Back to Radiation

We made it through the ice storm and power outage. We were without power for six days. We managed with a gas fireplace and candles for three of those days. Thanks to Mark Myrick and his generator, we had some power for the remainder of the time. We were very happy to have all of the creature comforts again.

There have been a couple of new developments since I last posted. Randy saw Dr. Kim, the radiation oncologist, on January 30. Dr. Kim thought that he would be able to radiate the lymph node area that has not been affected by any of the chemotherapy drugs. Randy's first radiation treatment was February 5. He will have 20 treatments, the last one being the day before we leave for Maui. Our hope is that the radiation will shrink the tumor off of the nerve in his arm and give him some relief from the pain in his arm and shoulder. He has developed lymphodema in his left arm. With the shrinkage of the lymph node, the fluid should be able to drain normally again.

Randy's last Erbitex treatment will be this Tuesday. That will be followed by a CT Scan on February 23. We will see Dr. Ahmed on February 24 for the results of the scan. At that time, we will decided on the next course of treatment. It will be so nice to have a three week break in treatment. That should give Randy time to heal from the radiation and recover some strength lost during chemotherapy. We really don't know what to expect from the CT Scan. We are fairly certain that there has been no shrinkage of the lymph node from the chemotherapy. What effect there has been on the spots in his lung will be determined from the scan. But, we will just have to wait and see. We remain hopeful.

We were not able to go to Tempe for Mary's recital. The radiation schedule did not allow for any time between treatments. We will be seeing Pat and Mary in Maui. ASU's Spring Break is the second week of March, so they will be spending it with us. Carrie and Jack were home this weekend. It was so nice to have them here. Thanks, Jack, for the delicious soups that you made and left with us. What a treat!

These past few weeks have been pretty tough for Randy. The fatique has been especially limiting. But, as always, he has been a trouper. We are certainly looking forward to traveling to the islands for some R & R.

Thank you for all of your birthday cards, balloons, phone calls and well wishes for Randy's birthday on February 7. A special thanks to Carole Gerth for organizing a card shower and baking Randy's favorite cake for his birthday. Friends are priceless. Thanks to Burke and Tom for transporting all of the Christmas decorations back to the storage unit. During our time without power, there were many "angels" who took good care of us -- Mark Myrick, Steve Gibson, Josh Talbert, Ronnie Forney and Scott Larsen. Thanks also to Dan Hermann for calling several times to check on us and see if we needed anything. You guys are the best.

Keep us in your prayers. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for God's mercy and grace.

Peace be to you.

Randy & Sue