He can't rule out the effectiveness of the experimental drug because no lesions have come up anywhere else. He said that it is possible that there are mutations of the myeloma cells.
Bottom line: One more cycle of three weekends of the experimental drug then more tests. The dosage will be maxed out and Deb will be taking a heavy dose of dex along with it. Additionally, daily max dosage of thalidomide will be taken. Normally that stuff drops Deb's platelets to dangerous levels, so we anticipate her not feeling nearly as good as she does now. Today she looks and feels great: except for the incurable cancer, she is doing fine! (chew on that a while)
If the tests in a month show improvement: we will continue as described above.
If she does not improve, the term used was 'salvage treatment.' We really do not like that term as it can be different experimental drugs, or perhaps another round of the original almost-kill-you three weeks of strong chemo followed by a third stem cell transplant. We do not know yet.
Saturday and Sunday we take the first rounds of the strongest chemo and hope to fly home Sunday afternoon. We return the next four weekends as described above.
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| Gina |
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| Carla |
As the caregiver, I try to keep our minds vibrant and our spirits up. What better way to cheer Deb up than take her to several nearby estate sales to see that our junk is as good as their junk! We have a term in our marriage-a C.D. (cheap date)
Early in our marriage a Godly couple demonstrated this to us by sharing that as faith missionaries they would always have a weekly date regardless of their finances. At times it would be a cup of coffee at the grocery store snack bar with a shared donut.
We learned that our happiness does not depend on stuff, but on relationships. Deb and I enjoyed the sales and even bought a few dollars worth of junk.
Blessings!
Now, for something beautiful, watch this short flick published by Alberta, Canada.
Alberta, Canada
Oh, my...Not what I was hoping to read. I am in a ladies' Bible study on prayer and this week we studied Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12. "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Know you are in my heart and prayers. Love, Mary
ReplyDeleteWe are sad, but very grateful you are able to be treated by the best doctors and nurses. My view of Little Rock has changed for sure. I love you and can't wait to you both. Praying you are able to come back on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb & Vern, So sorry about the discouraging news. I love you both a ton. I have been thinking about you guys all the time this week & praying for you. You guys must feel so battle worn. I think you are both so brave. My heart is with you.
ReplyDeleteDitto to Mary's comment--not what I was hoping OR EXPECTING to read. You two are such examples to John and I of walking through this life hand in hand with Jesus. Even though this is not what I was expecting to read, God is still God, and our prayers on your behalf will not cease. In fact, they may even become more fervent--if that is possible. We love you two and hope to see you soon. Barbara (and John)
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