Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Life Just Got Complicated

Yeah...you might be thinking that our life was already complicated. Well, not to us...at least not until now...

Tricia's lymphoma in her lungs did not respond well to the meds over the past five weeks. In fact, some of the growths are bigger, and there are a few new growths. Only two of the growths are smaller, and none have gone away. That alone was pretty disappointing.

Next, they've decided to keep Tricia overnight until they can come up with a new game plan. Another disappointment (Gwyneth and I will be partying at the hotel by ourselves tonight).

This evening, we met with the oncologist (cancer doctor), who explained that the next step is R plus CHOP. I've been explaining to you that the chemo Tricia had been receiving was not the heavy duty stuff...CHOP is. CHOP is the stuff that you hear about that comes with a lot of potential side affects...nausea, severe headaches, risk of leukemia, hair loss, etc.

Tricia will receive her first treatment tomorrow. If all goes well, she should be released on Thursday (we were planning on heading home Thursday anyway). She'll received her second treatment in three weeks here at Duke. A few weeks after that second treatment, they'll reevaluate to determine if the cancer is responding as hoped for. If so, she'll receive four additional treatments every three weeks, for a total of six over the next eighteen weeks.

If, after the first two treatments, her cancer is not responding, Tricia is in serious trouble.

Each treatment lasts several hours, and immediate side affects include the nausea, headaches, etc. Because of Tricia's other current health issues and medications (which I'll discuss at a later time), this entire process is a lot trickier than it normally would be if she was only facing cancer (not to diminish anyone who is "only" facing cancer...that alone is nothing to laugh at).

Needless to say, we're both very bummed tonight. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm sure we'll be more optimistic, but tonight we're very discouraged. We continue to trust God, believing that, regardless of what lies ahead over the next few months, He is in control and knows what is best for us, but we're feeling rather beat up.

Blessed be the Lord
day after day he carries us along.
He's our Savior, our God, oh yes!
He's God-for-us,
He's God-who-saves-us.
Lord God knows all
death's ins and outs.

Psalm 68:19, 20 (The Message)

Nate

BTW...Gwyneth had an appointment today and has another tomorrow...I'll update you on her status later tomorrow. Thanks.

425 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   401 – 425 of 425
Anonymous said...

I'm sorry.

Sheryl said...

i am sure you are more than a bit discouraged! i must say, i have been lax in my prayers. it's as if "oh, tricia got her new lungs, gwyneth is doing great, God will surely take care of this too". i am sorry i've not been going to the Lord on your behalf as i should. that will change.

truly praying,
sheryl

Holly said...

I've been reading your blog daily for months but this is the first I've commented. I'm so so sorry for this news! Your family is definitely in my prayers and on my mind.

careysue said...

I am so sorry for the recent news. You are in my thoughts and prayers...just know that I understand, our family has had it's share of bumps for the passed 6 years!
Keep strong and know a lot of people are praying for your family.

MyAwesomeOliveShoots said...

I know you probably are not reading all these comments considering everything that is going on but know we are lifting your family up to Jesus! Stay strong in Him, Joshua 1:9, Nate...

Brenda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brenda said...

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every monrning; Great is Your faithfulness" Lam. 3:21-23. These are the verses that encouraged me the morning the doctor told me that I had ovarian cancer. I made a commitment to watch for God's compassion everyday and never to fall asleep at night without finding something to thank Him for. When I didn't see anything, I asked God to open my eyes. Everyday there was something to be grateful for. I'm praying you will find something each day, however small, to thank Him for. This practice helped my outlook SO much. Today I am grateful for health!

StacyandChad said...

Praying for you and your family!

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!

Lauren said...

praying for you guys, and believing God for another miracle...

Maggy said...

:( I cried, then prayed. Your family is one of the few families outside of my relatives that I pray for on a consistent basis.

*hugs*

Jenn said...

I don't ever leave comments, but I'm always checking in. I'm praying!

Marsmile said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I hoped and prayed that the cancer would be gone without heavy-duty chemo. I am praying hard for Tricia, that she will make it through and that the cancer finally knows it has to leave! I'm also praying for her overall well-being including emotionally and mentally. This includes you, Nathan, and Gwyn, as well as your families.

Praying,
Marissa

MsCatMinder said...

Its hard to find the meaning and hard to know what to say . Hoping tomorrow will always bring you something better .You of all people merit that ....

Bree at Clarity Defined said...

My heart broke for your family when I read this post. I really, really hate cancer.

That being said, I may have mentioned this before in a previous comment, but I'm currently training with Team In Training to raise awareness (and fund research) to eradicate blood cancers.

I would be honored to honor Tricia's battle against lymphoma on race day. My blog is posted in my profile if you'd like to know more about what I'm doing.

As always, my prayers are with you, Gwyneth, and Tricia.

The Cook said...

I am so sorry for this latest news. I know that God has not brought you this far to let cancer get the best of you. Like your song...hands on a miracle...he won't take that away. Prayers from Illinois.

Sarah Furlough said...

Praying without ceasing for your precious family!

Twinkletoes said...

I am so sorry to read this news. Tricia is a strong woman and will pull through this. I will continue to pray specific prayers for Tricia.

JEff said...

Your family is in our prayers. May God give you strength during this time.

Angela said...

I'm praying for all of you. I know that you know this, but sometimes it's just good to hear - God is with you in all things.

Angela said...

I'm praying for all of you. I know that you know this, but sometimes it's just good to hear - God is with you in all things.

Lynn said...

Bless you all. Honestly. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care.

Larissa said...

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness.
....
For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindess.
For He does not afflict willingly or grieve the sons of men.
-Lamentations 3:21-33

I'm praying for healing and comfort. Send my love to Tricia.
~Larissa

Magoon Family said...

I am so sorry to hear of this setback. I said 2 very long prayers for Tricia last night. I know God is listening and he will lead the way.

Our Two Blessings From Above said...

I am so sorry to hear about the news.
I will keep praying for Tricia everyday.My thoughts are with you and your family.
God Bless all of you.

Mrs. H said...

I too have been reading your blog for several months now and usually just read, but today as i catch up I wanted you to know that I am praying...

«Oldest ‹Older   401 – 425 of 425   Newer› Newest»