It was a pretty long day...

at the clinic Monday, though not too hard. Helen's sister Mollie from Austin came with her daughter Jaclyn to give us some company, which we really enjoyed. My CT scan report was somewhat mixed--the largest tumor has grown since my last scan eight weeks ago. However, there appeared to be no growth in any of the other ones. We will continue on the same schedule at least for the next eight weeks, barring any unforeseen problems. We have begun Cycle 7 and will celebrate half a year on this drug in a few days.

We are very tired and looking forward to a few days off from work. We are so thankful that we have another time of Thanksgiving together. Our blessings are countless. Our God is limitless. His grace is boundless. His plan for us is flawless. His love for us is endless.

"Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10

Brief update...

Just a brief update...We will be heading south again for another appointment on Monday. First thing will be CT scans, which will reveal whether the tumors have changed any (or perhaps disappeared). If scan results are good enough, we will continue the current schedule, beginning cycle 7 on Monday, Lord willing. We appreciate all of your prayers and support...

Kenny and Helen

Food for thought...

Things went good at CTRC today, day 15 of cycle 6 on this experimental drug. As expected, the load today was pretty easy. We were blessed to have Shan with us on this trip. Our girls have not been able to go with us very often, so it means a lot to us whenever they can.

The main topic of our appointment was my loss of the sense of taste. For the past week, I have been unable to taste almost anything I have eaten. I would say that my ability to taste food is about 90% gone. It has most likely been caused by the drug I am taking, and so whether or not the effects are temporary or permanent are not known at this point. They do believe as long as I remain on this drug at this dose, it probably won't get better. Medically speaking, of course. We know that this did not happen without God's permission, and He can do whatever He wants for His own glory and for our good.

I never really realized how much food meant to me until now. It's kind of sad, but we do look forward to our next meal much more than we might admit. God did bless us in His infinite creative wisdom with a keen sense of taste so that we might actually derive pleasure from eating. His plan included wonderfully designed flavors contained in the various edible things He created for that purpose. So it's not wrong for us to enjoy the process by which we are provided with the nutrients our bodies need. But, boy, do we carry it way too far sometimes. I am sure I have been guilty of that way too often.

One thing I still know -- God is infinitely good. His blessings and grace in our lives are evident and tangible. I can still taste that! "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8!

Love you all,

Kenny and Helen