Hello Friends and Prayer Warriors!

Last Tuesday, Sam went in for his last chemo session in his first round of treatment. His liver enzymes looked great, allowing him to receive immunotherapy with chemo. There was much rejoicing when Thursday rolled around and he was able to remove his chemo drip. He suffered the same side effects he generally does: fatigue, hiccups and a tightness in his chest. 

That said, he was able to play pickle ball the day after his chemo drip was removed!  Pray he continues to fight fatigue and spend his energy wisely. 

So.
We've completed the first round of six treatments - what's next?

Sam will have a scan on May 14th and meet with his team on May 15th. The scan will take around 3 hours and gather information to help the treatment team determine best next steps. They are hoping to see a smaller esophogeal tumor. If the tumor has shrunk substantially, Sam's oncologist hopes to plead his case and push for a 10 week stint of radiation to target the tumor and liver at the same time. This treatment would conincide with his chemo regimen and, quite honestly, would be difficult. Sam is healthy, aside from the cancer, and his oncologist believes he would benefit from the treatment if he can tough out the 10 weeks.

So.
How do we pray.

Prayers this week:

• Substantial decrease in tumor size. This is instrumental in determining future treatments.
• Clear test results and communication among Sam's doctoral team.
• Sam and Mel to have calm minds. That they would stay grounded in Jesus. That they would fell held and peaceful and rested.
• Noah, Rhyan and Lacey to feel encouraged and hopeful this week.

Keep sending cards.
Keep sharing songs.
Keep praying.

This is a long road and your steadfast support his carrying them along.

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