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| Aaron face times with his parents (they are serving a one year mission at the New Zealand MTC) about his options for his next treatment. |
Aaron has consulted with five oncologists and the good news is he still has multiple options. He can choose between two chemos from different families than he has used before and three drug trials. We have a few concerns about the drug trials. First, they all require a needle biopsy and the last one Aaron had caused his lung to collapse and landed him in the hospital for a week. Second, he doesn't have a tumor large enough to get a good sample. Third, we would have to potentially wait for two weeks for results of the biopsy and another week before starting a drug trial. Since Aaron has not received any treatment for his cancer for nearly two months he has opted to do another chemo. He will start next week. We are hoping this chemo will help him feel well enough to do a needle biopsy and lay the groundwork for doing a drug trial (we would really like to try a few of the ones available). His drug trial options are at Huntsman, Dana Farber in Boston, and UC Davis in Sacramento. Boston and Sacramento sound the most intriguing, but we will save them for another day.
We are grateful for options. March 16th marked the 3 year anniversary of Aaron's diagnosis. I can still hear one doctor telling us that if Aaron's cancer didn't have certain genetic markers then he would have 3-4 months to live. After finding out he had the markers, a different doctor said, "I think we can get you at least 3 years." These statements brought to my mind Ammon contending with the Lamanites who had been scattering the king's flocks. The group of Lamanites assumed they could easily take Ammon down. By the world's standards, they should have been able to do so when you consider it was a match between one man and a group of men who "were in number not a few." However, the Lamanites were not privy to one key factor and that was a promise that God had given Ammon's father. "Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands..." Aaron's cancer is bad. It's incurable. It's a tough contender, but I have read the promises made to Aaron through priesthood blessings, things the doctors are not privy to, and it's to those promises that I cling.
Lorraine, thanks for the update and many thanks for your inspiring courage and faith! I never thought it would be possible for Aaron to marry someone who was his equal, but he obviously did just that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. No one is more worthy of those promised blessings. So nice you have some options. You are all so loved. ❤️
ReplyDeleteLorraine, yo have shared your faith and your love for Christ with all of us. That is such a marvelous gift beyond any price. We are privy to Heavenly Fathers abilities and blessings. That is how many pioneers put one foot in front of the other as the came out west. You and Aaron have been putting one foot in front of the other with faith for so many years . Truly great pioneers. My prayers travel with you as you continue on this journey. Thank you for allowing us to journey with you. Know that you are loved. Beckie Olson
ReplyDeleteI love this guy. He's such an inspiration to me. Still cheering for you.
ReplyDeleteI was sad when I heard about Aaron's diagnosis. Aaron was a fantastic example and always treated me with kindness. I struggled with severe depression and anxiety through my high school years, which really limited my ability to participate well in activities. I remember when I was in 9th Grade at Mountain Crest, Aaron was in 10th grade and his locker was right next to mine. He seemed to make a special effort to say hello or chat for a few minutes almost everyday, which meant a lot to me. In the summer, my family would often pick raspberries at Merv Weeks patch in Paradise and we would see Aaron moving sprinkler pipe with his brother, Jeff Thatcher, and Jared Weeks. Aaron was easy to spot in the middle of the raspberry patch. I went on to become a college professor and have a family of my own. The humility, integrity, and kindness Aaron taught me continues to have a positive impact on my life. When I think of how Aaron treated me (and countless others), the scripture found in Matthew chapter 25 verse 40 comes to mind. Thank you Aaron and God bless you! Jeff Willardson, Billings MT.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of your family today and we keep you all close in our prayers. You are all so strong and I so admire your faith and determination. I love reading the comments from Aaron’s old friends and have always looked up to Aaron for his ability to make everyone feel special. He is one of the finest people I know and am so proud to be his cousin. Lorraine, it’s been good to get to know you better in these posts. He married the perfect person! I love your love story and in retrospect, it is clear that you were the only one for him!
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