Well, I apologize again for not keeping this blog more
up-to-date. So many amazing things have happened since I updated the blog
last. Please keep reading....I will try to make it worth your time 😀
At the end of March, we were
starting a new regiment, with hopes that it would stop the tumor growth.
We had planned on doing three cycles, then doing another scan. We ended
up doing two cycles and then getting a scan because of a wonderful surprise our
family was given (more about that in a minute). It didn't help that the
two cycles got interrupter with a case of the shingles. I try to look for
a silver lining with each storm cloud (like a extra caring children when you
are not feeling well). The silver lining with the shingles was that I did
not get a rash. I had the nerve pain and was very uncomfortable there for
a while, but at least I did not have the skin rash and sores I have heard
about. I am so grateful for that blessing. The other blessing is
that the medication they put me on started working quickly and my body
tolerated it well. I did have some swelling in the legs that may or may
not have been related. Compression hose are really a fashion trend all
their own; but they made a big difference until the swelling went down.
Heavenly Father has really blessed us with great knowledge at this time.
Only having done two cycles, we
were not sure what to expect with the scan in May. If the tumors were the
same size or only slightly larger, we would be happy with the treatment and
keep on it. Unfortunately, the scans showed more growth and made it
appear that the medication I had been on really didn't do anything. We
met with the doctors and decided to try a more aggressive treatment beginning
in June. One of the nurse practitioners on my cancer team was really
sweet and told me that she had a good feeling about this medication. She
has been a constant since the beginning and Angela and I feel that she knows
our situation really well. Hearing that from her gave up renewed hope and
greater courage moving forward. She reached out to us and lifted us up in
our time of need (like so many of you have done...over and over
again).
The reason we did not start the
new treatment until June (May 30th technically), was because of a wonderful,
amazing, stupendous gift that was given to our family. Four families
(that shall remain unnamed) sent our family to Disneyland 😀😁😂😃😄😎💓!!!!!!!
These amazing families provided
everything for us. We did not have to worry about a thing. Their
kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. We had such an amazing
experience that our children will be talking about it for years to come.
I was overcome with the spirit of gratitude more than once during that trip as
I contemplated all that had been done for us and how special this was for our
family. We had other families leave us surprise donations when they heard
that we were going. This allowed us to do some things because it was
convenient and helpful in making the trip good for everyone. Thank
you! Thank you! Again and Again. We can never thank you enough.
As you can see, we were all
SMILES - so HAPPY to be there!!!!
We got back on May 29th and I
started my new treatment on May 30th. I heard a quote once that felt
applicable: "There is no rest for the wicked, and the righteous
don't need none." I hope I am on the righteous end of that
quote. I do know that the Lord will strengthen us and lift us up.
He gives us added strength such that our burdens feel light. I have felt
that over and over again.
Whenever you start new
medication, you try to pay attention to how your body reacts to the new
chemicals. I have done so much chemo that I was expecting the typical
reactions that I have had in the past: nausea, fatigue, body aches, chills, and
confused bowels. I was not expecting the side effects of this
chemo. Needless to say, we placed a few calls to the on-call doctor just
to have him tell us that these side-effects were typical in other patients and
to not be overly worried. The side-effects that I had not had until now
was a rash and itching in the upper body - kind of like an allergic
reaction. I was also pretty tired. I took an antihistamine and that
seemed to help. The second week of the cycle, I took a second drug along with
the same drug I had taken the first week. This combination through me for
a loop. I had aches and pains in my legs that we eventually figured out
was nerve pain. It got so bad that I stayed home from church (I really
hate that). Big "Thank You" to the brother's who administered
to me and to my family for all the love and concern they showed me.
So, after all that, we have a
plan now for what medication to take to minimize the side-effects of the new
treatment. The one side-effect that you cannot take medication for, it is
the low blood counts. I will still have a period where I will be at risk
for bleeding and infection. I have been so blessed to work for a company
that allows me to work from home when I am in that condition.
Another fun surprise happened
at the beginning of June, during the time I was experiencing the new side
effects. Angela surprised me with a yard make-over. My sister Lisa
(who graduated in Horticulture) came down and they planted some amazing flowers
and in our yard. I love flowers and blossoms and will walk in our yard in
the cool of the night and just enjoy the experience. It is a happy place
for me. We also had some great help from the young men and some very kind
families. Thank you so much!!!!!
This was another amazing gift
that has made this summer really wonderful.
We started cycle 2 on Wednesday
and this weekend was much better than last time. I took the antihistamine
and anti-nausea medication and was able to contribute to doing chores and
helping out around the house. A BIG THANK YOU to our good friend that
takes care of our yard. He came over today and was a great
blessing. I was able to relax and watch a fun movie with the kids and end
the day on a fun note. Angela was able to take a break with some fiends
from the neighborhood - a great time for everyone.
I have so much to be thankful
for. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are so mindful of me, my family,
you, and all of His children. He truly blesses us in so many ways.
They lift us up to a greater degree than we have sunk. Our sorrow is
swallowed up in the joy of Christ and we remember the sorrow and pain no
more. I am beginning to understand the healing power of Christ's
Atonement. There is a power in Christ's Atonement that allows the sorrow to
be replaced with the joy.......truly amazing.
Thank you for all of your love
and support. My family and I are so thankful to live here, surrounded by
so many loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and
Christ-like people. We hope to never leave.
With love,
Doug
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