40% to 60%

One of the tests that the oncologist did to determine that Tim did in fact have multiple myeloma was a bone marrow extraction. This is because multiple myeloma lives in the bone marrow, so it is one of the more reliable tests to determine what is going on. Bone marrow extraction is quite painful, so they don't like to do it very often. The results of the first bone marrow test showed 40% myeloma cells in Tim's body. From then on, he would have blood tests to determine whether the chemo was doing it's job.

For a while the chemo seemed to be working, but then the blood tests became inconclusive and the oncologists were having a difficult time determining what was happening. His cancer was not behaving like the text books say it should - does it ever? Tim was still having several symptoms that he shouldn't have been having; and during another MRI to look at the main tumor, they found more lesions on his spinal column. The oncologist said Tim's was a tougher case than usual.
So in February, after being on the chemo for about 4 months, the doctors decided they should extract more bone marrow. This test showed negative results - the myeloma had increased from 40% to 60%.

This news was very discouraging for us - Tim was determined that he would be able to start the stem cell therapy around February or March. We had a hard time processing this "bad" news. Of course this wasn't bad news in the Lord's eyes - this was part of the plan. But humanly speaking, this was not good. We were trusting the Lord to use the medications to get Tim ready for stem cell therapy, and instead he was facing a harsher chemo and more difficult side effects.

We had to continue to rest in the goodness of the Lord and remember that everything that was happening was part of His plan to get glory from our lives and make us more like Him. It's not about us, it's about Him and His will. The Lord gave us several confirmations during that time that He cares for us and is with us through the storm.

We received so many cards, letters and e-mails and phone calls during this time... it was overwhelming. We also received several financial gifts to help with expenses. Our church family brought meals, gave gift cards to the grocery store and restaurants and kept the kids when that was needed. All of these gestures helped to remind us that we are not alone. We continue to receive cards and e-mails, almost every day. It means so much to know that folks are concerned and are praying for Tim.

Psalm 62:5 "My soul wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him."