Progress

Hello Friends.

In the past week there have been two encouraging developments regarding Luke's condition.  Today Luke had a PET scan, to compare with the one he had in late August in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the chemotherapy treatments he has received.  We spoke with his Doctor this afternoon, and she was "very pleased" with the results, and she also said that there was "more work to be done."  Today's scan showed no new cancerous growths in Luke's body, as well as significant shrinkage in several of the lesions that had been present on the first scan.  There are also several spots that are clearly visible on the first scan that cannot be seen at all on the scan they did today.  We are so thankful for this progress, and praying earnestly that God's mercies will be great in healing Luke's body completely from this cancer.

The other bit of encouraging news is that Luke is moving forward with the process of being fitted for his prosthetic leg.  Last Thursday he walked on his prototype for the first time.  It was the first time we'd seen Luke stand up straight since his surgery in early September.  He's getting tall!  His team is hoping that he'll have his own leg and begin physical therapy to learn his new stride by the end of January.  Luke has a great deal of hard work ahead, but recently he has been feeling strong enough physically to be able to handle the challenge.

A few specific prayer requests:
1) Luke would very much like to participate playing his flute and piano in the Solo and Ensemble District competition on February 3,4 & 6.  Pray for his chemo schedule to be clear on those dates, and for his new leg to be ready so he can walk into the auditorium with his head held high.  He does not want to be there in a wheelchair!
2) There is one spot on the PET scan that is presenting differently than the others, and Luke's Doctor is going to order a different scan next week so they can pinpoint exactly what it is.  His Doctor is not overly concerned about it at this time, and she thinks the chemo will be able to address it, but she wants to take a closer look to make sure no additional course of action is needed.
3) This has been a tough couple of weeks for Laura, as she remembers her mom passing away just two years ago in December.  Laura is such a fiercely devoted mom to all of our boys.  Pray for Laura to be able to pursue physical, emotional and spiritual health as we endure the long grind that Luke's treatment involves. 

Most of all, as always, we can't stop, WON'T stop praying, for God to heal our boy. (James 5:14-16)

God bless,
James & Lu
(for Sam, Jay & Luke)

 

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