The Journey continues on... and on... and on...

So many of you have reminded me that you often check the blog looking for an update. I haven't been real faithful in updating the blog and I guess that's because we just keep moving from day to day not really thinking that much has changed. Maybe it's become so normal that is doesn't cross my mind to update the blog. Or maybe I just can't remember to do it because I'm forgetful. I guess it doesn't really matter and I should just go on with an update.

Eric finished the first prescription of Afinitor late last week and immediately started the second prescription. There isn't a planned break with this drug. If necessary, due to severe side effects, it can be stopped but that isn't the preferred treatment plan. Compared with Sutent, this drug has been easier for Eric to take. There are side effects that continue to make each day a challenge but they aren't as severe as Sutent side effects. He can still taste food and for that he is grateful. He is tired and that seems to be a common side effect for both drugs. He has some mouth sores with Afinitor like he did with Sutent. Other side effects seem to come and go but all in all Eric calls this a "cake walk" compared to Sutent.

The bigger concern and daily struggle right now is the pain in his lower back and legs. He is on pain relievers constantly because letting that pain get out of control allows the pain to get so severe that he gets sick from it. That is the best way to explain how bad the pain is. The assumption is that the pain is coming from a cancer infested lymph node at the base of his spine. When the Sutent stopped working, this lymph node grew in size and now puts pressure on his spine. The hope is that the Afinitor reduces the size of the lymph node and that the pain will subside but there isn't any guarantee that this will happen. Eric is learning what activities cause the pain to become severe and we are beginning to understand his limitations.

Eric continues to go to work but is coming home early more often. He works very hard at supporting the kids and their activities. It isn't always easy finding the physical energy to do so but he continues to stay positive and his positive attitude comes shining through the toughest of days. This is not an easy journey. Eric is making it day by day because of the prayerful support and love of family and friends. God is faithful and every night when he lays down to sleep he says "praise God from whom all blessings flow". I don't know that anyone can be prepared for this journey. It takes so much "normal" from Eric's life. There is a lot of chair time and if you know Eric at all, this is far from normal. He never sat in one place very long before and that can be very frustrating for him.

Thanks to those who reminded me to blog again. The next appointment in Cleveland is Tuesday, June 29th. Until then, he will continue with the Afinitor treatment and a scan will determine if he continues Afinitor or switches to a different drug. I think the fact that puts this all in perspective is that Eric will be on treatment for the rest of his life. This cancer will not go away without a miracle. Cancer drugs will be normal for the rest of his life. We ask that you pray that Eric has strength for each day as he deals with the pain and the side effects.

Love to all... Eric, Gwen, Emily and Adam