Dear CCAM Partners and Friends,

Gioia was unable to send an update today because the computers at the Ronald McDonald house were down. So, she called me with an update to pass on to you.

The radiation machine used for Buntheep's radiation treatment was not working this morning, and she could not get her treatment. It was just as well, because the doctors decided to do MRI and CAT scans on Buntheep today to check on the result of the treatment so far. Buntheep has received 8 days of treatment, with two treatments per day. The check today showed that the tumor had become smaller by about 25%. As you may recall, it had grown into a solid mass from the three spots from which it began to grow back. It is now back to three distinct tumors with a space in the middle that is clear. All three tumors remaining are on the edge of the area the larger tumor mass once occupied, so the treatment must continue over the whole area. The reduction in size of the tumors is great news - very fast results. It is definitely not cancer, and is not behaving like cancer. It was fast growing and is now fast shrinking.

The bad news is that some of the three tumors remain near Buntheep's eye and optic nerve. Since the radiation therapy must continue as before, there is still danger to her eyes. So far, tests show that the radiation therapy has not changed her vision.

Another praise is that Buntheep felt much better today. She started feeling a bit better Wednesday, but today seemed to be able to do things other than sleep and be sick. Gioia was encouraged by this; and I'm sure Buntheep was too! (Up until today, Buntheep had been very sick each day since the radiation therapy was started.)

So, the treatment will continue. The doctors will check on the progress of the treatment by doing another check in two weeks. We can pray for several things:

We can pray that the radiation will not damage Buntheep's eyes. "Thus far and no farther" is Gioia's prayer to God regarding the radiation.

We can pray that the radiation treatment will continue to shrink the tumors until they disappear.

We can pray that the radiation machine will work properly so that Buntheep can receive her treatments on time.

We can thank God for the progress so far! It was a very hopeful day!

And we can pray for Gioia's encouragement, health, and wisdom, and thank God for her watchful and prayerful care over Buntheep.

Thank you for your prayers, God is answering!

--Joe Ginder,
for Gioia and Buntheep

← Previous                         Next →