Just thought I would send along an update on our current situation. A lot has happened since I last sent info.
Norm went decidedly down hill after his second session of his first round of chemo. He was sick every day spent 10 days sleeping and being sick. I called the Doctor at the Cross and he arranged an IV of antinausea drugs and rehydration, as well as a steroid to last for 5 days. For two days he was doing great, and it was nice cause Mom Schopf was here to visit us. I noticed that by the 3rd day he was starting to feel tired and not well again.
Our appointment with the Oncologist was on the 15th of August, which our beautiful daughters attended with us and the information was okay. Dr. Smiley said that what Norm was experiencing was no quality of life and decided that he would discontinue the chemo and put him on steroids for a month.
The difference was immediate and wonderful. Physical strength comes and goes depending on the activity of the day. But the mental and emotional feelings are fantastic.
Today we went to see the Priest at our local parish and Norm received the Sacrament for the Sick. Father prayed for us and has enlisted the prayers of what amounts to Prayer Warriors for the church. Made both of us feel much better.
On our way home our family Doctor called to explain in more detail what the Oncologist had said to us. The brain scan was inconclusive as the first scan was a CTScan and the last one was an MRI. The MRI is much clearer so is like comparing apples to oranges, which is a good thing in our mind because the difference is not so noticeable that is definitely a good sign. As well the lymph nodes in his chest seem to have receded a wee bit. We are ecstatic about that . The bones seem to have had more activity than we would like ... the cancer appears to have spread to his L2 and T7. This makes sense since Norm's pain in his back though manageable has been consistent.
I appears to me that the prayers of everyone are at work ....thank you
On our way home our family Doctor called to explain in more detail what the Oncologist had said to us. The brain scan was inconclusive as the first scan was a CTScan and the last one was an MRI. The MRI is much clearer so is like comparing apples to oranges, which is a good thing in our mind because the difference is not so noticeable that is definitely a good sign. As well the lymph nodes in his chest seem to have receded a wee bit. We are ecstatic about that . The bones seem to have had more activity than we would like ... the cancer appears to have spread to his L2 and T7. This makes sense since Norm's pain in his back though manageable has been consistent.
I appears to me that the prayers of everyone are at work ....thank you
We have an appointment with the Oncologist on the 17th to discuss further options that are available to continue the fight.
As always we are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Prayers are being said here by the Smith family for both of you. Lots of love and hugs XXOO
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you both and your family. Love Karen and Dave
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