Dear CCAM Partners and Friends,

During our mini-trip up north, Buntheep saw a little bit of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. But her favorite scene was the snow that fell just for her on the mountain pass between North Carolina and Tennessee. On that day, one of her dreams came true, even if only for ten minutes, when she finally got to see snow, touch it, throw it, and taste it!

In Brevard, North Carolina, we rested at the Crabbe's cozy mountain cabin. On Wednesday evening, we visited their church, where Buntheep and I shared about this amazing adventure of faith and the congregation prayed for us. Afterward, Buntheep presented a piano recital for our new friends.

In Florence, Alabama, we visited my mother, sister, and other relatives. It was good for me to see them again after a long absence. And they enjoyed so much getting to know Buntheep. She especially relished drawing pictures and playing checkers, guitar, keyboard, and ball with Ethan, my sister's grandson. When it came time for them to part, they tearfully pledged to keep in touch by email. On Sunday, we shared our testimonies at my mother's church and received special prayer. Buntheep presented her piano recital for them too.

We praise the Lord for Max and Martha Crabbe, who sacrificed themselves to come all the way from North Carolina to transport us here and there. Without them, we would not have been able to experience this refreshing intermission.

Now we are back at Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville. We have met with Dr. Aldana, and plans are taking shape for Buntheep's next round of treatment. Although the radical surgery of the past was necessary, because the tumor had reached giant size and had to be stopped immediately, this time the plan is to stop the tumor in alternate ways, before it grows too large.

Following are the available options:

1. Radiation-- (a) traditional radiation, given in low doses over many weeks, or (b) "The Gamma Knife," a one-time high dose of radiation designed to kill the tumor once for all;
2. Chemo-- (a) traditional types of chemo-therapy administered over long periods of time, or (b) a hormone that shrinks the tumor, also administered over a year's time.

Each of these methods carries its own type of risk. However, Dr. Aldana has decided that "The Gamma Knife" is the best option for Buntheep. Tomorrow an X-ray of her skull will reveal if the bones have healed well enough from previous surgeries to support the pressure of a vice used to keep her head still during the procedure. Next week we will meet with the new doctors and schedule the exact day and time for the "bloodless surgery," as they call it.

Just as we did before, let's pray that God will give supernatural wisdom and skill to the doctors and protect Buntheep from any harm, especially harm to her brain, eyes, ears, or the nerves to her face. And pray also that this procedure will completely kill the tumor, so that true healing will finally become a reality for our little girl.

In His Hands,
Gioia and Buntheep

← Previous                         Next →