On Thursday a support team briefed us on their 3 options as further treatment for the cancer which still remains in the brain. Marty and Erica have decided to go ahead with the third option which is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant. This is basically a procedure where blood cells are harvested, and then a round of two different high dose chemotherapy is administered, with the hope that this will kill the remaining cancer cells and then the stem cells are transplanted back into Marty's body. This stem cell transplant could take 3 to 6 months to recover from. At the meeting we were again made aware of how rare a form of cancer Marty is battling with. Doctors at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Princess Margaret (in Toronto) or in Canada, have not treated any other patient with Marty's cancer in this way. The team is in contact with doctors in France and are currently basing their treatment plan on a research study based out of that country. This treatment plan is not without it's own risks and/or side effects.
In the next couple of days Marty will have major blood work done, as well as other procedures in order to ready him for the harvest, ie. catheter insertion, injections of growth factors in order to increase his stem cells. The harvest is tentatively planned for the end of January and into the beginning of February, barring any complications; we hope to keep you posted via the blog as we go along.
We continue to covet your prayers at this time and pray that God will continue to sustain Marty and Erica and their family, knowing and being comforted by the fact that not a hair can fall from our heads without the Father's will, Lord's Day 1.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. "
Marty, Erica and family. We wish you all the best in the upcoming days and months. We know that all things come to us by the Lord's hand and He will turn it to our benefit. Praying for His continued care over you all and our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteWe've been praying for you all and will continue to do so. We pray that this treatment will have the desired results. We are also amazed how they keep finding out, and performing cutting edge treatments for the cancers that we are involved with! Great gifts from God! May you both find courage and strength for the road ahead, and my you experience God carrying you and leading you through the tough parts.
ReplyDeleteWe're also keeping you in our prayers and will continue to do so, especially as you go forward into this treatment. Praying that Marty may remain strong and positive, so that he has minimal side effects.
ReplyDeleteMay God surround you with His peace and love in the upcoming months.
Always praying for you both and your family.Keep looking UP!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMarty and Erica, we continue to keep you, your children and your families in our prayers as you continue on this path the Lord has put you on. May He give you all that you need in order to go forward with this new treatment. Also praying for all those that surround you as they continue to be a support for you.
ReplyDeleteAndy and Michelle Kanis
Dear Marty and Erica and family. We continue to pray for you, may the LORD surround you and carry you through these difficult times. We have such a rich comfort knowing our Lord and Saviour watches over our lives. Henry and Corinne DeJong and family
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray for you!
ReplyDeletePraying the Lord will continue to sustain you as family - and that Marty's treatment may have the desired effects.
ReplyDeleteMay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13