PET/CT Scan 11-12-13

You could not have asked for a better day for a math teacher to have a scan than on November 12th, 2013 (11-12-13) : )

Wonderful News!!!!

Disclaimer:  I do not have the actual reports in front of me.  The information you are about to hear is from a phone call we had with the doctor.  The doctor does not always give the nitty gritty details that we all love to hear about ; )  Once I get the report, I can give some statistical information that is much more interesting the just the overview and big picture data.

All of the tumors and areas of cancer are 'diminishing' (great word for cancer reports).  Less cancer all the way around.

YIPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

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She said that some areas appeared clear of cancer all together (I think).  The larger tumors are shrinking but not at a rate the they will be gone at the end of my chemo sessions. 

So, where does that leave us?

They are thinking that they might need to do surgery and/or radiation to get some of these larger tumors.  She is going to present my case to the cancer board on Monday (tomorrow) and see what they say.

I was talking to a cousin at a family party.  They had a family friend (a child) that was discovered to have a brain tumor.  They did surgery and then a special diet (because radiation had a 50/50 chance of working) and the child is recovering well.  Angela and I are researching 'cancer diets' and hope to find some thing tied to Ewings Sarcoma.  Anything to help shrink those nasty tumors!

Thanks you for all your love and support.  We feel your faith and your prayers.  We could not make it through this journey without you and our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

-Doug-

Session 11 - A Day at Infusion

On Monday, November 11th, I had my 11th cycle of chemotherapy.  In the past this would have taken 3 days because of the "Fruit Punch" I was getting.  Fortunate for me, I have had the life time maximum dose of the stuff - no more fruity fun for me!  I only had two doses to receive and they could be administered in a day, so I went to the Infusion center.  I think that most chemo patients get their does in the same day area as it was more crowded than the hospital is.

Pros of the Infusion center:  You get to go home the same day you sign in.  You are in a unit with other patients, but still have a section that is your own - so you have a chance to meet more people.  You can get a sandwich with fruit and juice if you ask for it.  They have lots of snacks - eat as much as you like.

Cons of the Infusion center: You do not have the cafeteria to order meals from.  You do not have your own private room.  The sun shining through the window got kind of hot (first world problem - sorry).
Overall, being able to go home and not have to spend the night, is worth it!

Only 3 more sessions to go for Phase I of this whole ordeal.

Thanks for all the love and support.  We feel lifted up and angels wings because of all you do for us!!

-Doug-

Back on our Feet

Wow!  These past couple of weeks have been really crazy.  With my chemo, the kids getting sick (Matthew got pneumonia), Angela's car crash and subsequent van shopping, we have had quite a time.  We did end up getting a mini van and hope that it will last a very long time.  Angela is doing well now and is trying to de-stress from all of the chaos.  Thanks to everyone who helped with rides, child care, meals, and just being there to listen to us moan and complain.

This last session of chemo therapy went better than my last 5-day stay.  I was so tired and worn out last time.  This time I felt like I had more energy and was not as out of it when I came home.  This difference between the two sessions is the time they waited in between chemo doses.  Last time it was 20 hours from the start of one dose to the start of the next dose.  This time they waited 22 hours before staring the next dose.  It is amazing what a difference 2 hours can make.  This is really nasty stuff they are giving me.

I go up again on November 11th.  I will only have to go for 1 day.  My 3 day sessions will only be for one day because I have received the lifetime maximum dose of one of the chemo drugs I was getting.  It was the "fruit punch" that I referred to early on in treatment.  Too much of the stuff will damage your heart.

On November 12th, I will go up for a PET scan and a CT scan.  I am eager to see what lights up - we are hoping that as the tumors have been shrinking, so has the total amount of cancer.  We will be grateful for any positive changes from my initial scans.

I have been analyzing myself lately - my feelings and my attitude.  I consider myself a "go with the flow" type personality.  I do not have to have things my way (except for loading the dishwasher) and am very good at compromising to keep the peace and please those around me.  I have been wondering if I have accepted this cancer as just one of those things that I just have to deal with and just ride it out and see what happens.  I cannot say that I am fighting this cancer - I am just doing the chemo and praying for a miracle.

We are told to be anxiously engaged and to feast upon the word.  This is action - this is fighting for the gospel to be a part of our lives, to be a part of who we are.  Angela and I have talked about diet changes that would help fight the cancer and make us healthier in general.  Do I have it in me?  I am not sure.

I really like Halloween candy and with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up there are going to be lots of goodies.  I like the people more than the food (in most cases ; )  I like feeling well and being able to do things with my kids and not just watch from the sidelines.  Opposition in all things?  Where does the moderation come into all of this?

Lots of reflection lately.  I know that Heavenly Father will guide me to the solution that is best for me and my family.  I know that he is patient with us and out weaknesses.  I know that he loves me.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts, hugs, help, and smiles.  We are counting on you to be Heavenly Father's angels.  We hope to be the same for you!

-Doug-