Today, we found out that Spencer was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. This is a form of skin cancer. This wasn't the news we were hopeful for going into the day but this is the start of a battle that WE are ready to face. Obviously this is Spencer who is fighting it, but I think through all the support shown, he knows he doesn't have to do it alone. Tomorrow Spencer will start radiation of the brain. He is going to have another treatment also Friday, and then take Saturday and Sunday off. He will start Monday morning with the radiation and chemotherapy. There is hope that Spencer may be able to go home around Saturday or Sunday, and be an out-patient who just comes in daily.
In the coming days we are going to find out how the tumors are responding to the radiation. The most important treatments are going to be on his brain. Also with melanoma, there is a new chemotherapy drug that works very very well. This drug is specific to a certain type of mutation that has a 50/50 chance of being the specific melanoma. Everybody please please send prayers that he has this mutation so we can effectively treat this cancer to the best ability.
It is times like these that people look to signs from God. This may be to gain a sense of security, or to find a state of peacefulness. I believe that God is wondrous and mysterious in his ways of reaching us. It can be the smallest connection whether a verse from a song, change in the weather or bible verse. Today in Wilmington I was about to enter class when I found out that Spencer had melanoma. I dropped everything I had and came back to Greenville. My father met me along the way and gave me his best hug and the comfort I was looking to for a brief amount of seconds. As I continued my car ride home I had a realization that put a smile to my face.
Spencer has a tattoo on his right arm above the bicep. He got this tattoo a couple years ago while he was on the ECU football team. The tattoo reads "Against All Odds." As I took a moment to reflect on what I had just remembered, I couldn't stop smiling. I had just had my sign and connection with God. I was questioning why this was the type of cancer that God had diagnosed him with. But I realized that Spencer has ALWAYS... ALWAYS risen up against his challenges and overcome them. God knows that he wanted one of his strongest warriors to fight against this deadly disease. It is obvious to say that the "odds" are not in Spencer's favor, but just like his tattoo reads, he is going to rise up "against all odds."
Today was hard news to hear but is the start of your recovery. They always say God doesn't give us more then we can handle so get in there and handle this. I have never met you but have heard incredible things about you - you are strong - determined and committed - use all of those strengths and lean on your family and friends to get through this. Read your tattoo every day - win the battle and prove you are "Against all Odds" - Bryan Kersey
ReplyDeleteWith God all things are possible! Sending and saying lots of prayers for Spencer! Chris Holmes and family!
ReplyDeleteTrey, I have everyone I know here in Raleigh praying for Spencer and yall. I know first hand the healing powers God has and have no doubt he will touch Spencer with those healing hands. John 16:33 -the verse I always go to during hard times. -Danielle Vinson
ReplyDeleteTrey, I do not know you, Lindsay or Spencer personally, but I know your parents. I thank you for writing Spencer's story through your eyes. To me, it seems that you are a very special person and Spencer and Lindsay are fortunate to have you at their side. Family is everything. Please know that thousands of people from all over are praying for both of your families. Prayer is strong and so is God's Love. Lisa Davis
ReplyDeletePraying earnestly seeking God's hand in yours as you battle through this journey. Praying for God's richest blessings.
ReplyDelete