Thursday, May 28, 2009

Alan's New Treatment!

As of this morning, Alan has started his new chemo treatment. The medicine is called Afinitor, but it also goes by the name "RAD". It is a mTOR inhibitor, so they say it works a little different than the Sutent...different pathways to fight the cancer. Like I said previously, he will have to watch his diet mostly with the red meat, some dairy and apparently shellfish...no fried foods! He will also be doing the pulmonary function test monthly and cholesterol test monthly and sending in blood work weekly. We are still not sure about the side effects, some they mentioned were shortness of breath, fatigue, chemical pneumonia. I'm not sure about the hair loss. Really we just don't know, so it's a wait and see thing. It's pretty funny at the moment b/c his hair is coming back almost black. He never lost his hair, but it did turn white. His mustache and gote are coming back red, but the hair on his head looks to be black...weird. He has been off the Sutent for about 6 weeks now. So, here we go...the new chapter begins.

It's time for me to vent...I don't do this much b/c I have complete faith in our good Lord, but I'm tired of this. I'm tired of Alan being down, I'm tired of fighting with cancer for almost a year now, I'm tired of having to leave my kids to go to Houston (even though they are in the best hands and we are going to the best place), I'm sad that the Sutent didn't work. Do you know how it feels to think you are completely on the right path and then be told it's not working. You really just think in your heart it's working and that's it.. I'm tired of putting my guard down...that won't happen again. So obviously, I'm tired of alot of things and I'm sure I could go on, but I'm not...I think that's enough.

We love you all so much and even though I've vented to my blogging world, I'm going to get through this...we all are. You know, you just have to vent every once in a while. I have no idea who all reads this, but if you have been in my situation, then you know what I'm talking about. It's hard, no matter the circumstances...it's hard. Please Lord, heal Alan. We do not know your plans for him, but we pray it is complete healing.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and love. I also want to thank many dear friends and family friends for your support with the jewelry show. You know who you are and you know what I mean. You have no idea how much that meant to Alan and I!!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Melissa,
Everyone has to vent or we would explode, I think. We are with you all the way. Prayers continue to go up for you and Alan. God is good all the time...all the time God is good. Tell Alan we are going to Keith's for the weekend. Austin turned 6 yesterday. We are having a party on Sunday afternoon for him. Love you all.

Mrs. Sandra & Mr. Royce

Tambrey said...

Oh Melissa! Your faith is just amazing. I have to say that you have every right to vent. That is how we HEAL. God wants us to get it all out! The good, the bad and the ugly. Your testiment to Christ and your devotion to Alan is so breathtaking. I don't know if I could do it! I think you are just amazing! Hang in there!

Pennington Posts said...

The sad thing is that you actually have something to Vent about. Most often we find ourselves whining and fussing over trivial stuff, the stuff that doesn't even matter. It puts things into perspective when you see those who are dealing with stuff that is out of their hands. But that is when we draw nearer to God. We learn to trust in the ONE AND ONLY. My prayer is that you continue to feel his comfort while he walks beside you during all this.
We love you and continue to lift you guys up.
Love and prayers,
Susan

Ellie said...

We will continue to pray, and believe that this is the treatment that God has in store for Alan, so that others will benefit as well. You and Alan show everyone a love and faith everywhere you go, so if you feel you need to vent then there is nothing wrong with that. We can all listen and be there if you need a shoulder! And God can take it too! He knows your heart and that we just "got scream" a little some days...
We love you guys and are praying for you.
Ellie & Paul

Ellie said...

We will continue to pray, and believe that this is the treatment that God has in store for Alan, so that others will benefit as well. You and Alan show everyone a love and faith everywhere you go, so if you feel you need to vent then there is nothing wrong with that. We can all listen and be there if you need a shoulder! And God can take it too! He knows your heart and that we just "got scream" a little some days...
We love you guys and are praying for you.
Ellie & Paul

Beth said...

You are so beautiful! Your strength is amazing!!! I'm so sorry you guys are suffering the way you are. I pray that God will just heal your precious husband. Alan is an amazing man! Jim and I pray for you guys often. We admire your perserverance! Keep the faith! And know that we love you and hold you close in our prayers!!! God Bless You both and your beautiful children.
Love you!