Test Results

This is going to be the most difficult update I have had to write. Last Wednesday we received results from Leroy’s latest test. Let’s start with the good news. The cancer has not invaded the liver or other organs around the pancreas. This was wonderful news, but unfortunately the doctor then shared with us that Leroy’s pancreatic cancer has metastasized. For those of you who do not know what this means, the cancer has moved to the blood and gone to other parts of the body. In Leroy’s case it has gone to his bones and is concentrated in his left femur. The only way to conclusively determine that the spot on this femur is cancer is to biopsy the cancer. This is extremely painful and since all other indicators show cancer, the doctor will not be doing this test. This is heart breaking news since it places Leroy’s cancer in stage IV which means the disease is considered inoperable and terminal. What does this mean for now? Leroy will complete his initial round of chemotherapy and radiation tomorrow. Then he will wait for re-evaluation. His first appointment will be in four weeks since the chemotherapy and radiation continues to work for up to eight weeks after treatment.

So now that I have stunned some of you, I know you are asking how you can help. The best way to help both Leroy and Lois is to support the decisions that Leroy makes concerning his treatment. We ask that you pray for Leroy to feel better as chemotherapy and radiation have been very taxing on his body. You can encourage Leroy and Lois to make the best of the time they have left together. Most of all, you can pray for healing for everyone in the family. This has been very difficult for our family so praying for all of us would be very helpful. We trust that God will not give us a challenge that we cannot endure.

Leroy’s bible verse he has returned to often during all of this:
(Praises for the Lord’s mercies)
Psalm 103: 11-19

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12 As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children,

So the LORD pities those who fear Him.

14 For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

18 To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven,

And His kingdom rules over all.