Round 3 Begins (Oct 10, 2008)

Dear Friends,

For many of you this is the first you've heard that Bobby's kidney cancer has once again returned. I'm sorry I haven't gotten the word out sooner. To be honest, we hate having to share more bad news, but as always we are so appreciative of your prayers and support.

After a successful surgery in April 2000 to remove his left kidney, the cancer metastacised to his lungs 2 years ago. He had two surgeries to remove multiple small tumors in the lungs and has been apparently cancer free for these two years. We've had a routine of CT Scans every 3 months since then watching for any additional recurrence. Unfortunately, the last scan in September showed an enlarged left adrenal gland (located in the area where the kidney had been removed). A needle biopsy confirmed it's the kidney cancer once again. We've learned that the one predictable thing about kidney cancer is that it is very unpredictable.

After multiple phone calls and research, we are now headed to Vanderbilt to consult with a kidney cancer specialist, Dr Sosman, on Wednesday, Oct 15th.

If he takes on Bobby's case, we anticipate starting an Immunotherapy treatment called Interleuken-2 (or IL-2) within a few weeks in Nashville. The treatment would take about a month. If it shows any success, the treatment would be repeated 2-3 months later. The bad news is that it is a very difficult therapy to endure with multiple unpleasant side-effects. The really bad news is that it's only successful in less than 10% of the cases. But the good news is that if we're in that 10% its a complete cure. This is the only known treatment that has the potential for a cure. Everything else, including the new drugs recently brought on the market have only been shown to slow the progression. However, there is a lot of research going on right now that is very encouraging.

Our aim is to hit the ball out of the park with the IL-2. If that fails, we'll look forward to our next at-bat, with the other drugs, and possibly participating in Clinical Trials to help find the cure.

In spite of it all, our spirits are relatively high. Fortunately, Bobby's usually up when I'm down and vice versa. The bad days are when we're both discouraged at the same time. Bobby is truly an example of courage under fire, trusting not in his own strength, but completely on the sovereign Lord, who is in control. He always reminds me of how blessed we have been. Despite all we have been through and all we are getting ready to go through, we've never felt abandoned. Everyday, there's some small glimmer of encouragement either through the Word, the actions of friends, family or medical staff, or by some insight about the decisions we need to make.

Thanks again for interceding in prayer on our behalf. We'll keep you posted.

Love always, Juli