Round 1 of Lonsurf (oral chemo) was NOT good. After 18 months of various treatments, side effects of chemo hit and they hit hard. Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and excruciating pain made for rough days. It is so hard to watch a grown man go through this and not be able to do anything to help or relieve the symptoms. He's currently on a continuous release transdermal pain patch and an assortment of meds for nausea, vomiting, and other abdominal issues. For the most part, this means he has good days and bad days - really, it's that he has some bearable moments on some days. CHEMO IS POISON - it's meant to poison the cancer cells, but the fact is Tim is ingesting poison into his body everyday.
His oncologist checked his blood counts today and his white counts are down, so the decision was made not to start the second round of Lonsurf tomorrow as scheduled. This means we will continue to be extra diligent about germs and sicknesses going around. If you see him wearing a mask, don't laugh. He hates it, but I'm sticking to my guns on this one. The current plan is bloodwork again next week and hopefully start the 2nd round on Thursday. I guess we shall see. I just have to hope that as bad as it has been, that maybe it's killing the cancer cells.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Next...
It seems like here lately, we have either good days or bad days. On the good days, people might never know cancer has entered our lives. But other days it’s as if we are just waiting for the next round of bad to hit - it feels as if Satan is attacking from every side. On these days it is easy for Satan to take hold of our fears and insecurities and we all struggle to find joy.
Toward the end of this last round of the Stivarga, Tim began to experience more side effects as the toxicities built up in his system. He found himself extremely fatigued, coughing and vomiting blood, and continued to lose weight. Tim had a CT scan on Tuesday and saw his oncologist on Thursday for the results. The doctor felt like the fatigue, blood, and weight loss were all side effects of the Stivarga. But those side effects should subside, as the scans showed the Stivarga isn’t working. While the initial tumor is stable, lesions in his liver and lungs continue to increase in size. Some doubled in size in the last month. This is most definitely not the news we wanted to hear.
So what’s next? There is one more approved option for treatment - Lonsurf - an oral chemo. We are awaiting verification with the specialty pharmacy and anticipate receiving the first round shipment on Wednesday. This means he’ll start on Thursday. Each cycle will consist of four pills in the morning and four pills at night for five days, be off for two days, back on for five days, and then off for sixteen days. As we understand it, side effects will be nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and possible hair loss - very similar to his previous chemo. However, this drug’s number one side effect is low blood counts - that’s why he’ll be off 16 days in an attempt to help his numbers recover. This means we expect him to be weaker than before and he’ll be more susceptible to any infections.
Please continue to pray for us as we walk through this next valley and offer us grace as we attempt to keep us all free of germs and spend time with each other.
Toward the end of this last round of the Stivarga, Tim began to experience more side effects as the toxicities built up in his system. He found himself extremely fatigued, coughing and vomiting blood, and continued to lose weight. Tim had a CT scan on Tuesday and saw his oncologist on Thursday for the results. The doctor felt like the fatigue, blood, and weight loss were all side effects of the Stivarga. But those side effects should subside, as the scans showed the Stivarga isn’t working. While the initial tumor is stable, lesions in his liver and lungs continue to increase in size. Some doubled in size in the last month. This is most definitely not the news we wanted to hear.
So what’s next? There is one more approved option for treatment - Lonsurf - an oral chemo. We are awaiting verification with the specialty pharmacy and anticipate receiving the first round shipment on Wednesday. This means he’ll start on Thursday. Each cycle will consist of four pills in the morning and four pills at night for five days, be off for two days, back on for five days, and then off for sixteen days. As we understand it, side effects will be nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and possible hair loss - very similar to his previous chemo. However, this drug’s number one side effect is low blood counts - that’s why he’ll be off 16 days in an attempt to help his numbers recover. This means we expect him to be weaker than before and he’ll be more susceptible to any infections.
Please continue to pray for us as we walk through this next valley and offer us grace as we attempt to keep us all free of germs and spend time with each other.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Not much news...
It’s been a while since I last posted, and I kind of went through a phase where I just didn’t know what to say. Several people keep telling me I need to post some kind of update here it is.
