By His Stripes

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

 

   Jeff started his radiation therapy today to shrink what is left of the tumor.  He has to go everyday Monday through Friday at 10:40am.  The treatment only takes about an hour.  The radiation is being focused on his brain and spine (as a precaution). 

   With gas prices so high it was another answered prayer that he is able to receive the radiation at the Johnson Cancer Center in Muskegon so they do not have to drive to Grand Rapids everyday! He will still have appointments with his Oncologist in Grand Rapids.  

   Radiation therapy is in itself painless.  Most side effects are predictable and expected. Side effects from radiation are usually limited to the area of the patient's body that is under treatment. One of the aims of modern radiotherapy is to reduce side effects to a minimum, and to help the patient to understand and to deal with those side effects which are unavoidable.

   The main side effects reported are fatigue and skin irritation, like a mild to moderate sun burn and hair loss. The fatigue often sets in during the middle of a course of treatment and can last for weeks after treatment ends. The skin irritation will also go away, but it may not be as elastic as it was before. ** 

   The radiation therapy will last about 4 to 6 weeks after which they will re-evaluate and determine if and when chemotherapy will start to completely demolish the cancer!!  We appreciate all the love, support and prayers from everyone!

Jeff and his girlfriend Ashton helping his niece Makayla color on Easter.