7-13-06

Dear Friends and Family,

We are back in DC and getting settled and organized as we prepare to begin Matt's treatments. The following are the results that have come back in since the past update:

The surgery at MD Anderson went as planned with no complications. The doctors discussed the results and again said Matt was an unusual case, and that all of the samples they found tested positive with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The pleurodesis (the attaching of Matt's inner and outer lining of the lung) has been successful thus far with no sign of fluid coming back in the area that was closed together. Matt said he feels funny breathing at times, but he's been playing his lung exercise game and has continued to beat it. Last night he told me they needed to make these machines bigger so he could make it go past the 4000 mark:) (He likes to say he gets 4000 bonus points every time he reaches the top:) ). His side healed well from the two incisions that he had, and just yesterday the nurse was able to take out the stitches which relieved Matt of the irritation they were causing. He is no longer in very much pain, still a little sore but working towards more exercise.

Yesterday we talked to Doctor Fred Smith, who was the oncologist we originally met with here in DC, and discussed the plans for treatment. We will begin chemotherapy tomorrow afternoon and continue with it for 4-6 cycles. Each cycle lasts for 3 weeks, so every three weeks Matt will receive about 3 hrs of chemo. I was a little lost as to what chemo was, so for those who aren't as familiar (and we should have an even better idea tomorrow) Matt should have an IV in that will infuse several different types of drugs in at one time in a concentrated amount. Dr. Smith said he could walk around, work on the computer, read, play games etc while he is there receiving the treatment. He will be given medication for nausea as well, so hopefully that side effect will be subsided. Other common side effects are mouth sores, rashes at the infusion spot, fatigue, appetite loss. People have also asked about radiation and where that plays in; radiation would be used if the cancer becomes more localized rather than spread throughout the lung. Chemotherapy has the ability to reach throughout the body and affect a larger population of cells more effectively. In the future radiation may be an option, but not at this point. We are very excited to be working with Dr. Smith, he is an exceptional doctor and person. As we were leaving his office we ran into two Missionaries of Charity (Blessed Mother Teresa's order) and asked them where they lived and what they were doing there. One of them (Sr. Josina) has bladder cancer and is also being treated by Dr. Smith- praise the Lord! So you could keep her in your prayers as well.

Somebody commented on our perseverance and faith and how strong we are, but honestly our strength comes from the Lord and the prayers and sacrifices that so many of you are offering. Each day we truly feel the strength of the Body of Christ- what a blessing the Lord has given us! thank you very much.

We've been compiling some of the wedding pictures onto a rough website, please take a look when you have a chance: http://familycoles.googlepages.com/ Through the love of the Sacred Heart,Matt and Lucy "Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give." Matt 10:8PS- this is our new email address as well:)