Hi ho Immune System, away!

If you've been around a while or are a fan of old TV shows (or badly remade movies!), you caught the Lone Ranger reference in the tile.  Dad doesn't have a white horse named Silver or wear a mask, but today he had the first treatment that will hopefully have his immune system riding off to shoot down the cancer cells in his body.  He'll have one treatment every two weeks, barring any complications.

Dad also stopped by the pulmonologist's today for a check up and drain.  The volume of fluid has been consistent for the last couple of times, lower than when he started.  When it gets down to 50ml or less for three times in a row, he gets to go drain-free.  It's not the most enjoyable procedure in the world, so hopefully that will happen soon.

May is a busy month - Cindy's wedding, Mom's hip replacement - so please continue to keep Dad in your prayers, that the treatments are effective and that he responds well.  We are thankful that, no matter what May holds in store, our Lord has secured our future and walks with us through our present.

Thanks for checking in, and enjoy our spring weather!

Immunotherapy 101

Dad followed up with the oncologist today and the new treatment regimen will be immunotherapy.  For those of you not familiar with it, this therapy uses the body's immune system to attack and destroy the cancer.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made!  There's still the potential for side effects, but it is a reduced risk.  Once the insurance pre-certifies the treatment, we'll get the ball rolling.

The doctor confirmed that the fluid is building up due to active cancer in the lining of the lungs (the fluid is actually around the lungs, not inside).  Hopefully, the new treatment will get that back under control and the fluid will stop accumulating.

Thanks for checking in and we'll update you again soon!
 

Thanks for the prayers!

Thank you for your prayers!  Dad had the catheter inserted today and everything went smoothly.  In case you were wondering, he was sedated for the procedure.  After recovering, he was able to go home and is resting comfortably.  The nurse will come to the house for the first time on Friday and then regularly after that.

As I mentioned yesterday, the next step will be the follow-up with the oncologist next week.  Until then...no news is good news!  Thanks again for keeping Dad & Co. in your prayers.

A few extra prayers, please...

Dad has fluid again, so it is on to the next step.  Tomorrow, he's scheduled to have a procedure to place a catheter into the area where the fluid is gathering.  It's a fairly simple process and they'll keep him under observation for a couple of hours before sending him home.  A nurse will then come to the house a few times a week to drain any accumulated fluid.

As to why this is happening...well, the tests came back and it is definitely related to the cancer.  This is one of those good news/bad news things.  The good news:  it isn't a new issue, like his heart or kidneys.  Woo-hoo!  The bad news:  it means that they will most likely need to actively treat the cancer.  But the one-week break was great while it lasted!  Next week, he'll consult with the oncologist to review his options.  It may be a different chemo regimen, or another treatment method such as immunotherapy.  Either way, that's next week's problem.

Please pray for Dad tomorrow as he undergoes this procedure, and for the doctors as they perform it.  Also, please hold up Mom as she supports Dad through this.  Thanks again for your care and faithfulness, and we'll be sure to keep you updated.

Taking a break

Another week, another liter of fluid.  Dad went back for his regular appointment this week and had fluid in his lungs again.  They removed it and sent a sample for analysis in an effort to identify the cause.  The lab results should be back early next week. They also started him on a diuretic to (hopefully) prevent it from accumulating.  If the fluid continues to build up, they will consider implanting a catheter that will allow them to easily drain it.

In the meantime, Dad has elected to take a chemotherapy break.  He had the option of a break at the end of the first drug therapy but elected to continue on a single drug.  Now seems to be the perfect time to take advantage of that. 

Please continue to keep Dad in your prayers as he deals with this new lung issue.  Also, pray that his strength returns and the cancer stays at bay during this break.  Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.