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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

6 weeks of misery...

6 weeks of misery is what Dave wanted today's post titled.

We went to the LRCP today for blood tests and to meet with his oncologist again to discuss the results of Sunday's cat scan. This is the halfway point of the treatment. There was a lot of the usual waiting around. Fill out the weekly survey of how Dave's feeling, wait in line to check-in, sit and wait for the pager to go off to go get his blood taken, sit and wait some more for the pager to go off again to meet with a nurse to get weighed and discuss any issues/concerns we have before we meet the doctor, then wait some more to actually see the doctor.

The doctor asked a few questions about how Dave was feeling and about the ongoing issues with the feeding tube, and  went on to discuss Sunday's catscan. He said it showed mixed results. Although some parts of the tumor decreased, other parts didn't change or increased, and the lesion on his liver has increased about 20%. We had already kind of decided that we didn't want to continue with chemo given that it isn't a cure and it's so hard on Dave's body. (All four doctors we've seen have been very clear that treatment was just to buy a few more months. And I gotta say they're a few lousy months of treatment.) We had been praying for clear guidance as to whether or not to continue with the chemo at this point. Well the doctor made it pretty clear after discussing the results he said he would recommend stopping chemo at this point because the results are not good enough to warrant continuing with it. (It's basically doing more harm than good.) They also removed the PICC line today, as it's no longer necessary.

We took it in stride but Dave was very disappointed when we got home. Not that we were stopping chemo - as we had already discussed that. But it was just so discouraging to go through all of side effects - exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills/shakes, hair loss, skin rashes, mouth sores, neuropathy, chemo fog, for 6 weeks, for little to no results. They are going to set up an appointment to see the radiation oncologist again. (They said it might be required in the future to make swallowing easier.) We would like to review all our options there but will keep the appointment as we would like to have the option to have another catscan in the future to see how things are progressing.

On a positive note I spoke with a woman today about somebody else that was given a limited time frame and who switched to the raw living diet and is a huge advocate now - many years later. I emailed a local organic farm yesterday, briefly gave them our story and asked if it would be possible to order a bulk order of organic carrots at a discount. (I figured carrots are fairly easy to store and they might not mind selling me a huge order.) They were awesome and got back to me right away and said that they don't normally sell to the public but would make an exception and would sell them to me at the wholesale price (which is 40% less than what we're paying now). She said they'd even deliver them for free as they come to London anyway on Wednesdays! So, I'm going to order about 400 lbs. Yep. You read that right - 400 lbs which is about 2 months worth. We're going to store them in my parents cold cellar. (They only live a few minutes away from us.) Anyway, it was the woman I spoke with at this farm that told me about a customer who used the raw living diet to cure their terminal illness as well. They also sell wheat grass there! (I might order some of that too if I don't have it growing by then!)

Tomorrow morning Dave and a friend are going to pickup a hydroponic unit we've been looking at for growing our wheatgrass. (You can grow it in soil, but I just think hydroponically will be easier/cleaner than soil, and it seems like a pretty mindless system. The easier the better!) We need to make room in our laundry room for it as it needs water and a drain. And I will pester my brother to come help install it! (Sorry Nick.)

After being initially bummed out Dave is feeling a lot better this evening. The bottom line is that we were told and understood that chemo wasn't a cure, and so can now move forward without it and not have to second guess ourselves. Dave should quickly start to feel better as his body heals from the side effects of chemotherapy, and now the raw living food diet, + wheatgrass can help the healing begin. We are leaving this in God's hands, as that's where the healing has to come from.

This evening we're enjoying the fireplace. (We're not the only ones. The dog always loves to crash in front of the fireplace when the fire is roaring!)

Thank you again everybody for your continued support, prayers, and genuine desire to help out.

Val

11 comments:

Jessie Zellas said...

"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Stay positive and keep up the fight. We know you can beat this. If there is anything we can do, other than praying which we do automatically each day, please give us a call. You are in our thoughts.

Na Anderson said...

Dear Dave and Val,
I know how you feel and understand. I want you to keep positive attitude. I am still doing carrot juice. I drink about 1 pitcher a day. I drink greeen soup. I have eaten some cherry tomatoes today. I was so hungry. I am thinking of you all the time. Please take care.
your friend, Na

Candy said...

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"
I am continuing to pray for you guys. I know that God has a plan.

Let me know if you need help peeling carrots!

Dave said...

Good to hear that there is now clarity in what is in store for you now! Sorry that Dave had to go through all of that to come to this point, but it will be good for you body to now heal itself - and with the new diet - come back to life fulfilled again...
I need to say this though - I will do anythign to have you both on the baseball team this year - and if you want to watch me drink a carrot-drink - I'll do it! (no spinach or kelp though) Looking forward to seeing you back in health again Dave - and if there is ANYTHING that we can do for either of you - please let us know!

Dave & Mel

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave and Val,

I just finished praying hard for you BOTH !!! I think you have made some wise choices and once again your attitude is amazing -God has chosen two beautiful people to give testament to His wonders.

I would love to stop by... Brandon (my husband) has made a DVD for Dave (with a SURPRISE movie) I reminded him that you both are Christian's (lol)... I was gong to bring some carrots but sounds like you have got that covered (and once again God's love is shown in small ways - sounds like a wonderful person you spoke with).

I will send you an email Val to see what time is best - and if Dave is not up to it I will just leave a package for you at the door !

I wil pray for Dave's comfort and resolution of those horrible chemo side effects to disipate quickly !!

Much Love,
Jeannie
XO

Anonymous said...

Thank you both for your updates and inspiration..
..it's so wonderful how God puts people in to our lives at the exact moment in time that we need them (like your Carrot Lady).
I'm believing with you that the "report of The Lord's" is one of healing and awesome witness to His power and LOVE.
...praying for you everyday.

Phyllis C.

Anonymous said...

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you, with my righteous right hand.

Stay strong Dave & Family. You guys are such an inspiration to us all!
May our almighty God wrap his loving arms around you to give you strength and send his almighty healing powers your way!
In jesus name, we pray!
Amen

Ingo

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave & Val,
Today I was in a Borders Bookstore (in FL) just looking thru cookbooks, & I saw one that made me think instantly of you. If I were starting a raw foods diet, I'd buy this book in a flash. It's called "Dining on Raw Foods" by Rita Romano. (I think I've got that right). It had so many recipes! I just thought that maybe if you were interested....We pray every day for you.
Blessings,
Linda K.

Heather said...

You can do it Dave!! We're praying for you and know for a fact that God will continue to heal you.

Love: Heather (& Pete)

Anonymous said...

Dave, Val and Cale:

God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Heb 13:5(NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28(NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8(NIV)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Pro 3:5(NIV)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1 (NIV)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Math 11:28(NIV)

Mark 3: 1-5
1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Dave, Val, Cale, we continue to pray daily for a miracle from God.

In Christ,

John and Zeny

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Tito Dave i know you will get better God will never forsake those that are faithful to him it shows a lot that you continue to pray and trust in the Lord with what your going through.

Pat