Update

Well, it's been a while since I blogged, but everything seemed to be going well. However, the last visit with our Oncologist gave us some consternation.

To refresh you a little bit, the once-a-month shot that Judy gets is to try to keep the seratonin and cromogranin A levels low, indicating the cancer tumors are staying in check. A couple of weeks ago when we had a follow-up, with labs and CT scan, the Dr. reported that the 5HIAA and Cromagranin A levels had jumped up considerably. So, does this mean the cancer cells are becoming more aggressive? It seemed so.

The doctor called us last Friday nite on our way to a football game in Springtown. However, prior tho this Judy and I and some of you had started praying about whether we should seek another Oncologist. We like our current one fine, but neither of us felt comfortable with his knowledge and ability to deal with Judy's rare type of cancer.Judy got a recommendation from her Gynocologist and her boss, Dr. Sanders. Interestingly enough, they both independently suggested Dr. McCollum at Texas Oncology Group. This seemed to be a confirmation for us to proceed to try to make an appointment with him.

Now, for the good stuff...we saw Dr. McCollum yesterday and were completely blown away by him! He was extremely personable and wanted to know all about our family and our activities. Then, he said "I have reviewed your chart and scans", and believe me, it seemed like he had memorized the chart! I then asked what kind of experience he had with NEC (neuroendocrine carcinoma), and he said "A ton". He had studied NEC in Boston under the leading doctor in the country, and he felt that NEC was his specialty. He then proceeded to allay our fears about the abnormal lab results. He said that through his extensive experience, he doesn't even use those tests to determine activity in the cancer cells. What he wants to monitor going forward, is any excessive weight loss (he's not concerned about that at the present), extreme fatigue, chronic abdominal pain, and a CT scan of the lower abdominal and pelvic every four months. He may also increase the dosage of her monthly shot at some time.

Our next appointment, including labs and scans will be in six weeks. In the mean time, look out for Judy...she's clicking on all cylinders again. Praise Jesus! He is so good to us and we know this all comes from Him...He has heard the many prayers and favored us, unworthy as we are. We are not healed of the cancer, but we are healed by His blood. And that is what matters most.

Thank all of you for your kindness and especially your prayers,

Ronnie and Judy

Doing Great!

We have been in Durango, Colo. this week with Sam and Barbara Gonzales and Frank and Mary Hearron. Thank you to Bob and Stacey for the awsome Condo.

Judy is feeling good and therefore, so am I. We rode the train to Silverton and back and we are taking a road trip today to Ouray and Telluride. We will return to Mesquite Monday afternoon and get back to normal.

We continue to receive encouragement from so many of you and you will never know how that uplifts us and gives us peace. Keep on keeping up.

Ronnie and Judy

Test Results

First, let me apologize for not responding to you concerning results of the recent CT Scan and other tests. We left for a family reunion after our doctor's visit and I didn't have access to a computer.

That being said, we got what we interpreted as a good report. Judy's blood work was perfect, including normal liver function. We had an x-ray done of her spine, which indicated some degeneration of the spine, probably accounting for the back pain. And, finally, the results of the CT Scan were unremarkable progression of the largest tumor on the liver (just a few millimeters). The doctor seemed to be pleased with that reading. We continue to watch the spot on the right kidney, which could possibly be another type of cancer. However, as long as it does not grow, it won't be of concern.

One more thing...Judy is trying lactose-free milk for the next month, which may account for the bloating and pain behind her ribcage.

No matter what may come in the future, we will continue to keep our eyes on Jesus. Oh, how He loves you and me.

Ronnie and Judy

Doctors Visit Tomorrow

Judy has recently been having some symptoms. Our follow-up testing was scheduled for August, but the Doc moved the CT Scan and labs up to yesterday. We have an appointment at Baylor Sammons Cancer Center tomorrow at 9AM.

Judy and I have a real peace about the results of the tests. We believe the symptoms are caused by something else, rather than the cancer. At the same time. if we get bad news, we know that God must have another plan. If so, we will be excited to see where He is taking us. God has blessed us this past year in amazing ways, that we would not have known if Judy had not gotten cancer.

We want to again thank all our friends and family for your faithful prayers and cards of encouragement. I will post again tomorrow after our doctor's appt.

Keeping our eyes on Jesus,

Ronnie and Judy

What a Ride!!

From:Judy

We are doing fine. There are still very,very few signs that my body is not cooperating with our plans for my life. We have chosen to do some things that we might have put off. such as re-newing some friendships that we have neglected,and, whenever possible,let people know how much we love and appreciate them an what they mean to us.

My freind Sara Graham has just had a bone marrow transplant and watching Johnny and her has been of great encouragement to us. I found her something Saturday with a wonderful saying printed on it.

"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy Cow, What a
Ride!!!!!!

That's my new motto!

Love, Judy and Ronnie

ANNIVERSARY!!

We are celebrating an important anniversary for the Rawls. It has been a year since Judy was diagnosed with neuroendocrine stage 4 cancer. I would have never thought I would have said this, but this has been one of the very best years of our lives. We have been married 47 years and have a fabulous family. Our church family is incredible and we have some of the most wonderful friends anyone could ever imagine. So, how could we say that this year was so wonderful? I think you know the answer...

God has shown us so much this year. He promised to not give us more than we can bear, and He hasn't. He has opened opportunities for sharing His love and peace to some we would not otherwise have been able to. Judy and I have had a great relationship, but this past year has taken it to a new level. He has taught us to surrender and wait on Him to lead us to wherever we need to go. We have joy today that we could not have understood before.

So, when you ask us how Judy is doing and we say great, it's not denial or fake; it's just that God has given us an assurance that as long as we hang on to His coattail, we are in for the ride of a lifetime. Keep praying for healing as we look forward to what God has in store.

God bless you all,

Ronnie and Judy

PS: Today Judy is skiing and snowmobiling...she's a gutsy broad...still! No fear

WooHoo!

Another successful and blessed run to Houston. The labs and chest x-ray were very good. The kidney and liver functions were great...go figure for a liver totally involved with tumors! The CT Scan was also unremarkable, except for the one little spot on the kidney, which has been there all along. They say it is probably just a cyst. It is one tenth of a centimeter larger than it was last time. So, they will continue to monitor it...no big deal.

We are truly overwhelmed by your concern, calls and prayers. We are so unworthy of the blessings we receive each day, but believe me, we will take them.

We will go back to MDA in May or June for the same regimen. If everything stays put, we will look to not go back for six months. Judy and I send our love to all our friends and prayer partners.

MD Anderson

Well, it's time to follow up at MD Anderson. we will be leaving Monday afternoon to go to Tennessee Colony and spend the night with Judy's brother John. Then, we will proceed to Houston Tuesday morning, doing labs at 2PM and a CT Scan afterwards. We will see the doctor Wednesday at 1:30 to get the results of the tests.

We have heard from many of you who are praying for good results. We are so comforted by your encouragement. We know that God's plan has not changed, so we are prepared for whatever comes. Judy has continued to feel well and hasn't slowed down at all, continuing to work at the doctor's office and her other part-time jobs. When we think of others who suffer from chemotherapy and radiation, we know we are so blessed to not have to contend with these severe side effects.

So, stay tuned and we will report again after our visit on Wednesday. We love you all,

Ronnie and Judy