First day of Treatments...

Another giant step today... Eric received his 90 minute treatment of Avastin and brought home his Sutent pills to take for the next 28 days.  We return to Cleveland on April 24th for another IV of Avastin.  Eventually the IV will only take 30 minutes and the day will not be as long.  We thought that Monday's 12 hour trip was a long day and then there was today.  We left at 5:30 this morning and got home at 6:30 this evening.  We had several appointments, another x-ray, more lab work and of course the treatment.  A big day but a lot of anxiety has been lifted from Eric's emotional bank account.  There are still many unknowns in the days ahead but we feel relieved after talking with 2 doctors today and surviving the first IV treatment.  Once again, we received the best care today and so much appreciate the doctors, nurses and staff at the Cleveland Clinic.

Eric feels pretty good this evening.  He is tired from limited sleep the past few weeks, a couple long trips to Cleveland in one week, a lot of testing and now a treatment.  He has some body aches but otherwise, feels okay.  He'll take his Sutent before bed tonight so tomorrow is another day of more unknowns.  We can't explain the relief of just having this week and today behind us.  And we're home safe and resting in front of a fire.

As far as the scans, we got some good news relative to a few spots they saw on the scans.  There are still other areas that are disease but we knew that before going today.  The mets are common with RCC but the success of Sutent is good and has given many RCC cancer victims more life then there would've been for them 5 to 10 years ago.  The Avastin has also proven to be successful so we are hopeful that the combination of the two drugs brings even more success.  We feel fortunate to be participating in the trial.  It is limited to a defined number of participants so we know that it is an opportunity that not everyone gets.  Plus, we know that we are at a clinic that offers the best in cancer care.

We want to wish everyone a Happy Easter this weekend.  We pray that your celebration is meaningful as we remember the victory we have because of our Savior, Jesus.  The ultimate price that he paid for each of us on the cross gives us hope in a journey that would be impossible to travel without our faith.  Thanks for your prayers that give us strength and courage every day.  

We'll keep in touch... God Bless.  Eric and Gwen