Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Another treatment session at Huntsman Cancer Institute

"So far so good.. Jon received his 5th doses of IL-2 around 5 pm. tonight. He is doing extremely well and the doctors are very happy. He is scheduled for his 6th dose at 1 am, if everything stays the same.
All of his vital signs are good so far and he hasn't had to be put on any blood pressure medication. so far so good huh?? His gallbladder is starting to act up and his bilirubin level has risen a lot just since yesterday. Dr. Grossman says we can either put a drain in the gallbladder if it gets to bad or just push through it. He was very happy how Jon's gallbladder last time got better so quickly, so he thinks its worth it to just keep going with the treatment.
Jon is remaining pretty content and happy this inpatient treatment. He is just going to "push through it" he says. He is staying in good spirits and not getting to homesick. We talk to our kids everyday on the phone. :)
The new plan: After talking with our specialist Dr. Grossman today is that during Jon's home stay after this week, we will be going back up to Huntsman to do some outpatient Radiation treatments to his pelvic area to help with the pain that has been pretty much unbearable. (This is one of the reasons he cannot work because he cannot sit for long periods of time or even walk for that matter) The radiation will be everyday for like 5-6 days in a row. (counting the week of Christmas). During that radiation Jon will also be receiving some chemotherapy medication called Zometa. Zometa is primarily used in patients that have had breast cancer and have had their cancer spread to their bone, but Dr. Grossman has a good feeling that this Zometa will stop the cancer from progressing any further in Jon's bones. (Unfortunately, the IL-2 treatment has not had good results with treating cancer in the bone, so something else is needed to help with that cancer) We will start receiving this chemotherapy every 6 weeks along with the IL-2 and radiation.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I would also like to add to all our friends and family that we really appreciate everyone that has been spreading the word about what we are going through because it has helped us make new friends and also with getting donations. We love everyone and thanks again for thinking about my family during this holiday season. Tiffany"

4 comments:

  1. Jon and Tiffany,
    After meeting the both of you it is obvious that you two have been blessed with incredible strength. Your story has inspired me and my family and I pray that you are able to get through this. Like I told you earlier tonight, whatever the outcome, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and you will both end up better and stronger people because of this trial. God Bless you both.

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  2. Thanks Justin. I really enjoyed meeting you tonight. After you left I was able to view your blog (of course I cried the whole time) and I think you are truly an amazing person. You wife was really strong and so beautiful. I hate that sometimes no matter how much you want to fight and win and stay on this earth that if Heavenly Father has other plans for you then you have to go and leave your family for a short time. You truly are an inspiration to me too. Take care and happy holidays with your family. Your children are so sweet. I am glad I got to met both you and your wife and kids. Thanks for wanting to help us. Love, Tiffany

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  3. It was our pleasure, Tiffany and we hope to be able to do more. Like I told you, stay strong, God's will will be done and know that there is a reason for everything. You guys are great.

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  4. Stay strong, fight hard...know you are loved by even those you do not know. God bless you all and may he give you the strength to endure and the knowledge of his love.

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