October Update

Dear Prayer Partners,

Nathan has completed 6 weeks of chemo + radiation treatments which has been followed by a 4 week treatment-free period to allow him to regain strength and rest. During that time, his “rest” included a Knoxville and Chattanooga Celebration-from-Treatment party and even a trip to the Bahamas for 4 days. (Yes, we had a ball until the hurricane came calling!)

 This week Nathan had his first MRI since this brain tumor was removed. We went to Vanderbilt with him and the results were encouraging. I understand it, an MRI is a bit tough to read this close to radiation treatments because the radiation causes the brain to swell. Cancer cells and inflammation look the same in an MRI. There were “enhanced” areas on the MRI but the oncologist and radiologist both agreed that that they were a result of the inflammation from the treatments. So, we entered that appointment as a win for the home team and left relieved and grateful.

 Nathan will no longer get radiation treatments but his chemo will increase. Starting next week, he will begin taking chemo again but this time it will be in larger doses than before. He will take Temodar for 5 days and then no chemo for the next 25 days. That cycle will continue for 6-12 months. He will go back to Vanderbilt in 1-2 months for another MRI.

 To his credit, Nathan has kept a great attitude and an understated, steady faith which is infectious and uplifting. He has voluntarily committed to a strict ketosis diet in an effort to starve cancer while feeding the healthy ones. I am not sure what all that diet entails, but from what little I have seen, every food that I like is prohibited. Nathan exercises and goes to work almost every day, even after double treatments. Like most of us, I learn more by watching than my hearing and class never ends for me when it comes to how Nathan continues to deal with all this. Moreover, I could not be more grateful for his sweet, unfailingly supportive wife Elizabeth. They are a great pair.

 Thank you so much for your persistent prayers and many varied acts of kindness that in so many different ways have demonstrated your unselfish love. So many people have simply been so kind, truly so, so, kind.

 God continues to be Good. Even in the midst of this dark situation He continues to illuminate unexpected corners with joy, healing and . My brothers and sisters at Community Evangelistic Church will sometimes say, “No Test, No Testimony.” Amen. One thing we can say with certainly is that God is building in us a testimony and who doesn't like a good story?


Blessing on Each of You!


Buddy Sexton