Pray. Pray. Pray.

Hi again, everyone.

This is a simple update to let you know what Patrick's recent MRI results indicated and how the Shaw's will move forward.  Like the PET scan, Patrick's MRI also showed an "area of concern" in Patrick's lower abdominal cavity, near his prostate.  Dr. Friel (Patrick's colorectal surgeon) wishes to investigate this further by obtaining a tissue biopsy.  The good news is: this will be a "CT guided biopsy" procedure and is minimally invasive.  It will be performed outpatient on April 23, 2014.

Please continue to bombard heaven with PRAYER that this "area" is NOT CANCER.  Our sincerest hope is that this will prove to be something benign like inflammation or scar tissue.  Pray.  Pray.  Pray.

Change

Patrick & Emily have undergone a TON of change over the last week.  Tonight was the first time I have spoken with them (other than by text since my last blog post).  

Let's begin with some PRAISES!

The Shaws are officially "moved" to their new home in Lynchburg, VA.  While Emily expressed that she's still slightly overwhelmed with unpacking and truly "settling" in - both she and Patrick wish to extend an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who helped them with their move.  So, from the Shaws, thank you!!!  They felt very loved.

Patrick is moving along through his training and orientation at his new job, and they are being flexible with his needs.  Emily begins working at her new job this coming Monday.

All good things.

***

Patrick and Emily also have a specific PRAYER need at this time:

After reviewing the results from Patrick's recent PET scan, the tumor board wishes for Patrick to have further testing to determine the cause of the "bright spot" that was seen in his lower pelvic region.  None of the physicians are concerned about the unchanged "spots" on Patrick's liver and lungs and feel they are unrelated to cancer.  There is, however, continued "concern" (without definite labeling) about the spot seen in Patrick's pelvis.

Patrick has an MRI schedule for around 7 pm on Monday, April 7th, 2014 at UVA.  He has asked everyone to pray specifically that nothing "dangerous" is viewed on this scan.  Please pray for accurate and efficient testing, for good reading of the results, for clear answers, and for NOTHING OF CONCERN to show up on this MRI.  As previously said, PET scans are highly, highly sensitive ... so there is a chance this "spot" could be inflammation and not related to cancer.  That is our sincerest prayer.

At this time, there are not additional follow-up plans set after the MRI.  I will update this blog as soon as I know more.

Please also pray for soundness of mind for Emily and for efficiency on the part of the UVA oncology practice.  Emily expressed a lot of frustration with lack of follow through and follow up.  As many of you know, dealing with "secretarial" issues like this is time consuming and draining.  Please keep lifting Emily up in your prayers as well ~ as she juggles appointments, follow ups, paperwork/telephone calls, unpacking, and her own new job.  She has a lot on her plate!

As always, thank you all for praying for and loving on Patrick & Emily Shaw.

Agree With Me

Friends, we have a lot of praising and praying to do right now.

Right.  Now.

Patrick and Emily came up to visit us this weekend, and it really was a time of celebration.  As you know, Patrick finished his chemotherapy treatments in late January and (although he might tell you otherwise) is adapting LIKE A ROCKSTAR to his colostomy.  [insert REALLY proud former oncology nurse face]  The above photos are of my son, Jackson, giving Patrick his "Beads of Courage".  Jackson is a survivor (of Progressive Infantile Scoliosis) as well!

(www.jackotaco.blogspot.com)

*But, there were even more miracles to celebrate.*

Several weeks ago, Patrick not only got back several panels of bloodwork indicating little to no "cancer cell activity" and returning organ function ... but also results from genetic counseling.  The Shaw's had undergone some bloodwork to determine whether any future children might have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.  This test would basically be used to determine whether Patrick's cancer (at a young age) was due to a genetic mutation or unfortunate happenstance.  Good news!  Patrick does NOT carry a gene for cancer.  This means that when God's timing is right, Patrick and Emily can proceed with growing their family without the worry of "passing along" colorectal cancer genes to future children.

Additionally, Patrick and Emily have been amazed at God's faithfulness in other areas of their lives.  After several job interviews with Liberty University, Patrick had been put on a "waiting list" for hire.  On an absolute whim, Emily google-searched eye doctors in Lynchburg.  Online, she found a practice that mentioned their involvement in mission work.  She mailed in her resume (although nothing on their webpage indicated they were hiring).  Days later, she received a phone call requesting an interview.  Well, she interviewed and they hired her on the spot.  Just like that!

But, the story gets better! ... The Shaw's quickly leased an apartment in Lynchburg and began packing for their move.  Then, Patrick received a phone call from Liberty offering him a job!!!  Does that say something about God's perfect timing, or what?!?

Obviously, both Patrick and Emily are incredibly thankful, and so much praise is due!

***

However, MUCH PRAYER is still needed. 

