When we started out, we thought we'd be able to give you at least weekly updates...but here it is a month since the last one and the time just disappears. We don’t really have much news, but at the same time, every day brings something different.
Over the course of the last month, we’ve had a hospital stay, another trip to Duke and an addition to the treatment protocol. The radiation and Temodar (chemo) were not as successful as hoped so the doctors have added Avastin to the mix. Avastin is a fairly new drug which has been found to successfully restrict blood flow to tumors and (in some cases) to actually destroy existing blood vessels. The first infusion was about 10 days ago and we are seeing some improvement. Billy seems to be thinking more clearly and is able to express himself with less confusion. He is more aware of his limitations and is anxious to get back in shape. So we are encouraged while still being sorely aware of what a miserable affliction this is.
We hope to start physical therapy next week, although Bill is acutely fatigued this weekend. The combination of Temodar and Avastin is taking its toll and his platelet count is lower than we would like. Jay is here helping out this week.
We return to the Jacksonville oncologist on Thursday to get the next infusion of Avastin (if his platelet count is high enough). So if everyone can give a rousing cheer for high platelets, we would be eternally grateful.
We are so thankful for all the well wishes and warm thoughts you continue to send our way. A special thanks to Susie and Joe for making us their vacation destination and to the Derek Smith family for the awesome get well package and fabulous pictures of Wyoming.
We’ll try to stay updated more frequently. But even when the blog remains silent, we have you all in our thoughts.
Love,
Billy and Darlene
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