A Big Week: Cleared for Transplant

Updates:

• My PET scan shows I am in remission! It’s hard to express just how incredible this news is. So many people have been praying for this moment, and from a human perspective, I should not be in complete remission.
• Even though there are no traceable signs of cancer on my PET scan, it is still imperative that I proceed with the transplant. This is because a PET scan cannot detect cancerous cells below a certain threshold. My cancer is very aggressive, and I likely still have microscopic cancer cells that will return unless they are eradicated.
• The transplant process is essential for a cure. I will receive a full week of high-intensity chemo that kills cancer cells at the base level. This chemo is so strong it will destroy my bone marrow. That’s why I need the transplant—it doesn’t kill the cancer itself but is necessary to save my life after the chemo does its work.
• I’ve begun the stem cell production process! Things are moving quickly because any remaining cancer cells that escaped detection on the PET scan can grow fast, and we don’t want to give them the chance. For four days, I’ll receive medication to stimulate the production of stem cells for collection. Today, I had surgery to insert a device necessary for the transplant.
• I’m still experiencing mild reactions to the drugs in my body and must remain on the hospital campus for monitoring, in case of a severe flare-up.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Thank God for a clear PET scan. I still can hardly believe it. This was crucial to the next steps, and we are amazed at God’s kindness to us.
• I’m having mild allergic reactions daily. I’m on several medications to reduce their severity, but please pray they stop altogether.
• Stem cell collection starts next week! Due to my allergic reactions, they’re using an alternative drug to stimulate my cells. This drug can take longer to produce enough white blood cells for collection. Please pray that it works efficiently and my body produces enough cells quickly—so I can begin the high-intensity chemo as soon as possible and prevent any new cancer growth in the meantime.

What I’m Learning:

• This has been a big week for our family. Receiving the surprising news about the PET scan is such a gift from God and has set the course of our lives for the coming weeks. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that this all took place during Holy Week—a time when we remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus for sinners. It was the most important week in all of human history, and Jesus alone has sustained us through this trial.
• If I could share one thing with you this Easter, it would be this five minute video:

What Has Been Encouraging:

• As I reflect on this week, I’m thankful for many things—but two stand out in particular. First, my wife Jenny. She has been constantly caring for me, pouring out her love daily as I face various needs during this illness. In sickness and in health, her love remains steady and vibrant. I’m so grateful to be on this journey with her.

• Second, the people of First Baptist Church. The Sunday before we flew out to Texas, our church held a prayer service for me and my family. I couldn’t attend because I was in the hospital, but I was able to watch part of the service online. I am confident that God heard their prayers that night and removed the cancer from my chest because of the faithful prayers of the saints. I am so thankful.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”

(Psalm 30:11–12)