Hello everyone: I just wanted to post again to update everyone with our schedule for the next two weeks. This Friday, 4/3rd, we are traveling to Cleveland Clinic for an entire day for testing. These tests are a requirement to participate in the clinical trial. Eric will have a whole body bone scan and a CT scan. There is also an EKG and several lab tests scheduled along with the appointment to sign the agreement to participate in the trial. The first appointment is scheduled at 10:30 and the final appointment is at 1:30.
Then we wait another week and on Friday, April 10th we will return to Cleveland for Eric's first IV treatment and to receive the first prescription of Sutent, the oral drug that he will take for 28 days. Then as long as he is in the trial we will return to Cleveland every other Friday to receive treatment and follow a schedule of tests to monitor how well he handles the 2 medications and how the cancer responds to the treatments.
The toughest aspect of this part of the journey is the unknowns related to how Eric will respond to the treatments. There are side effects that are definitely undesirable. Eric knows that he probably won't have all of them and that some may be harsh and some limited but he still worries about it and is understandably anxious. I don't know if assuming the worse is the best way to be right now but I think it's the normal response. Maybe assuming the worse will make the actual easier to accept. The word WAIT is tough and when we wait, our minds go absolutely crazy.
In our life of faith, this season of Lent puts everything in perspective. The sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us is so humbling. Jesus went to the cross willing to suffer for our sins that he didn't even commit. His suffering was beyond anything we can even imagine. We were never promised that our lives would be free of suffering and many people have life situations of suffering. However, we have the promise that comes to us by way of the cross. Jesus conquered the cross so that we can take each day knowing that God loved us so much that he sent His only Son to die for our sins. We can face EVERY day no matter what comes our way knowing that God has written the script for our lives. And, at the end of each day we can remember the events that assure us that He was truly holding our hand and will be there to hold our hand the next day. Not one of us would ever choose the option of suffering. It is how we grow in the suffering that gives us strength to face what the future holds. It is a peaceful journey when we invite HIM to walk it with us. Please continue to pray that this is peaceful journey for our family.
Love to all.... Eric, Gwen, Emily and Adam
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