Unfolding the special request
Since posting the special prayer request regarding Kate's hearing loss and upcoming audiogram which will be this coming Monday, March 19th, I think it would be helpful for me to unfold the special prayer request so that you have a clearer understanding of what you are praying for. By the number of people who have recently asked me if a decision had been reached as to whether Kate will have the third stem cell procedure, I've come to realize that perhaps I have not articulated clearly the importance of this upcoming audiogram. The results of the audiogram will influence the direction that Kate's treatment plan will take.
If the hearing loss increases, Kate's oncologist feels that she will need to consider very carefully whether or not to do the third round of high dose chemo treatment and stem cell support. You may recall that the carboplatin chemo agent can be toxic to the hearing. Another such treatment also poses the risk of another blood infection, which may necessitate again having to treat with the antibiotic that may cause hearing loss. Kate's doctor said that there is no firm data to support that it must be three treatments versus two to be effective.
Further complicating treatment direction is the plan of the radiation oncologist to follow the chemo/stem cell phase of treatment with a series of brain and spine radiation treatments which have their own level of toxicity to the hearing. Kate's oncologist explained that Kate's type of cancer is more responsive to radiation than chemo. So if a choice must be made in treatment radiation would probably be more strategic.
Kate's treatment is multi-faceted and involves her neuro-oncologist, the radiation oncologist, and the stem cell doctor. This is a fabulous team of physicians. They work as team to treat Kate but understandably are influenced by their individual medical specialty perspectives. I imagine that the stem cell doctor will still advocate for the third stem cell procedure.
REQUEST: Please ask for wisdom and discernment for all three doctors involved in Kate's treatment plan. Ask that it will be very clear to all and that they come easily to an agreement about what direction to go. I have the utmost respect and confidence in this team of doctors. Kate and I also have a voice in choice of treatment. Obviously with our limited medical knowledge we rely heavily on the medical expertise of the doctors. Please ask that God will make it very clear to them and in turn us what direction to go.
Thus, the importance of the audiogram. Thank you for laying this request before the throne of grace in confidence, knowing that God hears and answers prayers!
Dependent on grace,
Elaine
If the hearing loss increases, Kate's oncologist feels that she will need to consider very carefully whether or not to do the third round of high dose chemo treatment and stem cell support. You may recall that the carboplatin chemo agent can be toxic to the hearing. Another such treatment also poses the risk of another blood infection, which may necessitate again having to treat with the antibiotic that may cause hearing loss. Kate's doctor said that there is no firm data to support that it must be three treatments versus two to be effective.
Further complicating treatment direction is the plan of the radiation oncologist to follow the chemo/stem cell phase of treatment with a series of brain and spine radiation treatments which have their own level of toxicity to the hearing. Kate's oncologist explained that Kate's type of cancer is more responsive to radiation than chemo. So if a choice must be made in treatment radiation would probably be more strategic.
Kate's treatment is multi-faceted and involves her neuro-oncologist, the radiation oncologist, and the stem cell doctor. This is a fabulous team of physicians. They work as team to treat Kate but understandably are influenced by their individual medical specialty perspectives. I imagine that the stem cell doctor will still advocate for the third stem cell procedure.
REQUEST: Please ask for wisdom and discernment for all three doctors involved in Kate's treatment plan. Ask that it will be very clear to all and that they come easily to an agreement about what direction to go. I have the utmost respect and confidence in this team of doctors. Kate and I also have a voice in choice of treatment. Obviously with our limited medical knowledge we rely heavily on the medical expertise of the doctors. Please ask that God will make it very clear to them and in turn us what direction to go.
Thus, the importance of the audiogram. Thank you for laying this request before the throne of grace in confidence, knowing that God hears and answers prayers!
Dependent on grace,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 2:39 PM
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