December 19, 2009

First of all, we want to sincerely thank you all for the outpouring of love and caring you have shown to us these past few weeks. In the midst of our celebrating the return of Derek from his mission to Australia, we learned that he has a malignant tumor that has invaded his lower back. You can imagine our feelings when we heard that unwelcome news! As we've been trying to wrap our minds around this, so many of you have wrapped your arms and hearts around us, bearing us up with your prayers, fasting, phone calls, e-mails, and visits. You have helped us more than you know. Already, we have seen small miracles happen.

Derek had been experiencing back pain a couple of months before the end of his mission, but doctors there weren't able to find the cause. He toughed it out, serving faithfully until his release. We then took him to Dr. Bunker here in Cedar City, who ordered the necessary tests to find the problem. We were referred to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in SLC, where we met with doctors. We were then sent to Primary Children's Hospital, a facility better able to treat this kind of cancer. Derek endured a number of tests to see if and how much the cancer has spread. At this point, it looks like there are symptoms in his lungs, but not on the surface of his bones. We're now waiting to hear about the last test, then we'll travel to SLC again to meet with doctors and begin a plan of action.

What is the likely plan? They spoke of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, surgery, then more chemo. They want this plan in place before Christmas.

Derek is such an upbeat person, with spiritual insight and maturity. We are praying for the miracle of his full health to return. We are optimistic, and we ask for your continued prayers in his behalf.