Now what?

We "almost" didn't know what to do with ourselves after they stopped the IV antibiotics.  It was awesome! 
Wednesday 1/29 we had an appointment with Dr Wilson.  She added zinc drops to his routine and we will stop the Serapeptase as soon as this bottle is finished.  She helped to explain what is going on with his body and how the healing process (tissue growth) happens.  And she confirmed that the pain he is in (constantly) is his body healing.   He continues to take Oxycodone once or twice per day and Motrin PM before he goes to bed.   The time he is experiencing the least amount of pain is when he is soaking in Magnesium crystals in a bubble bath.  Otherwise it's on the couch or standing for the most part.  He can sit, it is just for short periods of time.  Needless to say, it wears on him (and us too for that matter:)  He knows pain meds slow healing but, what can you do?   We are to see her again a week after he finishes oral antibiotics. (Augmenten 2 x per day.) Not sure when that will be!

Thursday we went up to Summit Aviation for a short visit.  Doug is going to try and go in half days next week.  Not sure how that will go but I've got to give him credit for trying.  He is bored at home and soooo ready to get back to work.  Pray he can stay focused and for minimal pain.  Thank you!

Thursday afternoon we both had much needed haircuts.  We've gone to the same stylist in Springdale almost since we moved here in 1989 so she's family.  And a real prayer warrior to boot.  She has a comfortable couch so he was able to stretch out and rest.

Friday we had an appointment with Dr Travis, the oncologist at H.O.G.  Since they removed the port and pulled the PICC line he had to get stuck.    He's not as bad as he used to be but still likes me there to hold his hand for "support!"  We didn't get the blood test results but we did have a good discussion with Dr Travis.  He has access to his Mercy records so had been following him, especially when our follow up with him was supposed to be December 20th and we weren't getting in to see him until January 31st.   Doug express his frustration at the point his is and really expected to be much farther along in the healing process.  Dr Travis agreed, he is disappointed as well and for another reason.  He said he was going to suggest doing more chemotherapy.   Even though they got all the tumor (which was 1.4 cm, reduced from 7 cm!) and all the lymph nodes tested negative for cancer, based on Doug's age he wants to do more chemo to ensure the chance of relapse would be less.  Doug asked him how long and he said 4 more months.   Talk about a kick in the gut!  However due to all the complications Doug has endured, to administer chemo right now would be a HUGE detriment to the healing of the pocket and anastomosis.  Chemo reduces the immune system which puts him at an even greater risk of infection.   Sooooo don't want to go that route again.  So right now even if he did want him to do it I am not sure he would.    I think we would to explore alternative methods at that point.  We are grateful for the shrinkage of the tumor (chemo and radiation as well as supplements) but based on ALOT of research, there are other methods including cancer supplements, diet change and 2nd opinion - Cancer Treatment Center of America.  (Doug contacted them just after his diagnosis.)  Dr Travis is going to consult with Dr Treptow and Dr Bandy this week.  We will see all of them again within the next 2-3 weeks.

So, we have more to pray about.  We would love it if you would pray with us for clear direction and if it is not medical, that we would be absolutely certain that's the direction God has for us.

The journey continues.   Your continued prayers are appreciated more than you know.

God Bless you all, we love you!

Jan, Doug and Eric