In addition to, but certainly not surpassing the impending news of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we received more good news today!
We had a rocky start. Abigail and Meredith decided to make the trip to MDA with us this time since school is out for Christmas break. So I called and arranged for a suite instead of one room. Because one of the princesses says I snore and she can't sleep. I'm sure that I do not, but I try to be accommodating.
Upon check-in last night we discovered we did have a suite. The tiniest suite you ever saw. 2 rooms yes, one queen size bed and one queen sofa bed. After a phone call they said come back down and we'll find you another. Turned out the only thing available was our original room. 2 queens, one room. Well a queen bed in the same room is better than a sofa sleeper anywhere. I had packed ear plugs, so I thought we could make it work.
And we did. But I did pray that this was not a bad start to a bad appointment! In the middle of the night I stumped my poor toe in the dark, I don't know if it's broken, but it sure did hurt and it sure has a big knot on top! This morning one precious daughter referred to me as "revving my engines" and something about a "monster truck rally". Sweet. I'm sure she is mistaken, I pointed out that her bed was squeaky, I'm sure that's what she heard.
Anyway. David had to have blood drawn at 7 am and then check in for scans at 9. He said we should just sleep in. We argued and argued, but he insisted. Not really. We just said ok, thanks!
So shortly after he checked in for the scans, he texted me the insurance company was denying part of the scans the doctor ordered. He always has a chest scan, that's where the tumors are, and a abdomen/pelvic scan, that's where it all started. Well, it seems the insurance is tired of paying for the abdomen/pelvic scan since there hasn't been any cancer there since the original tumor was removed.
I'm not sure who talked to whom but he did end up having all the scans today. Just about 1 and a half hours later than scheduled.
It all turned out fine because we did not see the doctor (appt at 2) until 4 anyway!
The clinical trial nurse, Marisa, came and got him and went ahead and gave him the vaccine ahead of the doctor appt. That was nice because he has to wait 30 minutes after the injections to make sure he doesn't have a reaction. And especially because then we knew the scans were good! If he has any progression, he is out of the study, no vaccine. So getting the vaccine means no progression! Yay! Turns out the scans showed significant shrinkage again! Surely someday significant could mean complete?
David was so relieved. He was worried that because they reduced his medication dosage 3 months ago, that there might not be continued reduction of the spots on his lungs. But there was! Yay again! Also, he has been feeling much better, hardly any stomach issues, lots more energy, and a better appetite. We were shocked to learn he had gained 30, yes 30 pounds since September! The doctors were so pleased and excited for the positive results!
We finally got out on the road about 5 pm and amazingly enough the traffic was not too bad!
So what started out rocky, turned out wonderfully! And we really enjoyed having the girls with us this trip. They are such sweethearts and so fun to be around. We will go back to MDA in March. But for now we can focus on the holiday and celebrate the Reason for the Season!
Thank you for your continued prayers, please pray for more and more shrinkage, for David to continue to feel good, for him not to gain 30 more pounds (and me either!).
Thank you for loving us!
Merry, Merry Christmas!
