BigFred

As another month comes to an end, it’s hard to believe that 4 days from now will mark the anniversary of that fateful fall that began our journey of faith.

Since our last entry, Frederick had a great INR (Blood coagulation) test. We also saw the oncologist, who was going to present Frederick’s case to the Swedish Neurological Committee on Monday, May 26th. Unfortunately however, that didn’t happen. The committee didn’t meet on 5/26 because it was a holiday! He has put Frederick’s case onto the next committee meeting, which should be Monday June 2nd. In addition, we found out that the MRI showed no change in the tumor. That’s a good thing in that it’s not growing, but it’s a little disheartnening to think that the tumor hadn’t shrunk a little bit. The oncologist also mentioned that he will be sitting in on a seminar that talks about another type of chemo that is being used to treat this type of tumor in children. Part of what makes Frederick’s case so special is that his type of tumor is usually found in children. The oncologist is hoping to get some further insight into how to handle Frederick’s case. That was a 3 pm appointment.

At 4:30 the same day we saw the surgeon, Dr. Raisis. We haven’t seen him since probably January of this year. He had not had the opportunity to see the MRI results, but quickly called an associate to take a quick look and give him an idea. The first thing he says is that the tumor has shrunk. Huh! We immediately asked for an explanation cause why does one doctor say one thing and one say another. Talk about apples and oranges. As it turns out, when they say the tumor has shrunk, they were going all the way back to August and right after radiation. In that case, the tumor has shrunk. When they say the tumor has not shrunk, they were referring to the period of time since Frederick had been undergoing just chemo. So the radiation did have a significant effect on reducing the tumor but the chemo not so much. The surgeon is now thinking that radiation with the cyberknife might been the next plan of action. He will discuss the case with the oncologist. They are giving Frederick another month off chemo and to see if anything changes before more definite plans will be made. In the mean time, the surgeon has really challenged Frederick to get busy and get his stamina up. He says he wants Frederick to be walking a mile within the next few months. So between us working personally, physical therapy and the home care aid walking Frederick, there will be plenty of good work out time. You can pray that Frederick will push through and work harder than he ever has. Please also pray that the oncologist and the surgeon will get on the same page and with Frederick’s best interest at heart, provide the best possible care that they can. We know that it’s God who is in control of all of this anyway. Your prayers with our prayers will move even cancerous mountains.

We also want to send a special thank you out to an old friend, Eleanor Walker, who has gotten her entire church on board with praying for Frederick and our family. Not only that, but the pastor has come out to visit and pray for Frederick and they even sent us a financial blessing. What a blessing in so many ways.

And last but not least, you missed a blessing if you missed us singing at church on May 18th. The best thing about it was that Frederick’s two sister’s were in town for a visit and his baby sister Sheryl sang with us. We sang a song we wrote called ” Come to Me”. It talks about how in all our trials and tribulations, Jesus says come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. That’s basically where we’ve been living this past year. Continually casting our cares on him, for his yolk is easy and his burden is light. And yes it is a continual casting of our cares because we are continually being bombarded, but each time we cast it on Jesus and he ALWAYS meets us where we are. The last line of our song says “If you come when he calls your name, he’ll soothe your pain, you won’t be the same. Let me see if I can make it plain. The Lord is sweeter than the sugar cane”. And we have found him to be just that, sweeter as the days go by!

God bless and keep the faith.
Love
Frederick and Diana Robinson

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