Cancer Update

Zach had his fifth chemo treatment yesterday along with a CAT Scan to see if the treatment has been effective. The doctors found that the cancer spots in his liver and lungs have shrunk around 50%. They told us that this happens in 20% of patients or less. Normally they expect the first four treatments to stop the cancer growth and maybe shrink it a little bit. This is definitely a wonderful answer to the many prayers that have been said for him. We are so thankful.

The tumor in Zach's colon has continued to cause some concerns and the doctors have decided that since the cancer has responded so well to the chemo that now is the time to remove the tumor and hopefully get rid of some of the symptoms he has been having. They also want to remove it before other more serious problems happen requiring a more emergency surgery (or a surgery that does not come at a good time for the rest of his treatment). Another benefit of surgery now is that once Zach has recovered they can give him an additional type of chemotherapy (they have not been giving this one so far because it can cause complications if he needed to have surgery).

With every surgery there are of course risks. The surgeon hopes to use a Laparoscopic surgery method that will mean smaller openings in Zach's skin. He plans to remove the tumor and the part of the colon that the tumor is attached to and then attach the colon back together. There is always a risk of infection from the surgery itself and also the risk of the colon not healing properly and causing future complications. Zach has one more chemo treatment scheduled for September 14th and then his surgery is scheduled for the morning of September 24th. The doctors anticipate him spending five days in the hospital to recover. If all goes well Zach should be able to start chemo again 4-6 weeks after his surgery.

Several people have asked for specific things they can pray for, so here they are.
-Praise God that the Chemo is working.
-Pray that the cancer can continue to shrink and that the tumor will get smaller before surgery so that there will be less to remove.
-Pray that Dr. Helft will be given wisdom as he directs Zach's treatment.
-Pray for Dr. Nakeeb as he performs the surgery.
-Pray that Zach and I can glorify God and walk in peace through this storm.
-Pray for our children, Zion and Moriah, and our extended family members and friends as they are going through this with us.

Thanks for your prayers, cards, gifts, and support. We have been blessed by so many and hope God can use us bless others even as we have been blessed.