Sing a New Song
/Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. - Colossians 3:16
- "Sing a new song unto the Lord
- Let your song be sung
- From mountains high
- Sing a new song unto the Lord
- Singing A-le-lu-ia!" - Psalm 98
Our church is studying the above verse in our current sermon series, and it couldn't be more fitting for today. I sure felt like breaking into song today! Clinic trials are a go! After 2.5 hours of waiting, we met with an oncologist today who specializes in new drug development at TN Oncology through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. I have to say the wait was tough, but he and his team were worth waiting for! He said there are several options available, and him and his research nurses will be reviewing the inclusion/exclusion criterion to see what will be the best fit for Mrs Barbara. We hope to have an idea by Thursday or early next week. The plan is to start the treatment of choice the week of the 20th (her birthday week!). In the meantime, they may order additional bloodwork and scans and she may have multiple appointments before officially starting, just depends on the trial she enters. They are leaning towards a type of Cancer treatment called immunotherapy. It basically helps wake up the body's immune system to recognize and fight the Cancer again (it is believed that some cancers may operate under the radar of the immune system). These meds may have very different side effects than what we're used to, but the nurses feel like those side effects are more rare and less bothersome. Some patients don't even have any side effects!
So...we don't have a plan just yet, but it is already in the works. We met a wonderful doctor today - great bedside manner, full of hope, and very knowledgeable. He even gave Mrs Barbara a hug before he left the room! And his nurses were friendly and optimistic and encouraging. This entire medical group has been very transparent with lab results and scan reports and has been answering all of our questions graciously and patiently. We are very grateful for them! Please continue to pray for healing and guidance for the doctor as he chooses 2 or 3 options out of many to treat this Cancer. Please pray for Mrs. Barbara's spirit - the not-so-great news yesterday and the fears of insurance hiccups cause great anxiety. Pray the Devil and his ways of dampening our spirit of Hope stays far away from her now more than ever! Thank you all for your messages of love and support! Every one is read and is a blessing!
Heavenly Father, how great is your mercy! Thank You for the sweet doctor and nurses today! Their optimism was refreshing and a sign of your comforting Presence. Thank you for the time shared with Mrs Barbara and Coach while we waited. Lord, I pray you put a new song in my heart each day that I may sing Your praises and look to You first before getting consumed by the fears and challenges in front of me. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen!