Coming Up Next

This week Beth will start a new regimen of chemotherapy.  Over the phone, Dr. Javle explained what to expect.  It is a different plan than what he talked with us during our appointment in Houston.  The good news, for now, is she will be able to receive treatment in Dallas.  I say “for now” because Dr. McCollum in Dallas has been on vacation and we were not able to schedule an appointment, yet.  Tomorrow we will call and try to get an appointment.

The regimen involves three medicines that will target the liver as well as the pancreas.  She will receive an infusion that will take 3 or 4 hours and then she will wear a pump for the next 48 hours.  When the two days are over, she will return to Dallas to have the pump removed.  She will go back 12 days later and start the cycle over again.  She will have 4 cycles and then scans in Houston.  The scans are scheduled for August 24.

Side effects will be cold sensitivity (as was the case with the other medicines they considered), hair thinning, nausea, etc.  These medicines have shown a lot of success at Houston as well as studies done in Europe.  Because of Beth’s youth, health, and stamina she should be able to tolerate this treatment.  Apparently, it is too harsh for older and weaker patients.

Pray for the following:

Beth can get her treatment in Dallas.  If Dallas cannot get it together in time (work out schedules, insurance, etc.), we will go back to Houston for the three day treatment.  Not exactly what we would want, but we will do it if we have to.

Pray for Beth’s side effects.  She has not felt 100% the past two days and that’s without undergoing chemo.  Pray for “wings of eagles” as her body will be put through a lot this week.

This morning, our Sunday School class began a study called “It All Goes Back in the Box.”  Bottom line, when the game is over everything goes back in the box.  I was reminded the importance of focusing on the eternal rather than the things that will pass away.  Words I will hang on to this week.