Update on Ron - NEW UPDATE

In reviewing my most recent posts, I just realized that I have not kept you all up on Ron's progress through his treatment for LMS. I was so dependant on his emails out to friends and families that I guess I never took the time to draft my own update!

He has just finished his chemo! Thank God! (Literally...I don't mean that as slang!) Ron went through 18 weeks of chemo and I have to tell you, for as badly as I know he has felt his spirit and fortitude have been amazing!

Ron & Brenda are leaving for MDA in Houston on Tuesday and he will have all of his tests run again on Wednesday and then Thursday the doctors will let everyone know the much anticipated results of the chemo. At 9 weeks the chemo was definitely working and although had not killed off the tumor as much as one would hope by that point, the cancer load activity was tremendously decreased. So then 9 more weeks and here we are today! Next step is surgery.

Please keep up the prayers and well wishes and we'll let you all know the results on Thursday!

*I have had people ask exactly what "kind" of cancer Ron has and so I thought I'd give the definition - Leiomyosarcoma is a type of sarcoma which is a neoplasm of smooth muscle. Smooth muscle cells make up the involuntary muscles, which are found in most parts of the body: in uterus, stomach and intestines, walls of all blood vessels, and skin. It is most commonly found in the stomach, small intestine and retroperitoneum. Leiomyosarcoma is a very rare cancer. It makes up 7% of soft tissue sarcomas. Presently there is no cure, only remission if it can be attained, and this rare cancer can reappear anywhere and at any time. Because of its rarity, few doctors know how to treat it and it attracts very little research.

Ron's appointment went OK. The tumor has not shrunk, but it has not grown and has not spread. The cancer activity continues to decrease - which is great! He will have more chemo - another version this time and they will do the surgery in 7 weeks. Please continue to pray for Ron and his road to remission!