June 17,2009

MaryKate started  her fourth round of chemo on Monday, and we will go home late Thursday or on Friday.  This will most likely be the last round as there really is not any evidence that these drugs are effective on synovial sarcoma.  Her doctor has been very helpful, has consulted with multiple other doctors and just returned from a seminar in Atlanta where this topic was addressed.  All of the studies that have been done regarding the effect of chemo on this type of cancer have not shown a difference in outcome between those who receive chemo and those who don't.   It's not clear that it is NOT working either though...  so it has been a tough decision to decide whether to continue or not.  We are really thankful for the great team of doctors that we have had both in Texas and at Doernbecher.  They have been humble and honest in trying to give the best advice they can in a case that does not have easy answers.  

The nurses here are wonderful!!!  We have become friends with many of them.  We have also met quite a few families that we have connected with over the past four months.  One teen, Ian - 16 years old, passed away last night.  That was really rough on our "group" up here.  Ian played the violin and was a really nice kid.  He played cards with the group of teens that first night we were up here for MaryKate's first round of chemo.  Keep praying for ALL the kids and families up here.  There are so many stories, new diagnosis, kids in all levels of treatment, kids finishing their treatment and ready to hopefully move on with their life -  but with a forever different outlook.  So many people's lives changed forever, and many who don't know the Lord.  Thank you for your continued support and prayers.  

We are so encouraged by all of you.  You have held us up in prayer and we have felt it.  God has been faithful and shown himself to us in the middle of suffering.  He is there, He sees our suffering and walks with us.  He gives us joy, and strength in the middle of uncertainty.  We have felt loved and taken care of each step of the way.  Our faith has grown by leaps and bounds and our confidence in Him has grown.  We want MaryKate to be well and continue to pray for that, but even more that our faith grows and that our outlook is forever changed to reflect Christ more.  That we can see and reach out to so many hurting people around us.  THANK YOU for caring for us and reaching out to us.  It has meant so much to all of us.          Julie