Have you ever had one of those days when you wonder why you ever doubted God’s presence in your life? Well, we did yesterday. After weeks of uncertainty, everything fell in place.
We left the hotel about 11 am. The place we’re staying has a shuttle that takes us to the hospital for each appointment, which is very convenient. I had blood drawn first to check my cell counts, followed by maintenance on my catheter dressing. The results of the blood tests were good: the chemo pills I’ve been taking since Wednesday have lowered my while cell count to almost normal. My platelets and hemoglobin are also acceptable. Translation: no infusions this weekend.
When we met with the hematologist later in the afternoon, he first told us that I am a mutant. Not the cool kind like Wolverine, but I do have a previously undetected genetic mutation that is likely causing much of the leukemia (I have two genetic abnormalities, but we knew about the other one). I guess my superpower is making immature white blood cells. That’s not good in the sense that I have something else wrong with my DNA. But, it just so happens that MD Anderson has an experimental drug that targets and inhibits this newly identified messed up chromosome. In fact, they have an ongoing clinical trial that combines this drug with another that I’ve previously had (and tolerated well). The trial was capped at 55 patients, but the results have been promising enough that the investigators opened up two more slots, raising the participants to 57. I am patient number 56. To this, the research assistant said, “You are lucky.” But I know better…
What some call luck or coincidence, we understand as divine intervention—and the amazing power of prayer. As a result of so many people taking up their spiritual swords and fighting on our behalf, not to mention a Heavenly Father who answers with exactly what we need, we
· got here at just the right time, not too early or late
· saw the right doctor who immediately voiced his suspicions about this additional genetic mutation based on how the disease in my body has behaved
· eeked my way into this study before it closed
We could say all of this “just-so-happened,” but “just-so-happened,” is non-theological speak for “God knew what He was doing all along.” And here is the icing on the cake (just because He can): the treatment is outpatient, so I get to stay with my family rather than be cooped up in a hospital room (that won’t allow children) for a month.
Hindsight is usually 20/20. Looking back, it is evident to see the hand of God on this situation. Despite the frustration of dealing with insurance and fighting to get an appointment, we are now right where we are supposed to be. There is no medical guarantee that these drugs will work, but there is a Heavenly guarantee that that the Lord will not abandon us now or ever. We’ll spend the next 1-3 months in Houston and some days ahead will be difficult and filled with uncertainly. I still have to get in remission and then have the transplant. But with each step God has proven yet again that He is true to his promises. Every time this happens –and it’s happened a lot throughout this journey –our faith is strengthened and His name is glorified.
Our God is an Awesome God. My continued prayer go up for you and your family. We love you.
Thanks, Joe. He is awesome, indeed.
Continuing to pray and praising God for His goodness! Isn’t it “funny” how we are surprised when God does something according to His nature? He continues to amaze me in the way He works!! Even though I have been a Christian for a looooong time, I am still learning to trust Him with everything. I am so encouraged by your blog!
Thanks, Robin. I still have to commit to trust Him everyday. Each time I doubt, He reminds me that he is faithful.
Welcome to Houston! In God’s unending, unfathomable grace… you have a family in Christ right down the road. We’d love to bring you to our church home and have your family for a Sunday meal or 12 if you’re here that long. You, your wife, and beautiful daughters are welcome to call our home your own ANYTIME. We gladly offer you a full kitchen, shower, a game room full of Blue and White and a swimming pool– though it’s starting to get “cold” here plus a warm hug and cheerful encouragement.
-The Westerfields
Thanks, Loren! We appreciate that so much. We will definitely visit you all soon. Emmy LOVES going to the swimming pool. I sent Mark some details about my schedule. Hope to see you all soon.