Today, Patrick and Emily had an appointment with the oncologist to review the results of Patrick's most recent PET scan.  A PET scan is highly, highly sensitive and can "indicate" or "mark" something as benign as inflammation.  In addition to the previous "spots" on Patrick's liver and lungs still being present on this scan, the doctor noted a new "bright spot" low in Patrick's pelvic cavity.  Unsure of the reason for this "bright spot," the doctor is presenting Patrick's case before a tumor board on Wednesday of this week to gather opinions as to whether this indicates recurring cancer.  Emily informed me this afternoon that while the doctor DOES NOT THINK this is cancer, he is VERY UNSURE.  If the lesion is cancerous, Patrick will be unable to undergo radiation in this area.  Removal of this lesion will require highly invasive surgery and result in the removal/loss of all organs in Patrick's pelvic cavity.  

Those words are so difficult to write ... especially in the wake of such wonderful news for the Shaw's.

Please agree with me in prayer!

Let's lift up Patrick and Emily right now.  Let's ask God to comfort them in this time of shock and confusion.  Let's pray for Heavenly wisdom imparted upon the physicians.  Let's petition the Lord to TAKE AWAY anything harmful from Patrick's body.  Let's pray for an end to this cancer!

Thank you.

God bless!

Come Back Soon!

Hello followers!

I just wanted to touch base and let you all know to come back soon to Patrick's blog.  Emily and Patrick spent the weekend with our family, and I was able to capture some VERY special photographs.  The Shaw's are waiting on some important test results due back in the next few days that I would like to include in my update.  So ... Stay tuned ... And stay in prayer ... A BIG update is coming soon!

Rocked It!

Wow!  It's been awhile since I've updated this blog.  And, mostly, that's a good thing.

Today was a BIG day!

This guy:

… rocked his LAST chemotherapy infusion …

and had his PICC line removed!

Praise Jesus!  (really … praise Jesus)  This "leg" of Patrick's journey is O . V . E . R !!!

Still ahead of Patrick are two final (I love that word in this case) weeks of oral chemotherapy, several blood panels, a PET scan, and a genetic study (to rule out a colon cancer gene).  These last steps are to hopefully banish every cancer cell in his body … then to give Patrick a thorough "once over" medically to check for any cancer cells AND to ensure all bodily organs are functioning normally again.

This is a time for celebration!

This is a time for congratulations!

This is a time to hug and hold the Shaws close!

This is also another CALL TO PRAYER!

Let's agree in Christ:

1.  To help ease Patrick's final recovery from chemo infusion … to reduce nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy.

2.  To anoint Patrick's body … to wash a healing over every cell inside … to destroy every last cancer cell FOREVER.

3.  To heal Patrick's body from chemotherapy and radiation … to make it whole again!

4.  To protect Emily and Patrick physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually as they transition into a new "era" of their lives as "intense treatment" is coming to a near-close.

5.  To surround Patrick with protection … to put and keep him in remission … to one day declare him CANCER FREE per God's will.

6.  For Patrick as he interviews for job positions.

7.  For Patrick and Emily as they make decisions over employment and living arrangements.

8.  For Patrick and Emily as they make decisions for their marriage and family moving forward after … well … KICKING CANCER's BUTT (no pun intended).  :)

***

But, even amongst all the prayer and petition … let us not forget to …

PRAISE HIM

for who He is … and what He is doing!

Big Changes Ahead ... and Big Prayers Needed

New prayer request!

Patrick and Emily have requested prayer for another important area in their lives.  A few months ago, Patrick was unable to keep his position as youth minister with his church.  He is now actively seeking employment.  Patrick and Emily are earnestly seeking the Lord's direction as this was an unexpected change.  They are both certain that He is always good and will lead them where He intends to use them for His glory!  (oh, how the Shaws continuously inspire me!)

Please be in prayer for the Shaws as Patrick applies for positions, seeks God's will, and as they prepare for  possible career changes and a possible move (or not).

Emily and Patrick continue to thank you for your love, support, and tireless prayers!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year from the Shaws!

Jeremiah 29:11

PICC Line

Hello followers!

Patrick wanted me to update everyone that his chemotherapy infusion schedule has changed a little due to unexpected circumstances.  As many of you know, a few weeks ago, there was an unfortunate occurrence in which the needle slipped from Patrick's vein during an infusion.  This caused his chemo to leak into his arm tissue.  This leakage led to severe lymphedema which has been somewhat "risky" for infection, painful, and mobility limiting for Patrick (the swelling makes it difficult for P to bend/use his right arm).  He is also having to attend therapy sessions in order to move the fluid out of the tissues.

Due to this, Patrick's care team thought it would be best to "install" a PICC line (central line) in Patrick's arm.  This will allow Patrick's chemo and premeds to infuse through a port instead of Patrick having to be stuck each time with a new needed for infusion.  This is both good and bad.  It's good because it will mean less chance for error or slippage ... and fewer pokes for Patrick.  It's "bad" because it can be another source for infection and/or complications.  And, simply because it was something Patrick really hoped to avoid.  The silver lining is that PICC lines are often shorter-term central catheters ... and Patrick will hopefully have this removed before long.

