Medical Update Prayer Letter

God has been so good to me. Betty and I are thrilled to see all God has done.

Medical Update

In the last two days, I have seen my oncologist, nephrologist, and gastroenterologist, and I messaged my urologist through their portal system. I have witnessed vial after vial of blood drawn and urine samples, poked, prodded, scanned, and examined until I feel like an actual patient.

The gastroenterologist will do an endoscopy to look at a cyst near my pancreas that he is not worried about at all. He said he would only check to be sure.

The nephrologist says my kidney function is good, so no worries there.

My new oncologist and urologist who did the surgery will be consulting to see the possibilities of another surgery or very heavy pinpoint radiation for the cancerous tumor. If that is not to be, I will restart immunotherapy later this year.

My oncologist said that the enemy is there. We can see him through the frequent scans he wants to do, but he is not moving or growing, so we are not worried. He said we would watch the enemy; if there is movement, we will immediately start more treatments. There is also a spot on my lung that he says is questionable but is very small, so it does not currently worry him. If it grows, then we will move on it.

I do have stage 4 kidney cancer, and I am in palliative care, but that is because my cancer has metastasized or traveled to so many places in my body.

The doctor said that I had defied all the odds, beaten all the numbers, and kept resetting my clock. I asked about my life expectancy since three years ago it was to be five years or fewer for over 80% of the people. He said that it was five years ago when the cancer started progressing again and forming the tumor. He said you have beaten “all the odds.”

He told me to get on being busy and living and we will fight the enemy. So, thank you all for praying and being so kind to let me know you are praying. God is good, and we are very grateful.

Two days ago, my mind was playing horrible tricks on me. The urologist had told me to get in touch with my oncologist urgently. It was as though I was in real trouble. It probably wouldn’t affect anyone else, but every little thing sets off the alarms when someone as “weak” as me has been dealing with cancer back for the third time, COVID-19, and all over twelve years.

I can not express my gratitude enough. Thank you so much to one and all. Continue praying. Maybe God still has plans for me.

God bless you all

Austin and Betty

---

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Healthy and Fulfilling Marriage: Strategies for Forgiveness, Love, and Grace

“Before stumbling upon The Fulfilling Marriage, my marriage deteriorated because of our mutual lack of initiative and selfishness. Gardner’s book prompted a profound shift in our perspective, helping us confront our shortcomings and reignite the spark of love and commitment. It has been the key factor in starting over and rebuilding our marriage.”