Dear Saints,

After some consideration, the family has decided to transfer Dave’s care to a doctor located closer in Orange County. The doctor is a brother in the Lord and will continue to correspond with Dave’s former doctor at Cedars Sinai for his continued care.

Dave is continuing to receive treatments especially to minimize the side effects of the cancer. He is still experiencing nausea, fatigue, regular coughing and difficulty breathing. Due to his weakening condition, we are currently modifying the house to move him from upstairs to downstairs. He misses the saints but is too weak to attend the meetings. He is greatly encouraged by the saints’ emails; feel free to continue writing, although he may not always be able to respond. The best way to reach him or to schedule a visit is to email bfadave@gmail.com.

The whole family has been around this week helping with the house modifications and other practical changes. If you would like to participate in any practical way, please contact Julia Holly (Julia.holly@gmail.com) or Jessica Hsu (jessicapchsu@gmail.com).

Dave’s next set of blood tests will be done on January 6th and will determine our next course of action.

Prayer requests:

1. Continued supply, grace, and encouragement to our brother and his family.
2. The effectiveness of the current treatment to minimize the side effects of the cancer; the ability to take in adequate nourishment.
3. Adjustment to new living arrangements.
4. The Lord to be magnified in our circumstances.

Update

Dear saints,

There have been quite a few developments since our last update. On July 13th, brother Dave received his last round of treatment in the clinical drug trial at Cedar Sinai Medical center in Los Angeles. In October, his CT scan revealed that the cancer had spread to his lungs, liver and spine. His PSA count also increased. As a result, he was disqualified from further participation in the clinical trial.

The last CT scan in December revealed that the cancer has grown and has also spread to his spleen. The largest tumor in his lung increased from 5x3 cm to 10x5cm. His PSA count has increased from approximately 12 to 63 in the short time between October and December.

The family has decided on a course of treatment to help strengthen our brother to fight the cancer and side effects. Currently, his side effects are mainly nausea, fatigue, regular coughing, and difficulty breathing. Thankfully, he is not currently experiencing any pain. We are full of thanks to the Lord for the sustaining prayers of the saints.

If the Lord should lead you to pray, the following are some specific requests:

1. The effectiveness of the treatment to strengthen our brother and to turn the cancer back in the next few weeks. Another PSA test is scheduled for January 6th.
2. Limit the side effects of the cancer as mentioned above.
3. The Lord’s leading and covering for all the practical needs.
4. Our brother’s continued service and function in the Body.

We are not giving up hope but still have faith in the Lord and His Word and pray with God’s economy as our aim.