Change of plans...

Today (6/28) we had an appointment with the Medical Oncologist to discuss the biopsy results and finalize the treatment plan scheduled to start tomorrow (6/29). It didn't go as expected. We will do our best to explain where we are now, though we are still trying to process it ourselves. 

70% of Renal Cell Carcinoma cases are "clear cell" cases. The remaining 30 are various subtypes. Our proposed treatment plan was going off the assumption that this was Clear Cell RCC. At the appointment, we learned that the biopsy results indicated that it was not clear cell, but likely an extremely rare subtype. The type of tumor Clay has is typically non-malignant, slow growing, and does not spread. However, in Clay's body it is presenting itself in all opposing ways. 

Last week, our hospital entered a partnership with MD Anderson. We are so grateful for the timing of this. Our oncologist recommended waiting two weeks to start treatment until he can discuss our case with the team there and get a second opinion on the biopsy since it is so unusual. He communicated to us that he believes we may only have one chance to get this right, and it would be foolish to not consult to the premier doctors in this field prior to starting treatment. Though we HATE pushing treatments back further, we agree with him.  

Today has been hard. We were ready to begin fighting this tomorrow. 

More than ever we are thankful that our hope is not on anything other than Christ and what He accomplished on the cross. When everything under us continues to be shaken and moved and no one understands what is going on in Clay's body, we are not shaken. Christ keeps our feet from slipping. We put our hope in him alone. 

I read this verse in my quiet time a few days ago regarding Abraham and have been praying it to be true of us in this season: 

"No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21

Even though this is heavy, God is still good. His promises are still true, and His presence is so near to us now. Though we are tempted to fear, we know we don't have to. We know he is strengthening our faith as we believe his promises are true and do our absolute best to glorify him in this valley. 

Ways to Pray:

• Healing 
• Peace as we wait
• Clear plan from our medical teams at Ochsner and MD Anderson
• Pain levels to remain under control

Answered prayer:

• Insurance approval came through 
• Partnership that allows us to have access to a larger team of doctors 

Ready, break!