CT Results

Chris has not been feeling all that great in the last couple of weeks and has had a harder time sleeping, etc.  He gets through his day really well, as teaching and spending time with his friends at work causes the day to go by fairly quickly.  There may be an adrenaline boost or some similar effect.  But once he gets home, he has spent all of his energy.  We've adjusted and what helps is if he can take a nap right after he gets home...he'll then have renewed energy and focus to have quality time with the family.  The important thing is that we are making it work.  We try to make the best of the hand dealt us and there are still so many wonderful moments even in the midst of struggles. 

We went in for chemo today as well as to hear the results of his CT scan taken yesterday.  We were somewhat prepared to hear something different than what we've all been praying about as he has been having more pain at night, etc.  The cancer has grown again, in all existing tumor areas this time.  It is slow growing but means that his current chemo is not really working.  There are two options suggested for us by our oncologist at this point: to try a clinical trial if Chris can get into one or to switch to another chemo combo.  The clinical trial is a suggestion now because Chris is still pretty healthy and hardy in many ways.  He is a great candidate for a trial if he meets the criteria.  We have a call into SCCA to see what trials are going on currently that Chris might qualify for.  We can always do the other chemo combo if we don't get into a trial or afterwards. 

Chris didn't get chemo today, similar to last time the CT results indicated time for a change.  That is actually a good thing as you have to be four weeks out from your last chemo to participate in a trial and he is already two weeks clean.  Either way, we will have some new treatment in about two weeks.  I am hopeful that these extra two weeks will allow some of Chris's appetite to come back and that he feels better for a while.  At least he doesn't have to carry a pump around any more for 48 hours! 

Thank you as always for the cards, meals, well wishes and prayers...keep it up, Prayer Warriors!  We still have hope and faith though this isn't going the way we would have chosen at this time.  Chris has been a bit down lately and I just want to let everyone know that though he may not reach out and ask for it, he benefits so much from the encouragement and time with you that he gets. 

With love,
Wendy

P.S.  We found out this week that our friend David Jeffrey, husband of friend Susanne Jeffrey, has cancer in his pancreas and bile duct as well.  We send out love and prayers to them and all of our other friends and loved ones that are struggling through difficult times as well.  Many of you that read and/or comment on this blog may be undergoing struggles of your own...thank you so much for how much you give regardless.