He got his PICC line this Monday (before Christmas), and therefore did not receive chemo that day as planned.  His 5th (of 6) chemotherapy infusion will take place on Monday, December 30th ... and the schedule will resume from there as planned.

Mishap

Call to Prayer:

Hello family, friends, and followers of Patrick's journey!  This past Monday, Patrick underwent his 4th round of IV chemotherapy at the Hope Center.  This means he has made it over the midway "hump" of treatment ... and only has two remaining infusions!  :)  Overall, Patrick's side effects from the chemotherapy have been well-managed after his initial infusion.  His nausea and vomiting have been under control, although he is still very tired.

*   *   *

Unfortunately, Patrick experienced an unusual mishap this Monday for which he has requested prayer.  The needle that was infusing the chemotherapy into his body became accidentally dislodged.  This means that the needle slipped out of Patrick's vein (where it was supposed to be) but not completely out of his arm. Before he realized it, a substantial amount of the IV chemo had "run" into the subcutaneous tissue of his arm.  Emily said that his arm was nearly twice its proper size.  Patrick was discharged with instructions to apply compresses to the arm to encourage the fluid to either absorb into the body or come out of his arm.  Although not a "life-or-death" issue, this has not been a pleasant experience for Emily and Patrick.  He is on high-alert to watch for signs of infection or tissue damage to that arm, and he is in significant pain.  Please pray for the chemo to quickly travel where it needs to go and for comfort for Patrick.  Pray God's protection against infection and cell damage as well!

And, as always, please continue to lift up BOTH Patrick and Emily in spirit as they face the many expected ...... and very unexpected ...... challenges of fighting cancer.

Cycle Three

This coming Monday (11/11/13), Patrick will undergo his third chemotherapy infusion at the Hope Center in his hometown.  This will mark the HALF WAY point in his IV therapy!!!

I spoke to Patrick this morning, and he sounded great.  Currently, he is enjoying his "detox" week.  What does that mean?  Every third Monday, Patrick goes to the Hope Center for IV chemo.  That same Monday, he begins taking his oral chemotherapy at home.  Patrick takes this oral chemotherapy daily for 14 days.  Then, days 15-21 (or, the third week), of his three-week cycle ... Patrick gets to "detox."  That means, he does not take IV or oral chemotherapy.  This gives his body an opportunity to relax from insult ... and gives Patrick a much needed break from the more severe side effects he has experienced.

Patrick wanted me to let everyone know that:  "Chemotherapy makes you feel like junk!  But my second cycle was MUCH better than my first!"  Praise the Lord!  While Patrick did experience some nausea and fatigue from his second round of chemotherapy, his doctors have calibrated his medications more appropriately now.  This meant much fewer unwanted side effects.

Please continue to pray for Patrick.  Specifically, pray that the chemotherapy continues to target ANY remaining cancer cells in his body and keeps them away FOREVER.  Please pray for healing over his body.  Lift up Emily too!  Miss Em has had a series of rough weeks herself, and she greatly appreciates your prayers and support (and hugs if you are close by).

*** A few readers have written me regarding less-frequent posting to this blog.  Please remember that I post as requested by Patrick and Emily.  Thankfully, the last few weeks have been less eventful; therefore, there has been less to report.  I will continue to update the blog as necessary!  Thanks for understanding. ***

Side Effects Weighing Heavily

Hello prayer warriors!  Please continue to lift Emily and Patrick up in prayer. This has been a trying week for both of them. Patrick received his first IV chemo infusion on Monday.  The Shaws were very impressed with the staff and hospitality of the "Hope Center" in their hometown. That was a blessing!  However, by the evening of the inflation Patrick was violently ill.  After an evening of continuous nausea and vomiting, Patrick and Emily returned to the Hope Center the next day where Patrick received IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. 

The following day (Wednesday) Patrick was told to return to the hospital for abdominal X-rays due to persistent vomiting after the recovery treatment on Tuesday at the infusion center did not remedy the problem.  Doctors wished to rule out another bowel obstruction.  Thankfully, there was no true bowel obstruction but instead a slow moving ostomy due to the pain and anti-nausea medications Patrick had been taking.  Prioritizing his comfort, the team instructed Patrick to return to the Hope Center for more efforts to control his nausea and vomiting before addressing the slow moving ostomy. 

At this time, Patrick and Emily are home again.  Patrick's side effects are controlled, but he's feeling very puny.  Please continue to pray for God to champion over these nasty side effects of chemotherapy and adjusting to a new colostomy.  Don't forget Emily in your prayers either!  She needs strength and mental stability ... And a lot of peace and understanding.