We were able to enjoy Christmas with almost no indication that Tim has cancer. The New Year, however, brought with it a nasty illness. Tim was admitted at MD Anderson where it was determined that he had contracted Norovirus. YUCK! After a couple of days in isolation getting fluids, and an antibiotic to clear up a tad of pneumonia, he was released to continue recovery at home.
While in the hospital he had a CT scan and we saw his oncologist a couple of weeks ago for those results. The scan showed a few new lesions and some increase in size of a few, but it also showed what appears to be some changes in appearance as a result of his current drug. The doctor wasn’t sure if the increases and new lesions were since starting Stivarga or if perhaps they were between chemo and the start of Stivarga. He will do one more round of three weeks on and have another scan on his week off to check to see if it’s working. At this point we don’t expect to see anything go away, but just pray Stivarga stops any further growth.
For the most part, he’s had really good days. We had even made plans with some friends for dinner tonight, but have had to postpone those. He has started experiencing intense pain in his hip. Our primary care Dr has prescribed a pain patch that is working to control the pain but has it’s own side effects that have knocked him down.
We are thankful for an almost normal life with more good days than bad. Continue to pray for the Stivarga to work and no side effects.
We were able to enjoy Christmas with almost no indication that Tim has cancer. The New Year, however, brought with it a nasty illness. Tim was admitted at MD Anderson where it was determined that he had contracted Norovirus. YUCK! After a couple of days in isolation getting fluids, and an antibiotic to clear up a tad of pneumonia, he was released to continue recovery at home.
While in the hospital he had a CT scan and we saw his oncologist a couple of weeks ago for those results. The scan showed a few new lesions and some increase in size of a few, but it also showed what appears to be some changes in appearance as a result of his current drug. The doctor wasn’t sure if the increases and new lesions were since starting Stivarga or if perhaps they were between chemo and the start of Stivarga. He will do one more round of three weeks on and have another scan on his week off to check to see if it’s working. At this point we don’t expect to see anything go away, but just pray Stivarga stops any further growth.
For the most part, he’s had really good days. We had even made plans with some friends for dinner tonight, but have had to postpone those. He has started experiencing intense pain in his hip. Our primary care Dr has prescribed a pain patch that is working to control the pain but has it’s own side effects that have knocked him down.
We are thankful for an almost normal life with more good days than bad. Continue to pray for the Stivarga to work and no side effects.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Finding Perspective
I follow this one lady on Facebook mostly for inspiration in decorating and crafting. Between the posts on her page and so many of my friends posting pictures of their Christmas trees, I found myself stressing. Not wanting to spend the money and more importantly not having the time or energy to make it happen, drove up my anxiety.
Tim hasn’t been well this last week. He’s lost 10 pounds in seven days, is eating very little, and he’s been extremely weak. Rather than continue with the phase-in process of the Stivarga, the decision was made to back down to two a day in an effort to stabilize his blood pressure and increase his strength.
So this past weekend the kids and I did something I never thought I would do. You see I usually put my Christmas stuff up the day after Thanksgiving. But this year other things were going on and it just didn’t happen. Between golf tournaments, playoff football games, and Tim starting a new treatment plan, I found myself almost halfway through December with no Christmas decorations up. Fall leaves and pumpkins still graced my entryway and side tables. Saturday was the first day that the kids and I had no plans. None of us felt very well and getting into the attic and getting boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations down did not sound fun at all. It really just stressed me out. So the kids and I loaded up in the car, went to Hobby Lobby, and bought a 4 foot rustic looking tree straight off the display. I literally unplugged it and put it in the basket. A few picks of pinecones, berries, and glittered sticks and our tree was done. Abby did manage to get in the attic to get down a tree skirt and stockings - I didn’t even get my nativity out. Instead I was satisfied with the nativity wrap around a Scentsy warmer.
I must admit there is a whole lot of guilt in this. I’ve worried about what the kids would feel, what their friends who come over will think. I’ve been cautious about letting people stop by for fear of judgment. But God has spoken very clearly to me and more than anything I am learning to give myself grace. God did not send his Son for us to stress over all of the trappings that come with a commercialized holiday. This season we are trying to step away and make it about the joy and salvation that was gifted us through His birth that Holy night many years ago.
