On Wednesday afternoon, Melissa, Matthew, Raegann, and my in-laws (Phil & JoLinda) made the 4 1/2 hour trek (read: 6 1/2 hours with kids) from Dallas to Houston for my appointments at MD Anderson Cancer Center. On Thursday morning, the family went to the Houston Zoo while I went in to the Mays Clinic for blood work and CT scans to see how the chemotherapy has been working to slow the progress of the cancer.

This afternoon, I met with my medical oncologist at MD Anderson to hear the results. As we had been hoping and praying, the chemo has been effective so far. The primary tumor in my stomach has significantly decreased in size, and all of the metastases to the lymph nodes have seen either slight improvement or have stayed the same. No additional spread of the cancer was detected by the CT scan, which is really good news. We are so thankful to all of you who have been praying with us for this result.

Although the chemo has been effective thus far at slowing the progress of the cancer, my body will only be able to handle a maximum of seven more rounds of this particular chemotherapy regimen before oxaliplatin and 5FU toxicity becomes a concern. For this reason, during this appointment, we discussed the options for the second line of treatments. My oncologist prefers not to go beyond 9 rounds of treatment with the oxaliplatin and 5FU regimen, so I will be continuing for four more rounds of chemo and then returning for more scans at MD Anderson in August.

At that time, it will be necessary to switch to a second line of treatment to continue to hold the cancer at bay. While I was down at MD Anderson, I was able to enroll in a clinical trial process to identify potential genetic mutations and expressions that may allow more targeted treatment of my cancer. Tissue from my tumor biopsy will be subjected to genetic sequencing to look for any of 146 different mutations that may provide options for more directly targeting the cancer or attempting immunotherapy treatments to unleash my own immune system to fight the cancer. In August, I will find out the results of the genetic testing and will discuss with my oncologist the various clinical trials and immunotherapy treatments that I may qualify for.

In many ways, this weekend was bittersweet. Sweet, because we know that the chemo has been effective thus far at slowing the cancer. Bitter because we know that in two months, we're back to looking for alternative treatments to continue fighting this disease. I continue to cherish the days that I have with my beautiful wife and sweet children, recognizing that each day with them is truly a gift not to be squandered.

Going through all of the poking and prodding and scans and tests and treatments that come with being a cancer patient makes one incredibly aware of the impermanence of life. For me, it has made me value the people around me so much more. I hug my kids more often, tell my wife I love her every chance I get, and remind myself of the sacredness of my relationships with my family and friends.

Thanks to all of you who are walking with us on this journey. Your presence in our lives is encouraging and enriching.

If you are also praying for us, please remember the following:

• Praise that the chemo has been effective so far.
• That the remaining chemo treatments would continue to be effective.
• That the genetic testing of my cancer would reveal promising options for targeting the cancer in the second-line treatment.