I am sorry for the delay in posting how the trip to Hopkins went. It took some time to process. A little backstory: Mike had a conversation with Hopkins before our visit in which they indicated that they felt that everything (the esophagus, the lymph node, and the spots on the liver) were all cancer. They questioned why Hershey would be doing a biopsy. I had two prayer requests for our visit: 1. that, if Hershey was right, the lymph node would not be palpable and Hopkins would agree that the biopsy is needed and 2. that God would show us clearly which hospital is the right place for treatment.
I am happy to report that the lymph node was not palpable and Hopkins agrees that the next best step is a biopsy. We also left there with the decision that Hershey is the best place for Mike to go. We went to Hopkins with such high hopes because it’s Hopkins after all. But, the doctor’s bedside manner was depressing. Despite their research nature, they have no clinical trials or new treatments to offer. Quite honestly, the doctor seemed quite negative about the whole thing. She did not even tell us the chemo she would recommend. Don’t get me wrong, Dr. Hohl, at Hershey, has given us the good, the bad, and the ugly of this diagnosis. But, he has given us a very detailed treatment plan and the changes that could happen based on the results of the molecular testing. Mike felt much more optimistic in his conversations with Dr. Hohl and since Hopkins agreed with his plan we see no need to change.
The biopsy of the lymph node under Mike’s arm will occur on August 1. We will see Dr. Hohl again on August 5.
Yesterday, while I was praying I was led to Luke 11: 8 – 9. It is the end of story Jesus used to teach more about prayer. In the story, there are two friends. One needs a loaf of bread in the middle of the night and knocks on the door of the other friend to borrow some. The sleeping friend calls out that he does not want to be bothered. Jesus goes on and says, “But I tell you this- though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you”.
If you are willing, friends, I ask you to join me in shameless persistence today by praying that the lymph node under Mike’s arm and the spots on his liver are not cancer and that the tumors in his esophagus are HER2 and PDL1 positive.
Yes
Ron and I are praying for you and Mike daily. Hope to see you next weekend.
I join with you in shameless persistence!! Love, hugs and continued prayers!
You are in our prayers
Continued prayers for Mike and you!
Praying for you! Sounds like God is leading you. He is so faithful! He has you in the palm of His hand! He’s got this!
Prayers 🙏 daily Donna for Mike, you and the rest of the family.
We will pray that way!!!!
Bonnie – prayers are with you and Mike and your family ❤️ Your faith is a rallying cry and I am with you in prayer! If there is ANYTHING I can do to help ease you in other ways please reach out! I would get up in the middle of the night to get you bread if you needed it – just knock!!
Michael and Bonnie, this is Judy from Pataskala Nazarene. I am praying for y’all as well as the doctors that are taking care of you through this journey. Michael I ask the Lord to carry y’all and hold y’all next to HIM and comfort y’all every moment of the day. God bless you and your precious family.
Daily Prayers to this Beautiful Family 🙏
Hi Bonnie…I am so sorry to hear that your husband, Mike was diagnosed with Cancer. Last year I was diagnosed with a head & neck cancer out of the blue and through the Grace of God. My treatment was surgical (October, 2018) and a portion of my tongue was cut out and I had 31 lymph nodes removed from my neck among other things. My incision went from my lower lip, through my jaw an extended to my left ear. My recovery has been remarkable and the care which I received has been stellar.
I heard of your plight from Heather’s mom (Jay Platt). You will be in our prayers as we know your are right about this being a marathon and not a sprint. Our choice of hospitals was Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.
If you would like to contact me, please feel free to do so. My e-mail is below./Diane