July started off pretty rocky with the news that Dave’s tumor was growing. It hit us pretty hard as we have been fairly optimistic and positive through this journey so far, and that was a big blow to our optimism, but as always we pulled together and kept looking forward with hope.
New chemotherapy, let’s give it a try. I am going to make you read to the end to find out what happened, yes I am.
The chemotherapy is a more long acting chemo compared to the first one used. This one has a 6 week cycle rather than 4 weeks. It is one does of pills rather than 5 days, but the dosages are much stronger. Yes, it seems weird, but this type of drug is weird.
Dave started this new chemotherapy shortly after we were told about the tumor growth. He tolerated it well as it relates to nausea (didn’t have any), and some of the other side effects, until 3 days after taking it.
Dave started this new chemotherapy shortly after we were told about the tumor growth. He tolerated it well as it relates to nausea (didn’t have any), and some of the other side effects, until 3 days after taking it. Again no nausea, but extreme fatigue, which is common.
3 days after taking the drug Dave slept a lot for about 3 days. A lot was about 18 hrs a day, really only got up to eat and go to the bathroom. After this he started to recover and get back some of his energy and stamina. His eating also started to improve. Though this is still sometimes hit and miss.
Daily mobility classes have been a great help in getting some of the strength back and some balance. Walking has also been helping with the stamina, so has the outside air.
Daily mobility classes have been a great help in getting some of the strength back and some balance.
I have to thank our family for getting Dave out doing some of the activities that he enjoys as that has also been an amazing boost to his confidence. It’s really hard to get motivated about anything when you have such a hard time doing things you liked to do before. Or your tired, or grumpy or…well you get the idea.
At the end of July we took a vacation, got away from the city. We traveled to northern Alberta (Grande Prairie Area to be precise) to visit some of Dave’s family. It was a really good trip with a stop at Gull Lake, prior to the fecal matter incident, for a swim and visit with Dave’s mom and step-dad. The weather was perfect for us to head down to the lake earlier in the day and still be warm enough to swim lots. Lots of vitamin D that day. It was hot.
We spent a few days at the farm in Bearverlodge (look it up – has a giant beaver) visiting with Dave’s Aunt, cousins and grandparents. It was just what everyone needed and we saw a great improvement in strength and stamina during our visit. Apparently we need to get out of the city more. It was really good to see everyone.
Dave spent some time down by the river too when I went to drop of the kids with my mom for two weeks. Again more sunshine and visiting.
We got home just in time for Dave’s next MRI appointment and oncology appointment. (If you skipped ahead here is the best part.)
At the oncology appointment we received news that caused us great relief. There was no noticeable growth of the tumor between the MRI in late June and the one done in August. Yes, I did indicate no noticeable growth. This means that Dave’s tumor is at this present time stable and that it appears the chemotherapy treatment worked the way it was intended. Granted this was only after one dose so they need to see if it continues.
Latest oncology reports no noticeable growth in the tumor.
But a win is a win and in this case it’s a big win. With a cancer that doesn’t have a high survival rate “no noticeable growth” is exceptionally significant. I will take stability any day of the week at this point in time.
We are now waiting for the okay to start the next round of treatment. Platelet count was too low. The hope is to maintain stability (no noticeable growth), the prayer/wish/desire/dream/etc is that this chemotherapy starts to shrink the tumor. Again I will take stability if that’s all we get.
It was such a relief to be able to share good news for the first time in a while. We appreciate all of the support, well wishes, prayers, light, etc that you have all been sending to us. Please continue, as it all helps.
Our focus now is to finish the 4 year kitchen renovation. It just needs to be done.
I’ll update again after the next MRI/oncology appointment or if anything significant comes up. I’ll be posting minor updates on our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/396167131281224
Yesterday, August 12, marked the 1 year date when our world exploded and the incident that started this journey happened. We are still focused on the present and not looking too far into the future, but suddenly there is a bit more light out that direction or at least a hint of some.
The Adams-Schlag Family 