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Not What We Thought

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MRI a.k.a.Aaron as a Storm Trooper 
Aaron had his scans on Wednesday and the results are not what we thought. I guess that "knocking on wood" business doesn't really work. Aaron met with two of his oncologists yesterday to discuss his scans and his next treatment. 

In the brain, there is a spot that indicates a small stroke. The kidneys appear to be stressed from the chemo and some cancerous nodules in the lungs appear to have increased in size. It has been 5 weeks since Aaron has had any treatment and my simple way of seeing things says to just go back to what he was doing and this will resolve (I would suggest taking out the most toxic of the two chemos), but his doctors don't agree. Aaron will fly to Colorado this week to discuss his options with his dr there. If there is a promising drug trial Aaron should be able to start immediately as all drug trials require a "wash out" period of three weeks (meaning treatment-free for at least three weeks). We will know more in a few days. 

I think now would be a good time to remind myself of my word for 2018: perspective. I have often told myself to stop looking at all the things cancer and cf "take away" from our family and start seeing what they are "giving" us, but that takes some serious tweaking to my perspective on things.

Comments

  1. DaveMarch 9, 2018 at 9:39 PM

    Thank you for sharing this. Aaron we love you brother. You have already inspired me - from meeting in American Heritage at BYU to the MTC to watching you serve and love your family. Hope abides eternal and you have given me much to hope for. I will keep hoping and praying for grace and for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LorraineMarch 10, 2018 at 7:34 AM

      Thank you, Dave. I will make sure Aaron sees your comment. We appreciate you taking the time to check in on him and for leaving a message.

      Delete
  2. April WheatleyMarch 10, 2018 at 12:52 AM

    Dear Miss Kretchmer,
    I don't know that you'll remember me, but I think of you often and the impact that you had on my life during a very difficult sixth grade year. I heard that your family was going through some very difficult health challenges and stumbled upon your blog. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband, and children. You have been an inspiration in my life and continue to be.
    Love, April (Bingham) Wheatley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LorraineMarch 10, 2018 at 7:33 AM

      April! I most certainly DO remember you and I LOVE hearing from former students. Thank you for taking the time to check on us (insert heart emoji:) I see from your profile that you are married and have a little girl of your own and I want to say how happy I am to hear that these blessings have come to you. I remember well our sixth grade year together and isn't it amazing how often we don't know the extent of how others are struggling? I believe that's why it is so important to show kindness and love as much as we can because those two things, I believe, lift hearts better than anything. You have lifted my heart today by letting me know you found us:). Thank you(more heart emojis:):)

      Delete
  3. 4 Peanuts and a CashewMarch 12, 2018 at 8:52 PM

    Lorraine, I think about you often and your strength and attitude inspire me to try harder and do better. I can’t wrap my brain around all that your family has been through and continues to go through. It seems so unfair and unnecessary and I don’t understand it. I think of you and Aaron as two of the most refined, wise, and meek people I have ever met, not in need of anymore humility than you already have. I appreciate the genuineness you exhibit every time we run into each other. You are always cheerful and somehow with all you have on your plate, you inquire about MY life. You remember seemingly small bits of information about our family and ask about those things specifically. I am thankful to know there are people like your family in this world and I wish, how I wish, I could take some of your burden away. May God continue to bless your family and thank you, again, for your wonderful examples.
    —Sandra Flynn

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  4. Mary KateMarch 13, 2018 at 3:54 PM

    Hi Aaron and Lorraine. Just catching up on your blog. Eric's wife Emily told me that you had posted recently and that the news wasn't great. I think I'm going to take on your word for 2018 as mine too, Lorraine. "Perspective" is a great word, but you're right, it takes a lot of tweaking sometimes. We are continuing to pray for you both. Keep us posted. I hope the doctors can find something else that works for Aaron. Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  5. KathyMarch 16, 2018 at 9:50 AM

    I'm so thankful you post Lorraine and help us not only find out what is happening with Aaron but also what is happening in your heart and soul. Insights into your soul are always strengthening to me and I'm sure many others. From our 'perspective' Aaron continues to grow taller and you stand there right by his side.
    Love you,
    Mom

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  6. UnknownMarch 19, 2018 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Aaron and Lorraine,
    I'm sorry to learn of these results, and hope and pray that this is just a temporary set-back. You are always in my prayers.

    Barbrina

    ReplyDelete
  7. KirstenMarch 21, 2018 at 7:19 AM

    We will be praying for Aaron and your family! Thank you always for your great strength and perspective. You inspire me!

    ReplyDelete

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