A New Beginning

On Thursday, Randy began the new treatment protocol. The chemotherapy regime is using two drugs in combination - Taxotere and Carboplatin. He will receive one infusion every three weeks. After six weeks, he will have a CAT Scan to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

There are the typical chemotherapy side effects. In addition to the nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, Randy had the hiccups for three days and nights and a terrible case of heartburn. Last night, neither he nor I got any sleep. The nausea and hiccups subsided about 5:30 AM and he was able to finally get some rest. He has been feeling much better this afternoon. He ate lunch and supper for the first time in weeks. He is eating small meals, but he is eating and he is able to keep it down. That, to us is success. We are thankful for small steps.

The side effects of the Tarceva are much better after massive doses of steroids. That was the protocol for last time and it worked equally well again.

Randy said that he will trade three or four bad days for a couple of weeks of normalcy. Hopefully the trend will continue and he will be on top of his game for Pat and Mary's wedding. They are at 13 days and counting. Everyone is excited and the anticipation is growing. We look forward to having most of our family together and many dear friends, as well. The temperature in Tempe is beginning to moderate, so the evenings should be a little cooler.

Thanks for all of the hugs that I received at church this morning. I was given instructions to pass them on to Randy when I got home. And I did. It was an emotional day, but a good one none the less. We are on an emotional roller coaster with highs and lows. But we are remaining hopeful that this treatment will give good results.

I was reminded of something that the kids learned at confirmation camp long ago. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good. Continue to pray for us.

Randy & Sue