abbey abroad :)

Hey, everyone! Mom and Dad are back from Houston with some pretty good news! When they went to the initial appointment on Friday, the doctor told them that my dad could participate in a study there in Houston. That was good news, but it would mean that my dad would have to travel to Houston every three weeks for treatment. My parents asked the doctor if she knew of anyone closer to us doing a similar study, just so he wouldn’t have to travel so far. She said she didn’t know of one, but she would do some research. Thankfully, tons of people (including many of you!) were praying for a good follow-up appointment Wednesday. Well, when they went back to the doctor Wednesday, she told them that, not only is the same study being conducted in Tennessee, but it’s even here in Memphis! This is such great news. It will be much easier and less expensive for Dad to get treated here.

The study is for patients 40-80 years of age with prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. We’re hoping that they still need patients to participate in the study and that Dad meets all the requirements. If he doesn’t, MD Anderson said they’d love to treat him. What can I say? My dad’s in high demand. ;)

As a participant in this study, my dad would receive the normal treatment that any doctor would prescribe for a patient in his condition. He would also receive an extra pill—either an experimental drug or a placebo. (We wouldn’t know for a while which pill he received.) So basically, he’ll get the standard treatment plus a 50/50 chance of receiving a drug that may be extra effective.

Dad has his first appointment at UT Memphis tomorrow. He won’t be starting treatments yet, but I guess they’ll see if he meets all the requirements and do a few preliminary tests. 

I can’t thank you enough for all your prayers. My whole family thanks you! We’ve had so many people encourage us by sending us cards or telling us they’re praying for us, and some people have even helped us meet some physical needs! I am so very thankful for each of you and the way the God of all comfort works through you to minister to us.