Monday, September 29, 2008

Although we never did receive the CT scan CD from Methodist through the mail, we did, however, receive news of the CT report by way of email. Dr. Thaller shared that information with us so we wanted to let everyone know the most recent info. From the written report, while we do not know with certainty about the size of the primary tumor, we do know that some of the tumors in the lungs have increased in size and there were 2 more tumors found in Brad's right leg (one in his femur, close to his hip & another in front of the tibia bone that is a visible mass just beneath the skin).

Thaller used an ultrasound machine on Thursday & Friday to inject the visible tumor with Coley's and New Castle virus. The injections have made Brad's knee very sensitive.

This morning Brad went into a hospital at Truchtlingen for a resection of the visible tumor. This outpatient surgery proved to be more painful that Brad or I anticipated. The surgeon had to make a larger incision than expected. Brad's leg is very sore now to say the least and I am praying that he is able to stay comfortable during the flight.

Dr. Thaller decided to send Brad in for surgery this morning because he wanted the tumor cells harvested to use to "prime" the dendritic cells. We used tumor cells with the dendritic cells during our first treatment, so Thaller is hypothesizing that the "tumor priming" may be a key piece of the first treatment's success. Brad will also continue infusions every day, including the very lengthy sodiumbicarbonate infusions. Thaller has also started a new injection with Brad called 'Gaypon.' Gaypon is drug derived from potato sprouts and has been shown to work very effectively with the killer cells.

We are truly praying for a miracle concerning Brad's health. Dr. Thaller assured us that "We will not give up so easily" so Brad concluded that the fight is on! I am so proud of this man and he tenacity to not give up. When the going gets tough...he just seems to get tougher.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We love you all.

19 comments:

Matt, Kara, and Hank (plus Teej) said...

Prayers for miraculous healing will not cease in our hearts.

Our God is an aweome God and His steadfast love never ceases.

Matt

Linda said...

I think and pray for you all daily...I can't even put into words how I feel for you both and the wonderful summer we spent in Asia. I know God's will will be done here and my heart has faith and hope in the Lord...

Love always,
Linda

Perks said...

I am sorry for the heavy news.

We truly believe in the power of God and His healing hands. I need to learn to believe more in His timing and not my own!

We know Brad's a fighter. He's got a huge team behind him.

We love you dearly...

Emily said...

So sorry to hear this news... We are praying continually for your healing and comfort. We love you guys!

Emily

Brooks Inc. said...

We will not cease in crying out to the Lord on your behalf...We continue to pray for strength and complete healing to course through Brad (And Yours) body!

We are joined in praer to your family and thousands of others who are constanlty bringing you before the Lord...

Becky

Anonymous said...

I will continue to pray for healing of your leg and lungs. I'm really sorry to hear of your heavy news. As always, I am here to help you in any way possible to help you fight this. God is amazing and I continue to have faith of his work in healing you. I will definitely be praying for a comfortable flight back home as well........... Jennifer G

tamandscott said...

If anyone can overcome this hurdle, it's Brad. Jenny, you amaze me with your strength and support. He is very blessed to have you by his side. We love you both so very much and will continue to pray for healing.

t

Muse Moments said...

It's not the size of the man in the fight but the fight in the man. You and Brad are true fighters and our family prays for you daily. You are on our hearts. Jenny, you are an amazing wife and I love you!

Love ~ Scott & Mindy Muse

Lisa said...

Continuously praying here in Arlington...remember that God has, is and will continue to smile on you. Thank you for your encouragement and for keeping everyone posted - even when it's not easy.

Anonymous said...

Brad and Jenny you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. God has a plan. I am amazed by the strength in both of you. God Bless and "Beat the H*** OUTTA CANCER!!" Whoop!!

Nellie said...

Praying mightily for healing in the name of Jesus. May God grant everyone involved in this battle with the strength, courage, and wisdom to fight on to victory. We love you!

Nell and Skip

Kevin & Tiffany Daniels said...

A set back for sure, but you both will remain in our prayers. God has a plan for you and your family. I know His plan will make itself evident in time. Until then, we will pray for miracles. Keep up the fight! You are amazing, both of you! God is good.

Anonymous said...

I am keeping you all in my prayers every night. I'm glad that you have such a good doctor and a wonderful support group of family and friends who I hope continue to give you courage and strength. You and your family are always in our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you here at the Methodist. Sorry the CT didn't come back with the results you had hoped for. Stay steadfast in your faith. God indeed does have a plan for you. I have prayed for you daily and will pray even more diligently for Brad's miraculous healing. Keep fighting the good fight, and know there are so many others in there fighting for you too.

Connie Giles

See-Dub said...

Praying here in Fort Worth...

Angie Campbell said...

We are praying and we love you guys. We are so sorry to hear this latest report. Let me know what we can do to help when you get home.

Matt, Kara, and Hank (plus Teej) said...

Hoping and praying for better news soon!
-Kara

Rachel said...

Wims family,

you have truly been an inspiration. Your faith and perseverance through this all has been amazing to watch! I am praying and standing in agreement with the many people who are praying for God's miraculous healing for Brad!

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases..."
Psalms 103:2-3

Anonymous said...

Hello. I do no know you, but my Mom will be starting with Dr. Arno Thaller today in Germany and I am curious of your husband's experience.

Nicole Gitlin