Hello!
Finally - a little good news!! I've lost 10 lbs. since last visit a few days ago!! For some of you, that would not be such good news - but for me, it's great!!

We met with the radiation therapy doctor today, Dr. Kristin Bradley. Not much older than our daughter, Jennifer...very kind and compassionate. She had a "resident" with her part of the time and I had to bite my tongue to keep from asking if he was old enough to have a driver's license, let alone be a doctor. I don't know...does that mean I'm getting older or is everyone else just younger?

Much the same news with one exception - a MOST important exception. Dr. Bradley did not get as excited about this as I am, but I think this is a very, very significant little discrepancy and a HUGE, HUGE matter of prayer. Please forgive the technicalities, but I don't know how to 'splain it any other way.

The Rockford & Madison doctors do not agree on the "type" of cancer. This is huge, to me. The Rockford doctors, after getting back the results of a test they did, say I have "adinoe cell carcinoma"...and that she saw the nodule in the lung but said it is not cancer, we will not deal with it now.

The Madison doctors, after seeing the cervical cancer (they say tests MOSTLY confirm this) have assumed (their words) that the cancer has jumped to secondary sites in the lungs - both of them. The Madison doctors call this cancer "squamous cell carcinoma". (For you internet doctors, you'll find that squamous on the internet mostly refers to a skin cancer - it can be, but not in my case.)

IF - IF - the Madison doctors are wrong and Rockford is correct - HALLELUJAH!!!! It changes a lot, though we are still talking stage IV cervical cancer at any rate. Not good by any means - BUT if the Rockford doctors are correct, then we don't have to battle with the huge issue of the lungs being the problem.

Madison dr. said today that she is nearly 100% sure that it is in the lungs - but she doesn't know, I don't think, that perhaps this is where God can allow a different outcome than the picture they've painted thus far!! This is truly the first good news we've had since we've started.

A lung biopsy, to be done in Madison, will confirm/deny the cancer in the lung. They are to call tomorrow with date/time. Radiation will begin shortly - M-F for 3 weeks and done here in Rockford. Nothing fancy, just some radiation to lighten the effects of the cervical issues. BECAUSE, again - Madison is still thinking the lungs are the huge issue to treat and don't want to dilly-dally with symptomatic radiation. BUT, should Rockford prove to be right, than the radiation treatment will change to focus on the cervical issues.

By the way, I asked how one gets cervical cancer. She said mostly it is seen in third world countries and comes from a virus of sorts. She said that is not the case here - there has been no viral whatever present and that's why it wouldn't have shown up on a test of some sort. She said mine is "out of the realm of normal". Our GOD is out of the realm of normal!!!

So - once again, thank you for your prayers. Please pray with us that the lung biopsy confirms Rockford's findings. Oh, how we pray!! More waiting, to be sure, but waiting with all of you is made easier because of your love and concern for us - and your constant prayers!

We stopped at Hubbard Ave. Diner on the way home for a sandwich & piece of pie...strawberry rhubarb with ice cream...very good. Reminded me of spring and the promise of new life!

Love you all so much...
Don & Deb