CT & Biopsy Results - Nov. 11, 2014

This waiting has been a blessing and a frustration.

And it's what we thought.

It is the same cancer that has returned: aggressive high-grade carcinoma.
It is all around the aorta, between the lobes of the lungs, a spot in the lung, in the pelvis, and the left ureter.

Today we spoke with the oncologist about lots of things, too much to put here.  Rob is going to give chemo another whirl and see where it leads him.

The doc wanted to put in a port and start a multi-agent chemo  --  very potent  --  ASAP, and he would have to go see her the next day after each treatment for a "booster"... another dangerous potent concoction to try to keep his platelets up.  There was also talk of a heart ultrasound because the drugs can do much damage to the heart.

Feb. 2013 -- Day one of first chemo treatment.

But after a lot of consideration, Rob has chosen another route.  He is not in the same place he was when he started the last chemo in February, and Dr. B is afraid the multi-agent (4 chemo drugs  --  MVAC for those of you familiar with this beast) is going to be too much for him. 

So in 6 days we will begin a once-a-week single agent chemo, with weekly next-day doc visits as well to monitor Rob's tolerance.  There was talk of seeing an integrative medicine doc at Beaumont for other more natural treatments to use in conjunction with the chemo, but we're not sure about that right now.  One step and one day at a time.

Time.  So precious.

So now we wait to hear from the short-stay area for our scheduled time to begin again.  The doc says our goal now is to try to reduce it, or hold it at bay, for as long as possible, not to interfere with quality of life.  It will always be aggressive and trying to win.  That's why we will be meeting with Dr. B so often, so she knows exactly what's going on, how Rob's feeling, and what his wishes are.

We will hopefully be able to do both appointments on my two days off each week, so I won't miss too many hours... unless, of course, he is not feeling well following the treatments.  That's why I stayed home with him February through May last time.  He was awful sick.  

I am praying for better this time.  But I'll be home in a heartbeat if he needs me to be.  

Some things are more important.

There are times in the quiet of my life, that I ask God why He wants me to be so strong, and how He keeps me going when all I want to do is stop and curl up and cry until it stops...?  And He tells me it's so I can understand and be compassionate and help others when they are walking through valleys.  And He holds me so I can know that I can depend wholly and completely on Him for all things, no matter what.  I am not worthy, but He sees value in me.  And I am so thankful for, and humbled by, that.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. ♥

~~~~~~~~~

Around the home...

Our tree has been up and decorated since November 1st, in honor of my Dad's birthday.  He loved Christmas, and I have so many memories sitting in the tree light at night with him... precious in my heart.  So I sit in it's light, even as I write, because it is a comfort to me.

Oct. 2014-Rob & Riley!  Too big to hold, now!

Riley is growing like a weed, and we're continuing to work on not pouncing on the cat, or biting everything in view.  I wish the big-boy teeth would emerge!  I know his gums have to be really sore.  He is trying...

I changed my hair color, and cut it a bit shorter.  Was looking for just a couple of shades darker, but it ended up being about 10 or 12 shades darker!  I look like a different person.  But that's okay, because I want to be one.

As I write, the wind is picking up and the now crunchy leaves are wildly swirling around the yard, driving our new puppy to distraction.  The sky is getting dark, and the temperature is falling quickly...  from almost 60 today to a high around 30 for the next week at least.  Nice!  This is still my favorite time of the year:  family, fireplaces, Christmas trees, Hallmark movies... :)

Rob is sleeping in the other room... the new normal.  I am praying it is because he is storing up strength and energy.  He's in for a fight, and he's going to be up for it, if I have anything to say about it. (Please, God...)
~~~~~~~~~

We'll keep you up to date on the treatments and how it's going, as we did the first time.

So until then, please continue to bless us by keeping Rob in your prayers.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.



In Love and Still Wrapped in Peace,

Cheri ♥