This is in no way judgement on those who’ve surrounded themselves with Christmas cheer and all that decorating for Christmas can be. In fact, I am happy for you and am still a little bit envious. We just know this Christmas it’s not for us, and that is ok. If you are feeling the pressure of meausuring up to others, give yourself grace to be exactly where the Lord wants you to be. Seek Him and ask Him to meet you where you are. Continue to pray for us - for cancer to be gone, for Tim to feel better, for rest for all of us. Most importantly, pray with us that we will seek the Lord and that people will see Jesus in us this Christmas season.
Tim hasn’t been well this last week. He’s lost 10 pounds in seven days, is eating very little, and he’s been extremely weak. Rather than continue with the phase-in process of the Stivarga, the decision was made to back down to two a day in an effort to stabilize his blood pressure and increase his strength.
So this past weekend the kids and I did something I never thought I would do. You see I usually put my Christmas stuff up the day after Thanksgiving. But this year other things were going on and it just didn’t happen. Between golf tournaments, playoff football games, and Tim starting a new treatment plan, I found myself almost halfway through December with no Christmas decorations up. Fall leaves and pumpkins still graced my entryway and side tables. Saturday was the first day that the kids and I had no plans. None of us felt very well and getting into the attic and getting boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations down did not sound fun at all. It really just stressed me out. So the kids and I loaded up in the car, went to Hobby Lobby, and bought a 4 foot rustic looking tree straight off the display. I literally unplugged it and put it in the basket. A few picks of pinecones, berries, and glittered sticks and our tree was done. Abby did manage to get in the attic to get down a tree skirt and stockings - I didn’t even get my nativity out. Instead I was satisfied with the nativity wrap around a Scentsy warmer.
I must admit there is a whole lot of guilt in this. I’ve worried about what the kids would feel, what their friends who come over will think. I’ve been cautious about letting people stop by for fear of judgment. But God has spoken very clearly to me and more than anything I am learning to give myself grace. God did not send his Son for us to stress over all of the trappings that come with a commercialized holiday. This season we are trying to step away and make it about the joy and salvation that was gifted us through His birth that Holy night many years ago.
This is in no way judgement on those who’ve surrounded themselves with Christmas cheer and all that decorating for Christmas can be. In fact, I am happy for you and am still a little bit envious. We just know this Christmas it’s not for us, and that is ok. If you are feeling the pressure of meausuring up to others, give yourself grace to be exactly where the Lord wants you to be. Seek Him and ask Him to meet you where you are. Continue to pray for us - for cancer to be gone, for Tim to feel better, for rest for all of us. Most importantly, pray with us that we will seek the Lord and that people will see Jesus in us this Christmas season.
 |
| For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders . And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 |
Monday, December 3, 2018
Moving from 2 to 3
It’s been one week in the phase-in process on Stivarga and we have seen only a few side effects. In the first week Tim experienced flu like symptoms, fever, and extremely high blood pressure, but no hand foot syndrome as of yet. One answered prayer is that he felt well enough to watch Abby play in a two day tournament on Friday and Saturday.
He saw the doctor today and was moved to three pills a day. There was quite a bit of concern about his blood pressure, so now he will take it three times a day and up his blood pressure medication to two a day. We got in a bit of trouble in that we did not take him to the emergency room at MD Anderson Or call the doctor when his temperature got so high last Wednesday evening. But now we know exactly what the cut off is and will do so in the future. He will see the doctor again next Monday to assess how his body is tolerating the Stivarga before moving to the maximum of four pills a day.
He saw the doctor today and was moved to three pills a day. There was quite a bit of concern about his blood pressure, so now he will take it three times a day and up his blood pressure medication to two a day. We got in a bit of trouble in that we did not take him to the emergency room at MD Anderson Or call the doctor when his temperature got so high last Wednesday evening. But now we know exactly what the cut off is and will do so in the future. He will see the doctor again next Monday to assess how his body is tolerating the Stivarga before moving to the maximum of four pills a day.
