It’s been quite a while since I (Tess) provided any significant update and I apologize for that. So many of our friends and family have reached out to me on an individual basis asking for updates and any prayer requests, and I appreciate all of you with your caring hearts. 

I confess that I’ve simply been in a season of feeling overwhelmed with the need to cocoon and hibernate a bit. 

David and I both made it through the holidays fairly well, although the inability to be with and hold our grandson on his first Christmas was very difficult for me. Thankfully, David’s daughters have both been quarantining so we were able to have them over several times. 

Now then, as to David and his progress... It’s all good news, praise God!!! 💖

The spine radiation and new course of cancer drugs have been doing their job. All areas of active cancer in David’s body have stopped and are regressing. Tumors and metastases have either reduced significantly in size and activity, or disappeared altogether. 

David seems to be tolerating the new cancer meds well with no indications of lung complications, as happened with the Tagrisso. 

As to David’s lungs from his bout with pneumonia - his recovery is nearly complete. 

There is some significant bone degeneration in David’s spine from the radiation and resolving tumors there which is causing nerve impingement and mobility issues. The doctors will be doing vertebroplasty (injection of spine cement) and physical therapy to help with some of this. 

Other than that, David is working hard to regain some of the weight he lost, he tries to exercise regularly to build back some of his upper body strength, and simply enjoy the gift of time that we have been given.  And what a wonderful gift it is!

We want to thank you all for the many calls, texts, prayers, and all the other special ways you have individually reached out to connect with and support us both. Please know that, even in our silence, you have been a comfort to us. 

Here is a photo of me getting an infusion at MD Anderson. The infusion is ramucirumab which should extend the efficacy of the erlotinib I take to fight the cancer. 

In His grip, Tess and David