Yesterday and Tomorrow....

We saw Dr. Lin yesterday. Harv's CEA count hasn't changed much at all...pretty much hovering at the same spot it's been for a while. All of his other numbers are good. So... Dr. Lin kinda shuffled some stuff around for Harv's next dose of chemo. It'll either be 5FU or Irinotican as just a shot and then some more immune boosters. So, he'll do away with the pump -- which Harv will be happy about. 

It's possible that we will go the route of radiation beads aimed directly (and internally) at the tumor.  Or, it's possible that external radiation will be the next step. OR... if we're reeeeeeaaaaaallly lucky, surgery without radiation. But, in order for that to happen, the tumor(s) will need to shrink. Have they not heard me say that before?! Do those tumors not understand what is expected of them?! They act like children ignoring their mama!

I fussed at Dr. Lin about making such a big deal about Harv's book and not really being enthusiastic about my helping raise money for research.  He smiled a little (and thought I was crazy, I'm sure) and still was more enthusiastic about Harv's book than my fundraising. :-) And, when we left our appointment, he tried to sound very pleased about my contributions towards the ONE POINT NINE MILLION DOLLARS that was raised for FRED HUTCH RESEARCHERS.  But, I know... he's more impressed with Harv. ;-)

Harv's dad is heading home from the hospital today. He's gonna need to behave -- and sometimes he doesn't. Please pray for Harv's mom as she becomes "the boss of him" (JUST KIDDING!!!) and that it's a smooth and happy transition for them both.  Also, please pray that Harv and his siblings can figure out the best way to help -- and that Harv ALSO behaves with his OWN treatment while helping his parents.

We appreciate your prayers for our immediate family and for Harv's "growin' up" family. 

We love you.

Harv had infusion today... Trip to Seattle tomorrow to see Dr. Lin. Blood work last week showed a fairly steady (and unchanged) CEA count. Today, another drug was added.  Goodness gracious we'd like to see some more progress so that liver surgery can be done. 

Harv's feeling okay. He'll be slightly nauseous and more tired than usual over the next few days, but his spirits are good and we are so thankful that he doesn't have more severe side effects.

In other news, Harv's dad had a heart attack a little over a week ago. Thankfully, he has been well taken care of since then and is recovering nicely. He and Harv's mom have been in Kamloops (about 2 hours from their home) since last Sunday. Not sure how long he'll be staying there. Harv and his siblings have been able to "hang" with Joe and Peggy this past week and that's been good for them all. His dad has made some improvements and has been in good spirits. It is hoped that he will be able to get back home before long. There will need to be a few modifications to the house so that he can get around well and so he can continue to do his many projects. Hopefully, he'll ease back into those and behave. :-)  Please pray for him and for Peggy as they adjust to things. 

We have had a lovely fall this year and are thankful for that.

We also continue to be thankful for all of you.... 

Many blessings.

-chc

A Nice Little Change....

Tomorrow we start the 2nd of our 2 round treatment (this go-round)... And, guess what?! We get to do it all in Bellingham!!! 

We'll go meet a local doctor (but Dr. Lin is still overseeing Harv's treatment plan, etc.) and then Harv will get hooked up to the pump for two days. Then on Thursday he'll start with the daily shot regimen for 12 days. We know that the first few shots will be in Bellingham, but insurance has not granted approval for the 2nd type of shots yet. The nurse thought it would happen and we have a few days. Worse case, I suppose, we'd have to go back to Seattle for those shots.

So...Yay for not having to drive to Seattle anytime soon!

Raney and I got to go to the beach for a few days last week. It was really good for me. I wasted lots of time, walked on the beach, ate some good food, and soaked in the quiet. I was glad to get home, but it was a good thing for me to have that time all by myself.

Harv has been trying to get out most days for a short run with Raney. That's been good for them both. And, the weather has been pretty cooperative.

Hoping that this go-round will show marked improvement and significant shrinkage so that surgery will be possible very soon.

Thank you for your support. 

We love y'all!