Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather!! Our allergies are having fits here in East Tennessee. We've had a pollen "explosion"!
Matthew was to finish this round of chemo today and the doctor decided to cancel today's treatment. Matthew has been experiencing a problem with his foot. It has been going on for quite awhile now. He does not have full range of motion, cannot lift the foot towards his leg. The doctor had checked it about a month and a half ago and seemed to think it was nothing to worry about.
Well, today, when Matthew mentioned it again, the doctor decided it may be the very medicine he was going to take to today that was the culprit. So, he cancelled.
Matthew now has an appointment with the neurologist on Thursday to check his foot out. We're anxious to hear what he has to say.
This is one of the possible side effects of chemo, but some cases are more extreme than others. Some symptoms will go away after awhile after chemo, some don't.
Matthew has "off" Easter week and will then have his last scheduled treatment beginning April 9th. We'll keep you posted!! Love and God's blessings to all!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
One more to go!
Matthew got the majority of his 5th treament behind him this week. He has two more subsequent follow-up meds the next 2 Tuesdays. Then, he'll have one last treatment in April - one last marathon week of 5 fulls days in a row. After that, more tests will be done to see what the next step will be.
So far this week, Matthew has only had one "bad" day. He had shots today which usually affect him within a day or so. Please pray for him as he makes it through the weekend.
As I began this new post, I looked at the title that Ian gave this blog originally - "Unbelievable". As we have settled into "what has to be done" from day to day, it is still unbelievable that we are in the midst of this journey. I reallybelieve that the strength that we have received from the amazing number of prayers that go up daily for Matthew and our family has made it possible to laugh, get an occassional good night's sleep, take each challenge as it comes, and try not to be overwhelmed with what the future holds.
Love to you all - Nancy
So far this week, Matthew has only had one "bad" day. He had shots today which usually affect him within a day or so. Please pray for him as he makes it through the weekend.
As I began this new post, I looked at the title that Ian gave this blog originally - "Unbelievable". As we have settled into "what has to be done" from day to day, it is still unbelievable that we are in the midst of this journey. I reallybelieve that the strength that we have received from the amazing number of prayers that go up daily for Matthew and our family has made it possible to laugh, get an occassional good night's sleep, take each challenge as it comes, and try not to be overwhelmed with what the future holds.
Love to you all - Nancy
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
"Normal Days!"
It's been 2 weeks since I updated the blog. During that time, Matthew completed his marathon week of chemo, got through a tough weekend of his body responding to the treatment and after that, 10 days of Matthew feeling good; basically "normal". He has enjoyed getting out on his own, driving to Johnson City to be with his friends who are on Spring Break and even going for bloodwork and other check-ups at the doctor on his own. (I'm sure he's SO glad to get away from Mom and Dad for a bit. They do tend to "hover" at times! Ha!)
Next Monday & Tuesday (March 12 & 13) begins Matthew's next round of chemo. He will have follow-up treatments on the two following Tuesdays. This regimen of treatments usually has more harsh side effects which will hit the later part of next week. We appreciate your prayers during that time.
God continues to bless us with precious friends and family that pray, constantly support and bring us meals. Let me give you an example. Our pastor and his family live across the street from us, which we absolutely love! Lydia, our pastor's wife, put lights in the windows for Christmas making sure that two lights were in the windows facing us. All the Christmas decorations came down at their home except the two lights in the window facing us which shine every night. Lydia tells us that they are our reminder that they are there, loving us, supporting us, and would come in an instant if we needed them. I can't tell you how many times I've looked out of my kitchen window and been uplifted and encouraged by the shining lights in those windows! God is SO good!
Next Monday & Tuesday (March 12 & 13) begins Matthew's next round of chemo. He will have follow-up treatments on the two following Tuesdays. This regimen of treatments usually has more harsh side effects which will hit the later part of next week. We appreciate your prayers during that time.
