An answer for the pain

I'm here a little sooner than expected with an update. Eric started having the severe pain early Friday morning resulting in another trip to the emergency room. He asked if it would be possible to have the MRI already scheduled for Monday done yesterday. They were able to make that happen and the results explain why the pain that he has been having is severe and more frequent.

There are 2 spots along his spine that have cancer. I'm not certain of the exact details but we do know that radiation therapy can be done and this is good news. Ironically, we are relieved that something was found and we're especially thankful that radiation is an option. The doctors communicated directly with Cleveland Clinic yesterday and Eric will start taking steroids to reduce the inflammation related to the 2 areas by the spine with the intent of reducing the pain. We are scheduled for an appointment in Maumee on Monday to begin the process for radiation. We will know more next week as far as the number of treatments and duration. We also plan to talk more with Cleveland next week just to better understand exactly what was found and the plans beyond the radiation. We definitely still have questions in the back of our minds that need answers. But for now, we will focus on this next step and pray that the results change Eric's life back to the quality of life where he can enjoy each day.

Knowing that treatment is an option has given us renewed hope. We know that this cancer will never go away but it seemed like the focus the past several months had moved from cancer to pain. It was getting difficult to even sort it all out. Quality of life is so important in all of this. Dealing with the reality of the cancer is tough enough but when he has to deal with feeling bad and fearing pain every day, it is overwhelming.

So I will sign off for today with this news and as information becomes available, I will post again to let you know where this is all at. I ask that you continue to pray for Eric as he begins this next step in his journey. The kids are doing fine but struggle with watching Dad go through this. It is hard to be a "normal kid" in the light of cancer and it's ugly effects on their lives. Days aren't easy but God's grace is sufficient as promised in His word. That is what carries me through and gives me strength for each day as it comes. GOD'S love is certain. Eric and Gwen