JUDAH WINS

Don't give up, don't give in! If you don't quit, you win!

What Happens Next?

Judah’s health journey continues with faith, courage, and our prayers.

Judah’s Recovery

Now that 2015 is upon us, we wanted to share a quick update on Judah… He’s doing great! By looking at him, you wouldn’t even know that he’s just been through a health crisis. Praise God!

We spent the last 2 weeks of December enjoying Christmas and New Year’s with our families and friends in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Judah is taking his daily medicine with ease and was his normal positive, humorous self on the trip.

Medical Update

On December 16, before flying to PA, we met with the surgeon and endocrinologist for a post-surgery checkup. The entire thyroid was removed, as well as 30 lymph nodes. The pathology report showed that, indeed, 20 of the lymph nodes had cancerous cells.

One parathyroid gland was also taken out, as it was wrapped up in some other tissue that was being removed. This leaves 3 out of 4 parathyroid glands, more than enough for the proper regulation of calcium levels. His post-surgery blood work has shown rising levels of calcium in his body, indicating that the 3 glands are recovering well from the shock of surgery.

Next Phase of Treatment

On February 4th, we head to the hospital again for the normal second phase of the treatment regime for thyroid cancer. Judah will be given a radioactive iodine orally. Over a period of 2 days, the radioactive iodine will circulate throughout his body in the bloodstream. Radioactive iodine is known to be quickly ingested by any rogue thyroid cancer cells wherever they may be, while normal, healthy cells avoid it, and the radioactivity kills the cancerous thyroid cells. Hence, radioactive iodine is a relatively safe treatment because it doesn’t affect healthy cells.

During his 3 days in the hospital, they’ll be monitoring his system while the radioactive substance is on it’s “search and destroy” mission. For the two weeks leading up to his stay, Judah will be on a low-iodine diet to starve the body of iodine. This will require cutting out of his diet some of the things he really enjoys eating. But, we’re reminding him this is a relatively short period of time, compared to the rest of his long, amazing life. (-:

We’ve appreciated conversations with several friends who have gone through this exact same treatment regime and are now living healthy, productive lives. One of these friends is about to have her first baby! We’re so grateful for the peace we’ve felt through this stretching time.

Over the next few weeks, please join with us in praying and declaring the following:

Judah’s body is completely clear of any and all cancer cells that may have tried to hide in his body undetected.

Judah will have complete peace throughout the second phase of this process.

This last treatment will mark the end of this journey for Judah and that he will live a full, productive, peaceful life with NO MORE CANCER, ever.

The words “thank you” can never fully express our appreciation for your prayers and declarations of faith for our warrior, Judah. Our family is clearly being carried by God’s gracious goodness and healing power.

Love to all of you!

Deborah and Eric