God continues to bless us with precious friends and family that pray, constantly support and bring us meals. Let me give you an example. Our pastor and his family live across the street from us, which we absolutely love! Lydia, our pastor's wife, put lights in the windows for Christmas making sure that two lights were in the windows facing us. All the Christmas decorations came down at their home except the two lights in the window facing us which shine every night. Lydia tells us that they are our reminder that they are there, loving us, supporting us, and would come in an instant if we needed them. I can't tell you how many times I've looked out of my kitchen window and been uplifted and encouraged by the shining lights in those windows! God is SO good!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Great News!!
We received great news from Matthew's scan! His tumor has reduced at least 40%!!
There is also reduction elsewhere, we just don't have specific dimensions. After Matthew completes this week of chemo, he will have 2 more rounds of treatment which will take him to the end of April . At that point the doctor says we will "re-access" with other tests and see what we do from there. We are thrilled and praising the Lord for this miracle!! Know your prayers being heard. Celebrate with us!!
There is also reduction elsewhere, we just don't have specific dimensions. After Matthew completes this week of chemo, he will have 2 more rounds of treatment which will take him to the end of April . At that point the doctor says we will "re-access" with other tests and see what we do from there. We are thrilled and praising the Lord for this miracle!! Know your prayers being heard. Celebrate with us!!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
2 good weeks
Dear Friends,
The past 2 weeks have been relatively uneventful with Matthew having some good days almost feeling fairly "normal", if that's possible at this point!!
On Friday, Matthew had scans to check the effect the treatments are having on his cancer. We'll see the doctor on Tuesday morning (2/20) for the results.
Next week, Matthew will have his next round of chemo. It will be every day, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Then, he gets his shot on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Fortunately, when his treament starts each day, he is given additional meds that help him sleep through the majority of the day. At least that helps him deal with the length of time each day. After this treatment, he will have a couple weeks "off" without treatment until his next round.
Greg also had a scan last week and we are thankful that his results were clear. He doesn't see the oncologist again until May. Praise the Lord!
I'll update you on the results we receive from the doctor. Until then...
The past 2 weeks have been relatively uneventful with Matthew having some good days almost feeling fairly "normal", if that's possible at this point!!
On Friday, Matthew had scans to check the effect the treatments are having on his cancer. We'll see the doctor on Tuesday morning (2/20) for the results.
Next week, Matthew will have his next round of chemo. It will be every day, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Then, he gets his shot on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Fortunately, when his treament starts each day, he is given additional meds that help him sleep through the majority of the day. At least that helps him deal with the length of time each day. After this treatment, he will have a couple weeks "off" without treatment until his next round.
Greg also had a scan last week and we are thankful that his results were clear. He doesn't see the oncologist again until May. Praise the Lord!
I'll update you on the results we receive from the doctor. Until then...
Friday, February 2, 2007
Headaches are gone!!
I am happy to report that after 3 weeks of Matthew struggling with horrible headaches, staying horizontal, taking pain meds, and finally having a "patch" on Wednesday, the spinal tap headaches finally ended!! We are so thankful! We are looking forward to some uneventful and relaxing days!
He will see his doctor Thursday when we will hopefully schedule scans to see the progress of Matthew's treatments. We'll keep you posted! Thanks for the encouraging comments.
He will see his doctor Thursday when we will hopefully schedule scans to see the progress of Matthew's treatments. We'll keep you posted! Thanks for the encouraging comments.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Another week of victories!
Matthew completed his chemo treatments for this week. He's already having the usual side effects. So, things will be up and down for him for the next few days. We saw the neurologist on Thursday and she definitely thinks his headache is from the spinal tap. His prescription is being horizontal 24/7 with no activity. We're praying he'll get better by the first of the week so we won't have to do the "patch".
Matthew continues to get amazing cards of encouragement and the last few days has received 4 amazing goody boxes and gifts. Thanks to you all for your thoughtfulness!! It DOES make a difference!!
Matthew continues to get amazing cards of encouragement and the last few days has received 4 amazing goody boxes and gifts. Thanks to you all for your thoughtfulness!! It DOES make a difference!!
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