Dr. Sagar Lonial is my doctor at Emory in Atlanta. He is one of the best in the world at fighting multiple myeloma, the blood cancer we’ve been dealing with since 2000.
Several months ago he noticed an increase on a blood test from 17.6 to 22.0. “We’ll need to watch that number,” he said, “it could be a sign that the cancer is active again.”
With eight weeks between tests, the number has increased as follows: 22.0, 31.5, 60.9, 162.9. This week, with just four weeks between tests, the number increased to 313.8. After a 2009 stem cell transplant, it looks like a wonderful season of three and a half drug-free years is coming to a close.
My gambling nature always wants to press the maximum limit before starting chemo, but my arguments cannot defeat those of a good doctor… and an honest wife. Susan and I are at peace with the plan ahead. I will start one drug immediately and then, Lord willing, enter a ‘new drug trial’ after returning from Ecuador at the end of February. We see God’s direction clearly and we know many people will be praying, as so many have throughout the years.
I plan to teach and coach and live life as normal. My main prayer request is for the mind of Christ. He does not worry or doubt, so I should not worry or doubt. He does not fear, so I should take courage. He faced hardship on this earth with eyes on his Father, so I should do the same. I want Susan and the kids and all my brothers and sisters to have the same mindset, not just in this situation, but in all circumstances. We know our hope is the Holy Spirit whom God has placed in our hearts.
So may we all “live in the Spirit” and trust a perfect Father who has given us “everything we need for life and godliness” through his Son, Jesus Christ.
“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:16