My friend Christine reminded me of a Kari Jobe song to add to my list of anthems. (I’ve linked it below.) As we continue this journey, our faith remains in our Lord Jesus Christ. Each day we both grow closer to Him. Continue to pray with us for complete healing and minimal side effects. Also pray for my friend Janice as she is undergoing radiation for tumors that have metastasized in her brain.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Hills and Valleys
Tauren Wells released a song titled “Hills and Valleys” last year and along with Sanctus Real’s “Confidence,” it has found its place as a theme for our family. The chorus says...
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
Today Tim and I went to see his oncologist to get the results from his scan on Tuesday and found ourselves in yet another valley. The results showed that all of the tumors in his lungs and liver have increased in size since his scan mid September. At this point what Cooper deemed the “super chemo” is no longer working and Tim is having a more difficult time
managing the side effects, so no more chemo.
This, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options. Tim is currently scheduled to start an inhibitor that is taken orally on November 26. He will work his way up to 4 pills a day for 21 days and then off for 7 before starting over. Side effects are much the same as what he’s been on with a few additional. Because of the nature and severity of the side effects, he’ll see the doctor more frequently in the beginning.
In addition, they have requested his tumor tissue from his original biopsy last September be tested for a particular protein that could qualify him for a clinical trial. It’s a slim chance, yet another option.
Although this may be a valley in this journey, we continue to see and experience “hills” everyday. We laughed through the appointment and both have a peace and a hope that only comes through the Holy Spirit. As the lyrics say, we know we are not alone. Pray with us for more hills than valleys, that this inhibitor stops all cancer growth in Tim’s body, and for us to be able to manage the side effects.
**If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior and have the comfort of the Holy Spirit, Tim and I both would love to share with you. Text or call us!**
managing the side effects, so no more chemo.
This, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options. Tim is currently scheduled to start an inhibitor that is taken orally on November 26. He will work his way up to 4 pills a day for 21 days and then off for 7 before starting over. Side effects are much the same as what he’s been on with a few additional. Because of the nature and severity of the side effects, he’ll see the doctor more frequently in the beginning.
In addition, they have requested his tumor tissue from his original biopsy last September be tested for a particular protein that could qualify him for a clinical trial. It’s a slim chance, yet another option.
Although this may be a valley in this journey, we continue to see and experience “hills” everyday. We laughed through the appointment and both have a peace and a hope that only comes through the Holy Spirit. As the lyrics say, we know we are not alone. Pray with us for more hills than valleys, that this inhibitor stops all cancer growth in Tim’s body, and for us to be able to manage the side effects.
**If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior and have the comfort of the Holy Spirit, Tim and I both would love to share with you. Text or call us!**
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Fighting On
Tim has now had two rounds of the more aggressive chemo and has tolerated both fairly well. He is easily fatigued and is experiencing cold sensitivity. The biggest concern is that his platelet counts continue to drop. He is still on go for chemo tomorrow but will need to rest and avoid getting even the slightest sickness. I suspect he will stick close to the house for the coming days and not venture out. For those of you who know Tim at all, this is going to drive him crazy. They will check his counts again before approving chemo on November 2. We expect another scan in about a month to see if this regimen is working.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been blessed by a group of men from church who have selflessly taken care of some needed chores and repairs around the house, by a new friend and organization to help with parking at the med center, and Tim was the guest speaker at a men’s group at Believer’s Fellowship in Spring. We know that the Lord is in control and are grateful for the blessings who provides. Pray with us for limited side effects, no sickness for any of us, and for the tumors to be reduced in size - gone completely would be great.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been blessed by a group of men from church who have selflessly taken care of some needed chores and repairs around the house, by a new friend and organization to help with parking at the med center, and Tim was the guest speaker at a men’s group at Believer’s Fellowship in Spring. We know that the Lord is in control and are grateful for the blessings who provides. Pray with us for limited side effects, no sickness for any of us, and for the tumors to be reduced in size - gone completely would be great.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)