This is a hard one to write.
The results of yesterday’s ultrasound showed no blockage in Kevin’s biliary ducts that could be corrected.
The consensus is that his elevated liver levels are caused by tumor burden alone. The only way to help his liver right now is to reduce the tumor burden. And the only thing we have left to try to do that is this chemo, which is toxic to his liver.
So you can see our dilemma.
The doctors are going to reduce the dose of the chemo to attempt to find the best compromise between liver toxicity and efficacy in killing off the cancer cells. Thankfully, this chemo is actually pretty targeted, but it is still a risk.
But right now his levels are elevated to the point that we do not have an option to wait. These levels are toxic.
One small blessing is that his levels are about the same today as they were yesterday, instead of continuing to spike. But it’s really too small of a data set to know if they have actually stabilized.
Kevin will receive the chemo sometime this evening. We will let everyone know when he starts, and anyone who is able, please consider fasting and praying during the time of his infusion. It will be over the course of about 5 hours. The liver toxicity could be immediate or could happen over the next couple of days. We need all of you to stand in the gap for us.
Kevin will most likely remain inpatient until they feel his levels are stable or that the drug did not work and then send us home. Melanoma is not a very chemo-responsive cancer, so this was already a last ditch attempt. Now with the added liver issues, we are really just crying and begging and pleading for God to work His miracles.
But we know that God can do it. A dear friend shared the following verse with us from 1st Corinthians 1:8-10. I made it into a giant poster that I am plastering on our hospital wall.
We truly believe we are under attack. From trees falling through our house to car accidents to a million little annoyances that seem intended to wear us down, we feel like Satan is trying to hit us from all sides. Thank God that we are not trying to fight this ourselves. We feel completely tucked under the arms of our Heavenly Father who is barreling down toward the touchdown line, a ferocious running back who is defeating all His adversaries. From our viewpoint as the football, it’s a bumpy and scary ride. But I truly do still believe that God is carrying us to victory over this. If you don’t understand this analogy, have a look at this video. Hat tip to Wed McMichael for the link.
Yes, I did just say that Jesus is my running back. Somebody better go make a t-shirt.
We know that God is bigger than ANYthing that Satan can throw at us and we will continue to “cry out in distress, evening, morning, and noon,” knowing that He will hear us. Pray, pray, pray.
You are all in my prayers daily- I know that God will do what is best for all of you- stay strong- luv u cheryl
Praying praying praying.
In all I am, I ache, crying out, petitioning.
Oh God, hear our prayers. Do what only you can do.
You have increased Kevin and Rachel’s faith. To believe that you are able to act on their behalf and change the trajectory of Kevin’s health when all things point in a different direction. I pray I would have faith like this. Increase my faith and help any areas i have unbelief in my life. They are clinging to you God- you are their only hope.
Take care Of them and keep them. Be fully present with them now. In your presence all things are endurable because perfect love casts out all fear.
Crying out for y’all…ache down in the depths of my soul. Cling to the TRUTH that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not have the words to say. It is truth. Life. Praying for you sweet friend…all of you.
You both are very special to me & my heart aches for you both. I lift your family in prayer continually. May God hold you close & give you courage. All my love.
Yes, He alone is God and His love is furious and without end.
ISAIAH 41:10
Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
ISAIAH 43:10-13
Before me there was no God formed, and there will be none after me.I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, and there was no strange God among you, so you are My witnesses declares the Lord. And I am God, even from eternity I am He; and there is none who can deliver out of My hand… (and then He asks us a question) …I act and who is there who is able to reverse it?
There is no one.
Tonight we pray to this God. Full of power, compassion, and the one who is the orchestrator of miracles. He longs for us to trust in Him with our whole heart. And so we will. You have my continued prayers.
Praying and believing with you that God will continue to pour out HIS miraculous healing power and endless love and support
I will be praying for you all….God bless you, and it is clear that He is in control of your lives….so you can rest in peace about that….perfect love does cast out fear, the devil has no more hold over you….amen
^i^ <3 At times it is difficult to understand that GOD is fulfilling His plan for us, especially when times are tough. GOD determines the pattern of our lives. In our present circumstances, difficult as they are, HOLD ON to the ASSURANCE that GOD is busy working out HIS PERFECT PLAN. Life's darkest moments can become a testimony of God's PERFECT PURPOSE for our lives. Father God, We will trust You to lead us surely along the pathways, even when the dark shadows hide our way. Phil. 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understaning, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." In times of avdversity, there is nothing that we can do on our own strength to solve our problems. Jesus said that without Him we can do nothing, BUT take heart because HE also said that IN GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! We are praying for God, The Great Physician to restore Kevin back to perfect health! Lifting the Hill family up in prayer. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy, AMEN.
will pray