Starting a New Drug Votrient

I wanted to follow up on the last blog to let everyone know that Eric started another drug Friday. It works like the first drug that he took which was Sutent. There are times when we are encouraged that the 15 radiation treatments relieved some pain and swelling. And now 2 weeks after finishing that therapy, we are hopeful that this new drug will control the cancer that has progressed. Eric continues to spend most of his time in the chair due to one condition or another. He tries to ride the exercise bike when he can and also do some other exercises to rebuild the muscle mass that he has loss. He has read up on the side effects of Votrient and they are similar to Sutent side effects but supposedly not as bad which is encouraging. With the pain medicines, there are side effects and so combining those with the cancer drug with the radiation it is always a guessing game to understand all of it. However, Eric remains remarkably strong and courageous through it all. We are praying that the radiation along with this new drug therapy will bless him with a refreshed quality of life for the warm weather ahead.

The kids and I continue to run around like crazy people keeping up with everything else going on. I can't believe that Emily is finishing up her Senior year and getting ready for graduation. Adam started playing guitar at Christmas and has taught himself to play. I know I'm his mom but I personally think he is a very talented young man. Emily has a lead in the AHS Spring Musical this year as well. We are so proud of both of them. Even in the midst of our situation, they are remaining strong and able to find things to keep them busy. Days aren't always easy but we have so much to bring joy and happiness to our lives. It is all of these things that remind us of God's presence in our lives. Even in the midst of suffering, we can experience the hope that comes because of our faith in God and Jesus our Savior.

We have prayed for healing from cancer for Eric. God has blessed us with good doctors, and the latest medicines and treatments to treat this disease to increase his days with us here on earth. This journey continues to teach us what is most important in our lives. It is just impossible to explain how each day goes for us. There are no words that can say it. The only words that we can say to all of you is THANK YOU!! We thank you for your prayers, cards and loving words of encouragement. They are so important to us and we know that they help us get up in the morning to look forward to what God has planned and they help us close our eyes at night knowing that HE has blessed us with another day together. Eric and Gwen