Good day to all readers:
It has only been a few days ago that we produced our latest blog. However, some developments have taken place and this is a very nice method of passing on news to those who have a keen interest in it.
This past Thursday we visited the BC Cancer Clinic in Vancouver; specifically we spent an hour with Dr. C. Kollmannsberger, Medical Oncologist. From several people we have heard that he specializes in Renal Cell Cancer (Kidney Cancer). Our visit was very pleasant. We covered all past items as well as new ones. We noted that all conventional treatment had been exhausted and that there are still about four options available.
1) To use a Sunitinib type of medicine which has not yet been approved by BC Medicare. It would cost us $5000 per month
2) Go back to Sunitinib itself, but now that would be treated as a third line of defence, not covered and would also cost $ 5000 per month
3) Do nothing and let the disease take its course. He explained that this would entail continued tiredness, nausea, etc., until my system would just close down.
4) To participate in a clinical trial. There is presently a trial being sponsored by a pharmaceuticla company and would cost us nothing but we would have to qualify. This medication has already passed stage 1 and stage 2, meaning that it is an active and useful medicine, but that it must still be fine-tuned in stage three. In order to qualify I must obtain a blood transfusion to increase my hemagloban and a byopsy must be done to ensuure the pharmaceutical company that I do indeed have the type of Renal Cell Cancer that they are treating.
The transfusion has been scheduled for Wednesday of next week at 7:30am. The rest will be scheduled shortly. We hope and pray that no untoward signs show up during these procedures. We also hope that once we are on the new medication that the effects will set in quickly. We hope and request your prayers for the intervening time as well as for the effect of the new medication. We are convinced that the Lord has heard your prayers and has given positive response in the past and we continue to seek the same for the future.
We look forward to the Lord's loving care now and each day as we go forward. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
Have a restful and edifying Sunday (Lord's Day)
Pieter de Boer
Dad it is great to see that your faith is such s shinning light in these times of darkness. We to will keep praying for the Lords guidance in the weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteBrad
Peter and Rita
ReplyDeleteJust heard from friends about all the "events" happening in your life once again. The dictionary says: "An observable occurrence, phenomenon or an extraordinary occurrence"...blah, blah, blah.
God is at work with extraordinary wisdom. We have to rely on His strength (that He also graciously gives), and be at rest with His promises. He does not make it easy and we can and also will keep you both in our prayers. Hope to see you next week.
John and Hilda