WAITING, THE DIFFICULT PART

I'm sorry that I have been so slow to update everyone, but we have just been waiting. Randy has now had three Erbitux treatments. The side effects are not too bad. The rash continues to worsen, but is still manageable. He is very fatigued for a few days after the treatment. Since this is a weekly treatment, there isn't much time for energy rebound. All in all, it hasn't been too bad.

The one new development is pain in his left shoulder and down the arm. Since no treatment has thus far been able to stop the growth of the lymph node in the collarbone area, it has begun to press on the major nerve controlling his arm. On Sunday, the pain was unbearable. We have been experimenting with several different things to control the pain. We have found that applying heat to the affected area does help along with pain medication. Timing of the medication seems to be the key and we are getting a little better at that everyday. Sleep has been a problem, but last night was a good one. We give thanks for good nights and struggle through the bad ones. Everyday, we are learning something new about this disease and how to live with it.

I asked Dr. Ahmed during Randy's appointment last Tuesday if the pain was an indication that the Erbitux was not being effective. He assured me that he did not think that was the case. He added that he was surprised that Randy had not experienced pain before now.

Randy's birthday is February 7 and we are hoping to be in Tempe to celebrate with Pat and Mary. Mary also has a recital that we would like to attend. We will just have to wait and see.
We also have a three week trip to Maui planned in March with Paul and Diana. Everyone is looking forward to being back in the islands. We are hoping that everything goes according to schedule. It will be a nice break from treatment.

Thanks to all of you for your calls, emails, cards, visits and prayers offered on our behalf. Through all of this, Randy and I have learned the meaning of friendship. You are all precious to us. Thanks to the kids for all of your phone calls. Your dad really perks up when he knows that one of you is on phone. We have been blessed with wonderful family and friends. Please continue to pray for us as we wait.

This week I have been studying Psalm 139. Verse 16 just keeps resounding in my head: All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. What a comfort to be reminded that God has a plan for all of us. Our job is to be patient and WAIT.

Peace to you.

Randy & Sue