An Update on My Health

So last week I started a series of videos documenting a day at the cancer clinic. I never finished the series.

I asked you all for prayer for a PET scan that I was scheduled for last Monday. The reason I didn’t finish the video series documenting my day on Wednesday was because the results of the PET scan were not what we hoped for.

What you should know:

1. The scan showed slight disease progression. That means the spots in my lungs are larger than they were in my last PET scan. The spots are still small but they are growing.

2. The scan also detected new spots in my liver and a spot on my lower tailbone. The spot on my tailbone explains why I have been having pain when sitting and why it’s difficult for me to sit and stand unassisted.

3. The spots on my liver are also incredibly small but they must be treated as metastatic cancer at this point. What that means is that the current treatment regimen is no longer working properly and it is no longer able to keep the cancer from growing or spreading.

What’s next?

1. My wife and I have consulted with my oncologist and she has a good plan that includes switching the medication regimen.

2. We also spent the week contacting my other doctors at MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Emory Winship Cancer Institute to inquire about clinical trials that I may qualify for. So far there aren’t any trials that I am a match for, but we are still looking.

3. All of my doctors agree with my current oncologist’s plan. They say that the drugs she is prescribing are in fact the same course of action that they would take.

4. It will probably take about a week before I began the new treatment plan. This will also mean a change in my actual treatment schedule but we will know more once I meet with my oncologist this week.

What I need from YOU!

1. First, we always need your prayers. We have stood on your prayers for nearly 5 now. Don’t stop praying.

2. Second, I need you to trust me, my wife, and my medical team. Many of you can mean well, but at this stage you have to know that we have researched every reputable source of information regarding treatment options. My care has been a full time job for 5 years now. I share this to let you know that even though you may mean well, sharing information with me that you know how to cure my cancer isn’t helpful. Trust that we have looked into everything.

3. I need you to know that I am feeling well physically. Even though I have been wrestling with the pain in my tailbone, now that we know what’s actually causing it, we have a plan to eliminate the pain that will happen soon. I’m fine really.

4. I need you to know that I am fine mentally and emotionally. Those who know me know I am a naturally optimistic person. That hasn’t changed. I’m built for this and I trust God. So if you see me smiling and living my life, it isn’t denial or toxic positivity, it’s just me. It’s the way God wired me. That means it’s ok for you to be joyful too, especially around me and my family.

5. Finally, I need y’all to know I love you all. I’m not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. While the results of the PET scan aren’t what we would have hoped for, we still have faith and I still have lots of life left to be lived. Let’s enjoy it together.

Love

-Pastor L