with a good cup of coffee, or three, and chat with you all. Since my last update so much has happened...
My mom has been accepted into a clinical trial with the City of Hope. I know I just got started with my story but let me pause quickly and tell you want fabulous people they are! If you ever get a chance to look into their organization, you will see the millions of lives they have touched with gentle and loving hands. I have shared with many of you that my mom has received less than adequate care to date. You can only imagine what her first visit with them was like. But let me share with you her own words:
My City of Hope story…
Wednesday, Oct. 6- I was getting my last checkup from my Radiologist when he said that I shouldn’t give up that I should call the City Of Hope. I thought that would be a good idea, that if nothing else maybe I could get a second opinion. I came home and googled C.O.H., got a number and called. A very nice lady answered. I told her my condition and prognosis and she transferred me to Debra, a nurse there at the hospital. She took all of my medical information and said that she would call all the doctors and request my test results. Within 5 min. of hanging up she had faxed me the medical release form which I signed it and sent back. She called me and said that she will be sending out the requests that day to all the doctors and to call her in a few days. You cannot imagine my shock after dealing with county hospitals and a million miles of red tape.
I called on Monday was told that she had everything she needed and had already made me an appointment with the Doctor on Monday, the 18th . I can’t say enough about how caring Debra was and how quickly Debra got all of this done. It is so uplifting to know that there are people and medical facilities out there that still care about the patient. I am excited about their new clinical trial and my experience so far has not been a wonderful one!
About 3 weeks ago my mom began tests and treatments for a new drug and treatment plan that has shown a 50% success rate to slow down the aggressive nature of triple negative breast cancer. They have not been successful at curing it completely, but there are more studies coming along this vein of medical procedure.
What this means my friends is that my mom's life has a higher probability of being prolonged! Praise God that He blesses men to work these medical miracles in the lives of dying people. My mom's spirits have been lifted and she has hope of spending more time with her family.
If I had to be honest with you, and those who know me understand that I can do that to a fault... I would tell you that I was worried that she would not live to complete the bucket list at all. But now I have hope as well that she will be able to complete the list with the support of her wonderful doctors and all of you.
Thank you so much for getting involved and I have more great news as well as the first Bucket List date to share with you very soon.
My God richly bless you all this Thanksgiving season. Give thanks and praises to Him!
I Chronicles 29:11-13
11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
