The Tumors are Shrinking!

Consider this shouting from the rooftops!   The tumors are SHRINKING!  We are a million times past estatic about this news.  We were both really anxious but I felt really good about coming today.  We had labs at 11:30, Scan at 11:45 and then waited. And waited. And waited. Then waited some more. 

We had a little snack then settled down to kill some time.  Trent napped and I did my Larabee work.  By 1:45 we were about crazy so we went to our Dr. appt hoping for some fast action today.  It didn't quite work that way but at about 2:50 Dr. Gouw and Grace, his PA came in the room.  Grace was behind Dr. Gouw and she snuck us a thumbs up sign and whispered to Trent as she passed that it was good news.  I didn't know what to do!  Then Dr. Gouw finally said the words we had been longing for.  "The tumors are shrinking.  And what's better than that, there are no new lesions."  Trent jumped up and hugged him and Grace.  I started bawling.  Trent started crying.  Happy tears. Finally happy tears! 

We will do two more rounds of chemo and then another scan on December 6. At that point, hopefully we will look at surgery to remove what is left of the tumors.  We are still working on our goal of  being cancer free by Christmas.  The news we got today is going to go along way for us.  We really needed some good news and today was fantastic! 

Dr. Gouw told us that a good part of our success was due to our attitudes.  However, I beg to differ...I fully believe that our prayers have been heard and answered.  Your prayers have been heard and answered.  Thank you so much for all the prayers and fasting on our behalf.  That is where the good attitude comes from.  Knowing we have so much support and a loving Heavenly Father who know us each individually and knows how badly we needed a 'W' in the column today!

The battle wages on....

Monday's Scan

I have really been avoiding the blog lately because it is reality hitting me in the face from just one more angle.  The last couple of weeks have been hard again with the Taxotere but better because of the Claritin.  Still so weird to me that an antihistimine would make a difference in chemotherapy.  But it worked so I am not complaining. 

Trent is just barely starting to feel better today after the last dose of chemo.  His counts dropped to a new low for him.  On Monday he had just 19 platelets and was neutropenic again.  But by Thursday his platelets were back up to 41.  That is still way lower than the required 100 to do chemo, but I am sure he will get there by Monday. 

Monday is the day we have been waiting and preparing for for the last six weeks.  We are anxious about what we will hear but ready to meet the next challenge.  Zach summed it up really well in a paper he had to write for school.  He said, "...we are worried, but happy."  We are happy.  That does not mean we are not scared, but it does mean we have hope and faith.  Lots of faith.  We are doing all we can to get a miracle!

We will be fasting and praying on Sunday that the spots in Trent's lungs will be gone.  Any who would like to join us would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you all for all of the love and support we have been shown through this trial.  We could never endure without all the extra strength we get from you.  I have learned over and over again that the Lord IS mindful of us.  How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father guiding us each day and lending us the extra love and support that we so desperately need right now. 

Just two more days....

Stay in the Present

Is this week over yet? Dang, six days to go.  It's gonna be a long one!  We are here at the Huntsman for Round 6 and a blood transfusion.  Trent's bone marrow is just not bouncing back the way it did the first few rounds.  So along with chemo he gets a juicy little elixir of blood.  Kind of sickening to watch it go in-not out.  Trent has been super tired lately but other than that, okay.  We are gearing up for another go around with the Taxotere next week.  The docs have given us some pointers and new meds to combat the terrible pain that Trent endured last time.  They said it doesn't usually hit people quite that hard.  Leave it to Trent to be the odd man out.  It seems like if there is a weird side effect or symptom, Trent gets it. 

We had an eventful weekend in Idaho.  Trent even went swimming with us.  He said it felt really good to be in the water but was soooooo exhausted afterwards.  He attended the Priesthood session of conference with his brothers and dad and had a nice time.  I am sure it will take a few days to rest up after his travel--just in time to be knocked down again by chemo.  What a cycle!  I know Trent is really looking forward to a time when he doesn't feel tired.

Lately I have had a very hard time not imagining the future and what it may hold.  Not a pretty picture.  I feel almost as if I am betraying Trent or giving up if I let myself wonder if I am making memories or if this will be a memory.  But I had a great visit from two friends today who helped me remember that God is mindful of me individually.  As we were speaking they both said at different times, "Stay in the present."  That is really what I needed to hear and I know that is what the Lord wanted me to hear.  I am so grateful for those who allow themselves to be instruments in God's hands.