Old MacDonald

What a day!

We started at 10 this morning. I'm thankful the 8 am appointment was changed to tomorrow! We met first with Dr. Karam, the surgeon. They are happy with David's recovery but want him to not lose any more weight. He has lost about 25 pounds since pre-surgery. He promised to do better. Ensure will be added to his diet this week.

We also got a copy of the surgery report. The report confirmed the cancer is the clear cell, the most common type of kidney cancer. This allows David to participate in the trial. Also the adrenal gland and the lymph nodes (2) that were removed were cancer free. The vein that was repaired showed clear margins. So the whole surgery was a good success! Praises!

David realized tonight that he probably won't see Dr. K again and was sorry he didn't give him a big ole bro hug. Maybe we'll send him a note and invite him to come ride horses if he's ever in SM! They had a running horse riding joke since the first appointment.

After that we met with the research nurse/person, I really don't know her title. All the scans the rest of the day are to establish a baseline for the treatment which is also connected to research since we are eligible for the trial.  They will have all the scan results by Wednesday. She is also checking with David's insurance to see about his prescription coverage. The drug he will be taking is quite expensive. Cha-ching. OUCH! If his insurance doesn't cover it (like A LOT of it!), she has options like the drug company will cover it or there are other grants. So as soon as they see the scans and figure out how to finance the drugs, they will do the trial randomization. 2/3 of patients will also receive the vaccine.

Also, about the drug, Sutent is the name. We are understanding that fatigue is a major side effect. David wasn't happy about that, since he is just getting his energy back. Pray it won't be too bad. Other common side effects are gastrointestinal junk, mouth sensitivites, and some kind of hand/foot sensitivities. Of course there is a page a mile long (kind of like this post), but these are the most common.

So next week, if they are happy with the scans, we have to come back for 1 day to get the drugs. David will take one dose a day for 6 weeks. At that time, if he gets in the vaccine group, he would come back for the first vaccine. Then back every 3 weeks for another vaccine. The amount of time between vaccines become longer over time. The vaccine is free because it is part of the study. Pray for vaccine. We should know this week if he gets it.

Long story, longer. There will be more scans along the way.

Next David had a blood draw. One of the results was that his Creatitine level is still not quite where they want it to be, but it is better. It was 2. something. It was 5. something in the hospital. They want it to be 1.5ish. They told him to drink more water and some cranberry juice.

Next he had scans. Here a scan, there a scan.
E I E I O.

Cardiac scan, CAP CT (chest, abdomen, pelvic), and brain MRI. Yea! We finished about 2 hours earlier than scheduled. Thanks for emergency prayer intervention!

Tomorrow is another day. He has an EKG, a bone scan and then we meet with the oncologist. We should be on the road home by maybe 2:00 or 3:00 pm.

Because you are all really great at praying, here's my list!
1. No new cancer anywhere! Shrinkage or disappearance of cancer in lungs!
2. Everything a go to begin therapy!
3. Major funding for drug.
4. Vaccine group.
5. Really mild side effects from drug.
6. Increased energy and healthy weight gain for David.
7. Kidney function improvement!

If you read all of this, wow! Thank you for loving us and praying for us. We continue to trust God.