We decided to get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis of Bile Duct Cancer of the Liver with Metastasis to the bone.  The recommendation was to go through U of M in Ann Arbor since there is an oncologist who specialized in Pancreatic and Bile Duct Cancer.   This Dr. is the lead researcher (principal investigator) of new clinical trials.  A new trial was approved just 3 days prior to our appointment, which includes the use of immunotherapy  drugs.  Our dear friends, Bryan and DeAnn, who both work at U of M Hospital,  met us at the appointment.  Their expertise and support was invaluable for that day!  The meeting with the U of M Dr. was thorough and he answered a few of the questions we had.  The diagnosis and prognosis was confirmed to be the same but they offered three treatment options.  One being the same as the original oncologist, which is a standard type chemo drugs with the purpose to shrink tumors and potentially prolong life.  The second was the standard treatment plus adding an immunotherapy drug.  These drugs have only been approved for some other cancers thus far because research still needs to be done in Mark’s cancer type.  We learned that when you enter a clinical trial you do not have the option to choose which course of treatment you would prefer.  The computer picks at random from those entering the trial.  After prayer and consideration, Mark called the Dr. to discuss a few more questions.  The Dr. had met with a team of oncologists that same morning, which concluded that the clinical trial would not be in Mark’s best interest, since he could be picked for the two immunotherapy drugs, rather than the standard plus one.  We took that as God’s direction since we had bathed this one in prayer.

The current treatment plan in place that Mark is receiving is the standard chemotherapy for Bile Duct Cancer.  We chose to go through Beaumont Hospital mainly because it is closer to home and we have been happy with the care there.  Mark has two weeks on chemo/one time per week with one week off.  He has had two treatments to date with good days and bad days, which is to be expected.

God continues to speak to us in this “trial” and give us His peace, hope, and perspective, which is beyond our understanding.  We are very grateful that He is at work all around us and is using this to touch others’ lives!  The honest truth of this life is that not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow.  Not one on this planet!  We believe this world, with all its brokenness, is not our home.  God is making everything right and new (Revelation 21:4)!!  One day, one hoped and longed for day, there will come this day and all of the days after that, when there is no more death, nor disease, nor crying, nor pain, nor sorrow, for this old world and all of its troubles will all pass away.  Death has been eternally defeated on the cross of Jesus Christ, for ALL who would believe and receive His unfathomable gift of pure mercy and grace!!  God’s love has changed me. it has changed us forever and ever.  There will be no end to His wild pursuit of you, of me!  In our pain, we can choose to let God in or shut Him out (from today’s message at church).   We choose today to let Him in.