Cancer: Game On: IngerStrong Golf Tournament and Clinical Trials

I have put off updating the blog for awhile because I needed more information before I shared what Zach's future treatment options are. Zach spoke to Dr. Dan last Friday. I wasn't there to hear the conversation so I didn't exactly understand what the plan was. But I do now. Zach began a different chemo this morning. He will receive these 2-hour infusions every other Friday. The drug isn't as toxic or aggressive as what he faced the first 3 months so the side effects will be more minimal. Unfortunately however, the odds still aren't in Zach's favor so we continue to pray and hope!

Regarding clinical trails, Dr. Dan didn't find anything as promising as the different chemo Zach began. Dr. Dan searched all over the country and spoke to his many contacts. Clinical trails are not out of the realm of possibility, but there isn't anything now that would do Zach more good than his newest treatment. If the scans don't show marked improvement we will leave the area. For now Zach will finish the school year, receive chemo every other week, rescan in 6-8 weeks and we will make more decisions after the scans.

The IngerStrong golf tournament was so much fun! Zach and I are in awe of everyone who reached out to support us and make the tournament a success. Dave Radcliffe of Eagle Hills is a good friend and devoted many, many hours to organizing this, beginning back in January. Tamera Wheeler, a local business owner and mom of an Eagle student, reached out to me several weeks ago to offer her help in any way possible. The silent, live auctions and dessert auctions were a resounding success because of her. I couldn't have done what she did--what an amazing heart that woman has! We are also very appreciative of the golfers who played, our friends and families who came for the day, and the businesses who donated to the auctions. The day was a fun and welcome distraction!

In January I posted a prayer request and asked if anyone had connections in the hospitality industry. Several people reached out to me including Mrs. Susan Jenkins. Susan was Zach and Nathaniel's 6th grade teacher at Cynthia Mann. She retired after 37 years of teaching and is now President of the Idaho Licensed Beverage Association. Susan kindly reached out to her contacts in the restaurant industry. After a 3-month process I can finally share that Nathaniel got a job here! He will move home in late May to manage the downtown Boise Lucky Fin's restaurant. Nathaniel, although he is an amazing human being, was not the model student. How ironic that 20 years later his 6th grade teacher is the reason he's able to move home. God answered that prayer!

Nathaniel and Zach before the golfing began.

Zach and me on the driving range.

Golfers warming up on the driving range. It was a cold morning but once the sun came out it was a beautiful day.

64 sad and lonely golf carts waiting for golfers. They were soon filled!

The early morning silent auction set up.

My dad Pat Lecertua and family friend Al Musser. I haven't seen Al in years! I was touched that he came and golfed.

Zach's brother Nathaniel and me. It was fantastic having him home--he loves our boys and is never lacking for lively conversation or a good story.

Zach, Dane Roy (Rocky bb coach) and Matt Hitchcock (former coach). They are good friends to us!

Ben, Chuck (Zach's stepdad), and Zach

My dad gave up golfing 20+ years ago. But that didn't stop him from buying a new set of clubs and playing in the tournament! He's re-found a forgotten hobby :)

My mom Kathi and me.

My dad and his friends. Julio Bilbao (far right) has been a longtime friend of my dad's and was Zach's principal at Hillside all those years ago. Zach was touched to see him golfing!

The carts are off!

Tamera Wheeler and me.

Putting.

Mickey Shields, owner of Mickey Ray's BBQ in Eagle and Boise, is an amazing human being. He bbq'd a delicious lunch of chicken and bacon wrapped pork chops and also provided twice-baked potatoes, salad and rolls. This man has a heart of gold!