2 Week Break

Eric survived the 28 day cycle and is in the 2 week break. 28 days is a LONG time. With the exception of 3 days off the medication, he was able to make it through with no major set backs this time. The blood pressure issues from the previous cycle were controlled with the extra medication for BP and thyroid so that was a relief this time. The mouth sores are the worse side effect for Eric. We were concerned that he might require some oral surgery this time but were relieved yesterday when the oral surgeon took care of the problem in his office immediately. Otherwise this 2 weeks would have involved healing from that procedure and then right back on the Sutent. So, we continue to thank God for His faithfulness.

Eric looks so forward to eating and tasting what he eats. He constantly talks about a big juicy steak and lobster. I think that we'll probably have a couple of dates during the break. Quite honestly, I'm looking forward to them as well!!! Eric worked almost every day full time and I give him so much credit. He wants life to be as normal as possible even when the mediation takes everything out of him. Considering that he takes the maximum dosage available, he is doing awesome. We don't have our next appointment scheduled for Cleveland yet. We think that it will be at the end of the next 28 day treatment period. They are waiting to hear about the healing of the mouth soars before they will give him the go ahead to start again. We don't think there should be a delay but then we quickly remind ourselves that it is a day at a time and we will know when we know. It amazes me how personal Cleveland is with us. When I think of all the patients they see in a day, we still know that they are always a phone call away with immediate answers and recommendations.

I know that several of you check the blog for updates and I wanted to post one now that Eric is through another cycle successfully. As they say... "no news is good news" and no blog means that we're making it a day at a time. Summer is almost over already... hard to believe. Emily had her 17th birthday in July and Adam turned 12 this week. In just a few weeks, a year will have passed since this all started. Eric keeps up with an on-line kidney cancer group. He tells me stories of others struggling with this disease and we know that not everyone makes it a year. We feel blessed and thank God that he has given us another year since the diagnosis. We know that it could have gone a lot different and know of others who are facing the disease with a different outlook right now. The Sutent isn't easy for Eric but he knows it means life and that's the reality of it all. There are new drugs in the news every day and that gives hope. Praise God for His love and for hope. He is good ALL the time.

Thanks to all for the continued prayers and support.

Eric and Gwen