After many hours of reading everything we could on the internet, reading over and over again the clinical trial papers, talking with family and friends, we have decided to have Eric enter the clinical trial. We contacted Cleveland Clinic late this afternoon and talked with the nurse who is the Oncology Program Coordinator. It was a tough decision because reading everything related to the 2 medications was overwhelming to say the least. We prayed that God would help us to know what decision is best for Eric. After a couple of phone calls that allowed us to talk to someone who could answer our specific questions and get answers to questions that were keeping us from deciding on the trial it was obvious to us that this was God's answer. We are now at peace with our decision and feel that it is the best option for Eric. After speaking with the nurse today and asking her a few questions we are feeling even better about the clinical trial decision.
So, now we wait to hear from Cleveland again. There is a minor detail that needs to be taken care of at the clinic but once that is done, the process can begin. We expect a call tomorrow with more information in regards to when we may return to Cleveland. Eric will have to repeat many of the scans that were done last September. This is a requirement for the trial and these will be repeated as the trial continues to monitor the effectiveness of the 2 medications. This trial will also require a trip to Cleveland every 2 weeks once the trial begins. We are thankful that Cleveland is only 2 to 3 hours from home. There is no predetermined time frame for how long Eric will be involved in the trial. We will take 2 weeks at a time.
Thank you for all of your prayers. We know that many have prayed for wisdom in making the right decision and we are sure those prayers have been answered. On Friday, the decision seemed difficult to make but it has been made and we move on. Last week was tough but every time we make another decision, another phone call, another trip to Cleveland we feel better. The sitting and waiting is always the toughest part. We know that they want to get everything started soon so we hope that we are not sitting and waiting for very long. The next unknown is how Eric will respond to the medications, which side effects he will experience and how much they will affect his daily routine. We are hopeful that he will be able to continue working and will be able to enjoy this summer.
It is awesome to see the signs of Spring. God's creation comes alive and it reminds me of His promise to be with us in all things. God will once again carry us through this part of the journey. His faithfulness has gotten us to this point... we move on now remembering that it is one day at a time and with each day, we remember the blessings and the joy that it has in-store for us.
Eric and Gwen
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Our car knows the way to Cleveland and we would love to help out with those trips. If you need drivers ... we are there for you. Of course .. the offer doesn't start until May! : )
May God's peace surround you.
The Shorts...
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. If any of you need anything please let us know.
Love,
Mike, Patty & Olivia
Eric and Gwen,
I think of you many times a day! I'm praying for peace, patience and healing! You will need to take one day at a time. Clinical trials are very, very scary! I know first hand. But just look ----- they worked! It has been over 22 years and all that was done for me medically was done with experimental drugs and treatment protocols. When I signed those papers that day in mid-December of 1986 I remember feeling like "Yikes, what have I just done? How can this really be happening? Why? Why? Why?" I shivered and my hand shook when I signed and yet at the same time I had this very peaceful feeling. I put all my trust in God first and then in Dr. Smith and her staff, my family, my church, my friends, the teachers and the entire community! The experimental protocol was a good decision and after we really got started a calmness settled in and I just knew I was in the best hands possible. With God I would live forever! There will be times when you question and when you cry and when you wonder BUT your God will be with you and everyone involved every single moment of every single hour of every single day! My Dad was my mainstay, he was with me every single day, and he often reminded me that whenever and wherever there is life there is hope. We have had hope from the very beginning and will have hope throughout this life and into eternity. We are the Lord's forever and ever and ever. Our hope and trust are in HIM!
I'll keep praying! If I can't drive to Cleveland, and you wouldn't want me to ---- but I can do about anything else. Just ask if you need something!
In Christian love, Cindy
Post a Comment