McClintock's and Those

Anna Scott and Sarah Kate (cousin) show off their latest princess fashion. Viewers beware: Once viewing these cuties, all others will pale in comparison.

I've schedule my first trip to Duke for Wednesday, August 31. I will consult with Dr. Mitchell Horwitz regarding my photopheresis treatments, which will then be scheduled for once per week for an indefinite period of time. In addition, I'll be applying a topical cream Targretin, which is a retnoid, and have periodic bloodwork done to monitor my progress.

And so, it begins.

I continue to covet your prayers on my behalf, specifically:

• Complete and unequivocal healing
• Continued support from my employer, who has been extremely supportive thus far. I'll be taking one day off per week to travel to Duke for treatment.
• Logistics regarding traveling to/from Duke. Ideally, I'd like to be able to drive up (3 hrs), be treated (3-4 hrs) and drive home (3 hrs) in one day.
• Continuted peace, wisdom and strength. Besides my life-altering health issues, Rachelle is 5 months pregnant (and doing really well) and ASM will have her tonsils out on Sept 21 (4 days before our 6 year anniversary).

Rachelle, Anna Scott and I went to see the popular Dr. Morris yesterday for Rachelle's 17 week, OB checkup. We had an ultrasound to check Baby #2's progress. We're happy to say that everything is on-track and OK.

Anna Scott was mildly fascinated with the ultrasound, saying it was, "fuzzy." We're still not quite sure she fully understands that her days of having undivided attention are limited. The due date is January 17, 2006.

Also yesterday, Anna Scott had an appointment with an ENT doctor. We've been concerned about her sleeping as she often snores and/or gasps for air. In short, her tonsils will have to come out. The procedure is scheduled for September 21.

So in summary: Rachelle and Baby #2-OK; ASM - tonsils out, but otherwise OK and excelling in her swimming lessons; Scott - set to begin treatments soon. We still feel blessed in so many ways and continue to covet your prayers!

I met with Dr. Foss today at Yale Medical Center. We're staying with McDad in NYC and traveled to New Haven this morning. Our trip went like this: bus, tram (crosses East River), walk to subway, rode subway, eat breakfast at Grand Central Station, Metro-North train to New Haven, cab to Yale. After the visit with Dr. Foss, we had lunch in New Haven, bought ASM a Yale T-Shirt, and reversed the trip legs back to Mac Shack-North.

I know, I'm rambling. What did Dr. Foss say? Glad you asked.

She was very upbeat about my prognosis. With the right treatment, I could go into remission. Treatment options include PUVA, Targretin (topically or orally), Nitrogen Mustard (topically) (and here) and Photopheresis.

She's leaning against PUVA because of the undesirable side affects with being exposed to UV radiation. Targretin a new topical skin gel, contains a vitamin A-like compound. Nitrogen Mustard is a topical (mild) chemotherapy that has been around since the 1960's. Photopheresis treats the blood and, in essence, supercharges my immune system to fight the lymphoma. Cool.

Dr. Foss would lean us to photopheresis at a minimum because there are no side effects and it doesn't introduce harsh chemicals/drugs to my body. We can also use photopheresis in combination with tergretin or nitrogen mustard.

At this point, I need to make a decision about which course of treatment to pursue. Please pray for wisdom, and thanks for everyone's prayers today. It could not have been better.

Now off to dinner with my gorgeous wife in NYC!

Rachelle and I are off to NYC this weekend in prelude to my appointment with Dr. Francine Foss (and here) at Yale on Monday (11:00 am). My mom (aka McMom, Jacque) sent an email to immediate family this morning with the request to Bear this Burden with us, after Galatians 6:2. Her prayer request is quoted below and I ask you be a Burden Bearer. Many of you already have. We know it, feel it. Keep praying. It matters.

Please pray for:

WISDOM
Dr. Foss as she examines Scott and prescribes the right treatment that will bring about containment of the lymphoma and eventual healing.

Scott and Rachelle as they consider the treatment options that the right one will be evident
to them that will bring about containment/healing.

PEACE
Scott and Rachelle in particular, but for all of us as we walk through this process

HEALING
Complete healing . . . . . in God's timing for HIS GLORY.