A Second-Hand Update

The kids and I just returned from Albuquerque. The McCay's received as good a prognosis as they could have hoped for yesterday. It was a blessing to see them enter and exit the meeting with the team of doctors with smiles (and relief) on their faces. I'll do my best to relay the information I received from them (please bear with them and the slow updates as they don't have a laptop with them at the hospital...that, and they kind of have their hands full with other things).

The type of cancer Noah has (Burkitt's lymphoma) grows very fast, but is very treatable. The primary danger in the short term is treating the cancer too quickly. As the cancer is treated, his body will will expel the tumors - and his body can only process so much at a time without unduly taxing his kidneys and liver. I heard Brent explain the prognosis 3 or 4 times to visitors, and each time it made me think of this (my own interpretation, not from the medical team): Noah's cancer is like a weed on miracle-grow...it appeared quickly, but will be easy to treat with a little roundup. After the roundup withers the weed in due time, they'll pour on the napalm to wipe it out completely (again, my own interpretation).

Noah's is stage 3 - and the doctor said it's typical not to experience any symptoms before it advances that far. He'd actually never seen a case that was only at stage 1. Noah has already begun chemo and his entire treatment plan will likely only last 6 months. The doctor indicated that more patients suffer complications from infections rather than from the cancer itself. The McCay's will have their hands full with sterilizing their car, house, and little brother :) In all seriousness, they'll have to send anyone with a cold (mom, dad, brother, sister) to stay with the grandparents when they have as much as a sniffle.

Noah's going to be spending lots of time indoors - so it's a good thing the boy likes to read (and play video games). The news it good and outlook is bright, but the family still covets prayers and support. Let us not tire of either. Once their computer situation is worked out, you can expect to see more updates here: http://noahmc.blogspot.com/