No news is good news

Today David had blood work and met with the Dr. This was a non protocol visit because they basically just wanted to look at him and make sure he is managing with the new medication.

He is doing fine. His BP has been up so they increased that med. He also has a raspy, hoarse voice. But it is not painful. This is a side effect. Weird!

We have to go back in 3 weeks for the clinical trial protocol. It will also just be blood work and Dr visit. No vaccine, no scans.

So. There is really no news. And there will not be another scan until the end of October.  That is so so so scary!

Please pray:
1. Minimal side effects continue.
2. This new drug is WORKING-SHRINKING!
3. No drama, I'm tired!

Also keep in your prayers: Betty, Wade, Ty, another David, Holli, Mary, Greg, and Laura's mother.

Thank you for loving us!

A refreshing change

Look what a dear friend brought me today! So thoughtful, thank you Mike!

So far, (keep praying, it's only been 2 days), no side effects. Or at least he's not telling me so I won't tell the world!

So thankful he feels good and can do all the things he wants to do!

Please pray for these friends on another cancer journey; Mary, Wade, Greg, Betty, Holli, Laura's mom, Julie's father, and David. It seems everyday we add more to our list. Maybe we should pray for everyone else NOT to have cancer!

Thank you for so much love and encouragement!

Lemonade anyone?

This is not the the news I wanted to post. Today life gave us lemons. I will try to make lemonade.

David's scans showed some increase in the size of the nodules.

However, there are no new nodules. So we can be thankful for that.

Because of this progression, they are changing his drug therapy. He will now be taking Inlyta. This is the second drug used for RCC. From what I have read, it has a slightly higher success rate.

We are concerned with the new set of side effects that come with the new meds. But we will just have to wait and see if/when he might have any.

And we have to go back in 3 weeks instead of 6.

David will still get the vaccine with the new medication. However, the next time there is a progression, the vaccine will stop.  I found out today, the thought on the vaccine is that it hinders the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body by boosting the immune system. I don't know if there are lasting effects after the vaccinations stop. I guess that's why it's a trial.

Anyway. This continues to basically stink.

And then on the way home, the A/C in the car decided it's about done. So yippee.

I have been trying to drink all the lemonade I have been forced to make this year. And frankly, I don't care for anymore.

Please know I am fully aware of and very thankful for all the many blessings we receive daily.

Please pray:
1. No/mild side effects
2. No progression, new drug shrinks existing nodules! No new ones anywhere!
3. No more lemons!

True confessions

Forgive me friends, for I have not blogged. It's been 6 weeks since my last post!

6 great weeks of NOT going to Houston! While I know it is the best place for David to get the best treatment. I hate, (yes, I know it's a strong word), going there.  And being there. And having to go there. And cancer. HATE IT!

My girls say I rant. So there it is. Rant over. Big girl pants on now.

We leave in the morning for scans tomorrow and a Dr. appointment on Tuesday. If all goes well we don't have to go back for another 6 weeks!

So please continue to pray:
1. Safe travels
2. Good scans- no progression, shrinkage! What if all the nodules were GONE?!
3. Continued nominal side effects from drug
4. Protection for girls

I'll update Tuesday evening with hopefully and prayerfully good news.

Thank you for loving us!

Here's a pic from our recent trip to the beach. My happy place!