An update about Denise

Denise with her oncology doctor, Dr. Lee. He is not only been amazing professionally, but he truly cares about Denise, and it shows. Below is a copy of an email that Sean sent to the commander of his school updating him on Denise's condition. Sean also asked that he be able to stay out here until the end of the month. Sean starts a new quarter of school next month and needs to be back for that. So, we will be here for another two weeks. By then we should have an idea of whether or not this treatment strategy is effective. If it isn't, we will probably have to say our goodbyes and return when the Lord takes her home. I pray that won't be the case.

Sean's email:
"An update on my situation. After a round of tests this last week, the doctors have determined that after this latest round of chemo (which started the day I got here), the cancer has neither grown nor shrunk. However, the levels of Epstein-Barr virus--the virus that is causing the central nervous system lymphoma--in my mom have increased. The doctors here at the University of Colorado are going to try a different treatment strategy this next week to get a response from the cancer, which is still causing a great impairment to her brain (decline in gross motor skills and memory loss). Nothing experimental, but just ensuring the greatest concentration of the drugs they have been using."

(To summarize-they are going to give her everything they can for both the virus and the cancer, at the max dose her body can handle. As far as I understand it is the last thing that can be done.)

Colonel Greenshields response:

"Sean,

Do not worry about anything here. We will figure everything out when you get back, whenever that might be. You have your priorities straight: mothers come first!I wish you the best. What you are going through is hard. I know what it is like.I wish you and your mother the best.I will see you when you return. All the best,Gordon"

We are very blessed to have a sympathetic chain of command. God has orchestrated so many details to be a blessing during this difficult time.

Thank you for your prayers. There has yet to be one blow up within the family which is quite a miracle when you consider all of the details including transportation, sleeping arrangements, cooking of meals and the expectations of a dozen adults. Please keep praying for refreshing sleep, patience and grace.