Pursuing radiation

Last Thursday the family celebrated a large (27 people) and meaningful Thanksgiving Day. We are so thankful to God for our family and for His leading and care for us all, as He guides us through this maze that is the cancer experience.
Through fits and starts, on Monday we were able to get Roger's MRI's to Dr. Pinover at Abington Hospital for him to review in order to see if radiation is possible on the tumors on Roger's backbone. Dr. Pinover is the oncologic radiologist who radiated Roger's tumors in 2004, so he is the one who can tell if he has radiated these exact spots before. Standard protocol is that if the spot has received radiation,already, that's it; too much incurs damage to the structure you're trying to save/protect.
Dr. Pinover was finally able to do his review yesterday (Wednesday), and called us from his home last night to give us his analysis. One of the tumors IS in the same spot as before. Not good. However, he said that he feels he can figure out a way to do the radiation anyway. Good! Because myeloma tumors require less actual radiation to treat them--they are filled with blood and are not the "solid" tumors of other cancers--he believes that the amount he used the first time and the amount he will use this time will allow him to go ahead with the procedure. Thank the Lord!!! This is a direct answer to all of our prayers.
We do have another hurdle, which we ask you to pray for. Dr. Pinover said that the radiation schedule is so filled up that his scheduling secretary is sure to put Roger in for January. This is just too long to wait, which he acknowledged. I spoke with the secretary this morning and she said she would speak with the doctor about what to do and when. Please pray that all of the preliminary procedures and the actual radiation can be done in December.
Roger is again experiencing pain from the tumors, which began this time right after the second round of steroids finished, so we know the cancer is becoming more aggressive. He is also quite weak and easily fatigued. This is discouraging. But I must say that when we get to a place where we are beyond our own strength, the Lord provides a Bible passage, a phone call or card, a visit, or just the direct prompting of His Holy Spirit to encourage us and remind us of His love and care--and that whatever happens, He has it all under His control. Thank you for praying with us and for us. Your prayers continue to be deep and real blessings through which God is working in our lives.
May you have a blessed week as you prepare for Christmas.