Our dear supporters and payer partners
First some background: I was (as many of you know) diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in November of 2012. Since then, I have been on a medical "watch and wait program". Follicular lymphoma on its own is not very life threatening but it can transform into a much more aggressive cancer. That is what the "watch" part of "watch and wait" is about. The oncologists have been watching for the symptoms that the cancer has changed. Over the last two months these symptoms have become noticeable to me and my oncologist (Dr. Jonathan Bender). Dr. Bender ordered a biopsy that was conducted last Monday (July 16). I received a call from my oncologist on Friday (July 20).
When he called me on Friday, he let me know that it had transformed (as we suspected) into the more aggressive form of lymphoma. It is called Large-B cell lymphoma (if you want to look it up). There are new treatments that just got out of clinical trials and my doctor is hopeful (as I am) that the treatments will put the lymphoma into remission.
This morning, we talked with the oncology nurse and she explained my treatment. First treatment is Thursday and will be two days then after that (unless necessary) it will be only a one-day treatment every three weeks. The treatment is called R-CHOP (each letter stands for a specific drug: R=Rituxan, C=Cyclophosphamide, H=Doxorubicin (new drug but they kept the old acronym); O=Vincristine (same); and P=Prednisone). I will be having treatments until mid-November. I will probably (but not guaranteed at this time) lose all my hair during the treatment program. I will be able to travel for work but if I travel by aircraft I will have to take some special precautions.
God has called me to develop Ministry To State in the State capitols. I plan on continuing this mission as much as my health will allow but I don't know yet how the treatments will affect me. I covet your prayers. I am in no way afraid to see my savior face to face. There is a part of me that has been longing for that day. I truly understand Paul's words "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again." Phillipians 1:21–26.
For me the "your" in "on your account" is my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and the work Christ has called me to MTS. Please pray for my wife and family. This is very hard on them. Please pray for a strong trusting faith for all of us.
If you have any questions, please send a FB messenger message and I will try to reply.
In Christ’s Service,
Thomas & Lorelei
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