On February 16, 2010, our lives changed forever. We learned that John has advanced, stage 4, inoperable lung cancer. (He has never smoked a cigarette in his life.) It has spread to his spine, his pelvic bone, his adrenal glands, both eyes, and his brain. We were shocked when the oncologist gave us the prognosis: without treatment, the prognosis would be 1 month. With treatment, the median or average survival is 4 months. A really good prognosis, with treatment, is 12 months. He has seen some cases, however, where the patient has survived 3 years, and one has survived 7 years. The brain metastases are what make his prognosis so bad. We are hoping for a miracle, but we are going to accept the Lord's will in this matter. We have seen His hand in our lives, preparing us for all of this, and we are filled with gratitude for our many blessings. This is a blog to document our journey through this trial.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Not What We Wanted to Hear

First, the good news: John's brain MRI in early May was clean! What a relief! But now, the bad news: on May 11th he had a chest CT scan, and the results were not so good. Several of the nodules in his lung have increased in size; for example, one has increased from 2 mm in March, to 6 mm now. There's also a mass-like consolidation which has increased slightly in size. And his alkaline phosphatase level was mildly elevated. This is an enzyme present in bone; when there are bone tumors, the level is elevated. The oncologist said, "I wish I could say it's not getting worse, but it is. What we're seeing is a trend." He'll keep John on the same treatment (Tarceva); it's causing the cancer to grow more slowly. He thinks John could still be on this for months. The next scan will be in July.

This was a rough day for both of us. It wasn't news we wanted to hear. But we soon adjusted our attitudes. We find joy in each new day, and we trust in the Lord with all our hearts. We continue to pray for a miracle, and we go forward in faith, together.
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6 comments:

  1. JennyMay 16, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I'm so sorry. We'll keep praying for you and John!

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  2. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Words are so inadequate at times like this...we never can express what is so deeply felt for you. Know that we we hold you near and dear to us. May your prayers and wishes come true. Your faith is great. God Bless you all. Mike and Marsha

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  3. BethanyMay 16, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    You two are so amazing to keep up such bright faith. I never would have guessed the bad news after having seen John at choir on Sunday.

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  4. Spencer MorseMay 17, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    We are sending our love and prayers for you guys!!!! I told Jess, we need to pray for Carvada and John, "Carvada's Dad" that means husband. We love you guys so much. Lisa

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  5. Tish SolomonMay 18, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    I'm sorry Harvada. I don't know how you keep so positive, you are both wonderful!

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  6. MonaJune 23, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I thought about you in the temple on Saturday. I miss you and am saddened at the news. Keep up the faith and we will continue to pray for you!

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