Update

Today was another infusion day for my Daddy. This is the fourth infusion he has had, the second of his new drug, Opdivo. I am excited to report that we had some good news today. He had no new palpable tumors and the existing tumors seem to have stayed the same size. Because fatigue is weakening his body, he has been instructed to work on building his strength in the coming weeks. So, he will be working on moving around more and napping less. This is not any easy task, but I think he is up for it.

This infusion did not go off without a hitch, though. He has lymphodema in his arms, probably from tumors on the nearby lymph nodes, so it was very difficult to place his IV. They got one going and it was working well. Unfortunately, when he was close to being finished with his medicine, the IV infiltrated and they attempted to place another IV. Well, needless to say, after a couple tries by the nurses, the doctor was called in and he had to place it in his neck. My Daddy said it did not hurt, but I sure thought it was painful to watch. We never seem to get through one of these without some excitement.

Please keep praying! It is so encouraging to know you are interceding on my Daddy's behalf. This is a rough road, so we are thankful for God's sustaining grace.

This Week

This week, we were looking forward to a change in my Daddy's treatment plan. On Monday, he had an exhausting trip to get a PET scan to confirm that the internal tumors were growing and multiplying as much as the ones on the surface that we can see and feel. On Tuesday, we received a letter from his insurance company saying that the new immunotherapy drug (our last earthly hope), that the doctor wanted to start, was declined. After I spent the afternoon on the phone, I was told I would be called the next day with the final answer. On Wednesday, praise the Lord, the drug was approved! On Thursday...I've got nothing...lol! On Friday, it was treatment day!!!

Please pray that my Daddy will be strengthened. Fatigue and lack of appetite are his most persistent symptoms. Today, he began having pain for the first time. So, pray for pain relief. Most importantly, please pray that this new drug will be effective. It may take up to two months before we see results, so the race continues! Thank you for your continued prayers on his behalf. We love you all!

Short and Sweet

So, I hope to keep this short, but who knows, I tend to be wordy. (Now you know where you get it from, Matthew.) It's been almost two weeks since I posted. Unfortunately, my Daddy's invader, the monster melanoma, has been taking its toll. He is short of breath, short of strength, and short of appetite. Therefore, at his doctor appointment today, the decision was made to switch to a different immunotherapy drug. The doctor wanted to begin today, but we must wait for insurance approval. Pray that he can get this new treatment started tomorrow, or at the latest, Monday.