TJ medical update with additional prayer requests

Recently, our doctor has informed us that TJ’s lung had accumulated fluids again, thus, she needs a procedure to extract them. It will be her third time in four months, as this is scheduled for today (7/28/09) at 2pm.

Since our doctor switched it to a new and stronger chemo regiment last month, TJ had a second round of chemo last week. Also, TJ will be getting full CT and PET scans in three weeks to verify the effectiveness of this treatment. We trust our Lord that this chemo regiment will be very effective and pray that all good things will come according to His Will.

For the past month, we have searched and continually searching across the country for clinical trial sites. Although we have made numerous calls to various places, we’re having difficulty in finding the “right” trials for TJ. For the past decades or so, the pharmaceutical companies had been focusing on finding medications for the 80% of the breast cancer patients. Hence, the quality of chemo and its deliveries have a long and effective track record. Unfortunately, TJ’s breast cancer does not fit into that category. Her characteristics are known as a triple negative breast cancer. The quality of its findings is still in a rudimentary stage, though a number of companies are now working on researches that could bring positive results soon. Nonetheless, companies are putting forth more resources into it today than ever before. Maybe this is the reason why these clinical trial sites have a long waiting list.

Another challenge we’ve been facing with is that these qualified trial sites have a stringent requirement that leaves TJ and the others wanting to but not being able to participate. I recently discovered these requirements are so specific to their targeted patients that if there’s a one minor difference - one more treatment, one less treatment, etc…. - the patients are not being considered at all. This makes even more difficult for TJ who has been on this road for three years, receiving various types of chemotherapies.

Although we will continually search for the “right” trial sites, I feel we are now fighting ourselves against time. Time is of the essence! The longer we wait without finding a “right” chemo treatment; I believe it’ll put TJ in a difficult health condition. We are coming grips with this thought as we are asking God’s mercy on her. We are asking for your prayers. We pray that:

1. TJ will continually submit to our Lord who knows His children’s needs, and that, she finds peace & comfort only in Him as He is the sole provider for her well- being.
2. Today’s procedure to remove fluids would proceed well at Mayo. An experienced doctor would remove most, if not all the fluids without incurring any additional pain for TJ.
3. The “right” clinical trial sites would be available for TJ, not only to qualify, but also, obtain positive results from it.
4. Lord will protect and comfort our children – Matthew and Hannah as they have been questioning more and more about their mom’s health.

I am in awe with your continued encouragements and support for TJ. Please know that we are fighting this fight every day because of your endless prayers for her.

God Bless,
Kwang