"God Is Not The Author Of Confusion"

Our day began with going to the main building of MD Anderson.  I don't know if overwhelming is the right word to use.  Tony's description-it's like the first day of high school and everyone is wondering around trying to find their lockers and classrooms.  It's amazing that this is an everyday scene at this hospital.  We were able to find our destination fairly easily.  When we walked up to the check in desk we were greeted by a very friendly guy named Eric Colemon (same name as our son-in-law).  He told me I looked familiar and said Happy Birthday!  He knew my birthday is on Christmas and his birthday is the day after.  It was encouraging to be greeted by friendly people.  We didn't have to wait long before I was taken back for vital signs, then put into a room to wait for the doctor.  We were met first by a "fellowship" (resident) doctor.  He went over all my information and was very helpful.  He seemed to think since I had an appetite and was feeling better that the chemo I have been on must be doing some good, contrary to what the doctor we saw on Tuesday who didn't agree with the chemo combination I am on.  We met with several ladies that had us sign paperwork allowing MD to do further testing with tumors that were sent off April 2012 and to do a more in depth genetics/DNA.  Here is where things get a little tricky.  We brought paper work from when my surgeon sent off my tumors and also the report was sent from my original genetics testing, but they couldn't find any record showing we had brought this information.  We gave everything including previous CT scan disks to the first doctor we saw on Tuesday but nothing had been uploaded into the system.  Later the clinical trial doctor came in along with a young man that manages the clinical trials.  She immediately told us about a clinical trial that I qualified for as early as June.  We asked her about my CT scan that was done yesterday and she said there was nothing to compare it to.  We told her that 4 scans were brought with us and given to the doctor on Tuesday.  We also informed her my cancer marker from Tuesday had gone down almost 50 points from 2 weeks ago.  She began to back track and seemed flustered and said we could take my CT scan done yesterday back home and have my oncologist compare it to the past CT's to see if there was progression in my disease.  This left Tony and I completely confused of why we were at MD Anderson in the 1st place and we could have stayed home to have a CT scan done to compare.  We thought the purpose of coming to Houston was to get a second opinion and to see if they agreed with my treatment plan I am currently on or did they have a better solution.  The fact that none of my information that was faxed or we hand delivered had been looked over or compared to the current CT I had yesterday had us questioning why we were even here. The clinical Dr then agreed that if I was feeling better and had an appetitite, why change the current treatment.

We know God is not the author of confusion and will make our paths clear on which direction we are to take.  Maybe coming to Houston has confirmed to us that Highlands Oncology is doing a good job and ultimately our faith and hope remain in Jesus and His healing power.  I am not leaving Houston discouraged.  I am going to continue to trust in the One that has created me and know His plans will never fail me.  I do not have a peace at this time that MD Anderson is the proper solution for me.  If we are to eventually seek further testing, we feel Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa might be our best option.  I will hand deliver my latest CT report to Highlands as soon as we land at home tomorrow and wait to see how the past CT reports compare. 

We fly out tomorrow morning and I'm excited to be back home. All the prayers for me and Tony have been felt this week.  We have a peace and calm that God has been with us through the ups and downs and His purpose will prevail. It would be easy to grumble and complain but that is not what glorifies my Savior.  He has a purpose and a plan over my life and I have complete confidence that this week was not wasted.  He showed us some new direction to take and our eyes will remain on Him.  We will continue to keep our hope in Him and not in man wherever He leads us.
We were blessed to be able to spend time with our family this evening and have a great home cooked meal. Thank you Kacee!! We will always cherish anytime with our family and the extra blessing of seeing our grandchildren.  The time with them has made our trip to Houston worth it.   

Psalm 107:19-22 "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their distruction.  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!"

"Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it"