Chemo Starts Again on June 6

Where to begin...perhaps a short recap:

The last CT scan taken on Mother's Day at the ER revealed that the tumor had increased in size once more.  The next day the Radiologist at UCLA told us that such increase could possibly be swelling caused by radiation.  The Oncologist didn't say much about it and didn't express much concern at the time.

Today, we met with Tim's Oncologist who said that although the Radiologist previously mentioned the possibility of swelling due to radiation, the CT scan clearly shows that the tumor has grown and he feels it needs to be treated with more aggressive chemo.  Therefore, Tim's Oncologist has recommended a different chemotherapy treatment to begin on June 6.

Tim's new chemotherapy will consist of Etoposide and Ifosfamide and will be administered daily for five days while in the hospital.  There will be a total of two cycles, three weeks apart, and then Tim will be re-scanned and re-evaluated.

We were told that the common side effects of these two chemotherapy drugs are hair loss, low blood cell count, tiredness, and nausea.  The rare but dangerous side effects are Hemorrhagic Cystitis and confusion.

Tim will receive two shots of Neupogen the week after each chemo cycle to help his bone marrow produce white blood cells.  Tim will also have blood work done every Monday and Thursday during the six week treatment.

In regards to the small spots found by the CT scan in Tim's lungs, the doctor said that he will be monitoring them closely to determine whether they are cancerous or just enlarged glands due to chemo.

Now, how is Tim Feeling?
Normally, when you all ask me this question, I answer based on what I see.  This time, I get to write exactly what Tim responded to the doctor when asked the same question today.

Tim said that he is starting to feel a little better every day since his last treatment and he is slowly regaining his energy.  Tim also said that his spirits fluctuate and he is still battling his back pain and nausea. 

Tim also mentioned to the doctor that he has experienced a severe and persistent headache for the last few weeks.  Therefore, Tim's Oncologist scheduled an MRI of the brain on May 31 to rule out cancer in that region.

(Heavy Sigh!!!!!)  How do we process this?  I guess we just need to be thankful that they are providing us with different treatment plans rather than telling us there is nothing else they can do.  We continue to place our faith and trust in the Lord knowing that he is with us through it all!

God bless you all for your friendship and your continued prayers and support.

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