We have some new developments to share with you...
Today, as Art is snoring away in recovery, I write to you from Northwestern Hospital in Chicago--a NEW place where we have not yet received treatment. Art just received the Y-90 therasphere beads which we wrote about previously. This was the procedure recommended by City of Hope as a new course of action. We are fortunate that the place with the most extensive experience and advanced knowledge about this treatment is right in our backyard at Northwestern.
We were not sure when exactly this treatment would take place, but based on the latest news--that Art's most recent chemo regime actually had a positive effect, we were recommended to move ahead with the radioactive beads at this time. Yes, you heard right! The most recent chemo actually shrunk some of the tumors and the remainder stayed stable. Although very small shrinkage, this is NEW and a good report--we have not had positive results of the treatment since last summer. We are not only grateful for the improved report, we are grateful for consistent recommendations from our doctors that this is the path to take at this time, and that Northwestern is the place at which to do it. These are direct answers to our prayers. Having to choose one Doctor's recommendation over another, is not the kind of decision we want to be faced with.
The doctors feel this is a good time to try something NEW. It allows Art's body time to heal and recover from about 16 months of ongoing chemo. This last chemo regime has been quite hard on Art's body. Pain and sensitivity in his feet, hands and skin have increased, as well as swelling in his legs and feet. Fatigue is an ongoing battle, but it's amazing what he's still able to accomplish. Although the thought of going back on this chemo is not that attractive to Art due to the side effects, we know that this chemo worked to help control the cancer and this continues to be a future option in our ongoing fight.
Being that the cancer is more controlled at this point, the doctors can attack in another way with the radioactive theraspheres. These are injected directly into the liver through an arterial catheter in the groin. They will only inject the theraspheres into half of the liver--the half that has the most cancer. Because of the extent of the cancer in the liver, they have to be very careful to preserve the good tissue to keep his liver functioning as normally as possible. After one month, we will have a CT scan to evaluate the success of the treatment. Our oncologist at University of Chicago and interventional radiologist at Northwestern will then determine the best course of action. If successful, they will treat the other half of the liver, with subsequent treatments to the entire liver as it continues to prove successful. If unsuccessful, we will most likely go back to the previous chemo regime that seemed to be having some success.
The biggest side effects of this treatment will most likely be fatigue (that's nothing new!) with the possibility of nausea and abdominal pain. The risk is damage to good liver tissue, but our doctors are optimistic that this treatment could shrink the cancer.
Emotionally, I feel these past couple months have taken their toll on Art. He's simply tired--tired of going to the hospital for treatment every other week, tired of feeling tired, tired of feeling sore, tired of thinking that this will never end, tired of trying to keep his game face on when he just wants to be crabby. As I've said in the past, his attitude has been amazing--I know that he could only keep his positivity through the power of our mighty God who accomplishes more than we can ever imagine and who allows us to have joy beyond our circumstances. But I also know that he's only human, and discouragement and worry sets in. I ask that you continue to lift Art up in prayer, for both miraculous healing and emotional strength, hope and comfort. Please pray for our children--Makenzie, Olivia and A.J.--as well as myself as we sometimes struggle to find the best ways to support him as well as each other through this ongoing, difficult journey.
(Break to go home from the hospital...)
I'm finishing this blog from home, as I watch Art beginning to feel uncomfortable from the radiation. It's not a good place to be for either of us, and I have to admit that we finish this up through tears and anxiety.
The title of this blog post is "Something New". Although something new can bring hope, it can also bring fear. I think we all can relate to that. When you live with cancer, you are constantly battling fear of the unknown, fear of the possibility that this may not work, fear of the possible harm the toxic substances being put into your body could do, etc. We are brought to our knees again, searching for promises that will comfort us as fear creeps in. Right now I just need to be reminded that our omnipotent, Heavenly Father, who has remained faithful to his promises in the past, who gives us strength and hope for each day, is the same Heavenly Father who goes before us and will give us what we need for each day going forward. It can't be any more clear than this--"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) And from Isaiah 41:13, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.' "
This August 5, Art and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. 17 months ago we didn't know if we would reach this milestone and we are overwhelmed with gratitude. When you get married, you sure don't know the ups and downs in store for your married life. Although we wouldn't wish cancer on any couple, we do wish the beauty that comes from a far deeper appreciation of sharing your life, your faith, and your children with your best friend.
As we move into the summer months, we hope for many fear-less moments of joy and laughter and new, beautiful memories with family and friends, for many moments where Art is feeling strong and energetic, for moments filled with love and hope, for moments where we can truly enjoy each other and this incredible world God has blessed us with. We hope those things for all of you as well. And, of course, we hope for healing!
Praying for strength for each day and bright hope for tomorrow!
With much love and gratitude,
Kris (on behalf of Art, Makenzie, Olivia and A.J.)
