“AND WE KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
We have watched God ‘part the waters’ these last couple weeks, as we’ve had and scheduled appointments for Ken’s numerous medical needs.
On Wednesday, April 24th, we had an appointment with Dr. Mark Campbell, an Oxford cardiologist. He looked over all our tests results and placed Ken on a 30-day heart monitor.
On Thursday, 5/25, just as we were walking into our pre-scheduled appointment at the Cancer Center with Dr. Yates, (local oncologist), we received a call from the nurse in MDAnderson’s lung radiation department requesting detailed records of Ken’s 30 radiation treatments at the Oxford Cancer Center in 2021. As we began the visit with Dr. Yates, we told his nurse that we needed health records of prior radiation, so she was able to get the process started during our appointment. We’re so thankful for our friend, Ryan Yates, helping us understand the medical details and providing needed care.
Afterwards, we walked over to the Radiation Department and were met by Jeff Kurr, the Cancer Center Medical Physicist and Kelly Smith, who’d actually administered Ken’s 30 radiation treatments. Jeff (our friend & former neighbor) and Kelly (also a good friend & fellow church member, who’s 2 children were each previously in our 4th-grade Sunday School class) had pulled together all the information needed to send to Houston. The nurse from Houston gave us her cell number so she & Jeff worked out the details to transfer records!
Ken had a CT scan Tuesday, April 30, at MDAnderson in preparation for our meeting, Wednesday, May 1st, to set up CT Simulation for Sterotactic Body Radiotherapy. We were very encouraged by Dr. Liao’s hopes to eradicate the resistant lung tumor using SBRT, a high-energy radiation beam that acts as a gamma-knife to destroy the tumor. Ken’s heart monitor will have to be removed and then put back in place before and after each treatment.
The radiation department allowed us to show them our plans for both grandsons’ graduations, scheduling 4 consecutive days of radiation at the exact times we needed! The 4 SBRT treatments will be May 14th - May 17, scheduled to allow 3.5/hours travel time to Waco for Ethan’s graduation Tuesday evening 5/14; getting back to Houston for an early (9:25am) Wednesday morning appointment and finishing up Friday before going to Baton Rouge for Nathan’s graduation Saturday, 5/18!
We’re so encouraged with their confidence to treat this tumor, as well as future growths, without too much discomfort!
After Nathan’s graduation, we’ll go back to Houston Monday to be there for Tuesday, 5/21’s ultrasound & biopsy of newly discovered Thyroid neoplasm followed by an MRI of the prostrate.
Wednesday, May 22, we meet with Dr. Altan, thoracic doctor, followed by appointments with Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Frank, to discuss the prostate proton radiation treatments (which will be in Houston each week day from 9/17 until mid October).
We’re relieved to have this plan in place and encouraged that Ken will soon feel better. How grateful we are for… God’s hand upon our lives, these brilliant doctors who’ve discovered treatments for various cancers, and for all our friends who are willing to pray for us!
With love & appreciation,
Ken & Barbara
