Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Houston Update!

We are home!!! Thank you Lord!! First let me start out by saying Alan's report was pretty good, well actually, it was great considering what I thought we were going to hear. I'm going to break this post into sections. I think it will be easier to follow. Before I get started, I just want to thank our wonderful friends, family and community for your prayers and love. Thank you all for everything you have done and are doing for us.

Traveling South
Our trip south was not good. It rained pretty much the whole way. Just when we thought we were out of it, the bottom would fall out again. At times it was hard to see the car in front of you. Alan was able to sleep most of the trip down. I felt like his personal ambulance service. He had a pretty comfy bed in the back, but it was still a rough ride for him. We made it to Houston, called in dinner, ate, went to bed!!

Alan's Scans
Alan had an MRI and CT done Monday. It was a long day of waiting, but again, he handled it like a trooper. I think the MRI was pretty hard on him. We finished up with the scans, grabbed a bite to eat from the near deli and Alan went back to the car to lay down. His dad stayed with him, while his mom and I went and waited in the Dr. office for his appointment. Nothing is close at this place. You have to park in the parking garage, and then walk pretty far to get to Amato's office. Everything is inside and all of the buildings are attached, but it's all very spaced out. Anyway, when it was Alan's turn, we called him and his dad for them to come up. It worked out pretty good b/c Alan was able to rest. I think we waited another 45 minutes in the exam room before we actually saw Amato. Very long wait!! ughhhh

The Report
First I want to start with there is no new cancer! That was a major blessing!! I was expecting some pretty bad news because of how this last month has been. I can't even explain the relief I felt, but still on guard. That's just me. Many of the spots in Alan's lungs have decreased in size, so that was also very good news. The bad part about Alan's lungs is that they are full of inflammation and look pretty bad. Dr. Amato says this is from his chemo, so he will be off his chemo for 2 weeks starting today. Hopefully this will clear them up. The inflammation is also the reason for the low grade fever and shortness of breath Alan has been dealing with.

Alan's Back
The tumor in Alan's back has not changed any. Yes, we wanted something, but that something is that at least it didn't grow. The tumor has just taken over so much of the bone and of course, that is the reason for all of Alan's pain and for him not being able to walk. Although, he is getting around pretty good with the walker still. Dr. Amato talked to us about Alan having back surgery sometime during the beginning of next year. I guess the plan is to wait and see how much the tumor in his back is going to change and then they, Dr. Amato and the Neurosurgeon, will go in and put a rod in Alan's back for support and pain relief. The bone is a weight bearing bone that the cancer is in. For now, the pain meds are just going to have to be the relief. Dr. Doshi, another oncologist we see in Amato's office, changed up Alan's pain meds again, and let me tell you, he is doing so much better. He rode home most of the way today in the front seat. What a major change from our trip down. Update...I think Alan wishes he would not have ridden up front so long yesterday. He said this morning it felt like someone beat him all over his body!! Ughhh

Alan's parents went with us this time and what a big help they were and it was just nice to have some family with us. I was also glad they were able to meet Dr. Amato and his staff.

I guess for now that is it. If I think of something later, I'll add it in another post. We go back to Houston November 30th for the same process...minus the MRI...I hope for Alan's sake. It was pretty bad. I get on my soapbox usually at the end of my post, so I won't this time...mainly I'm just really tired, but...God is Great and always believe in prayer and the power that it has. Look at us...our family...everything we are experiencing and going through right now. It's for a reason, and that reason might be to bring someone reading this very blog closer to God. If it's just for that one person or many, so be it. Well, so much for not getting on my soapbox.

We love you all and thank you for everything!! I'm going to bed!! I wonder how many words I spelled wrong or left out!! HA I'm sure my "special friend" I work with will let me know tomorrow, hehe. I'm not naming names, but she knows who she is.

6 comments:

Summer Crow said...

Melissa, that is wonderful news. I have been anxiously waiting for you to post so that I could see how his appointment went. I will continue to pray for you guys and his improvement!

The Sullivan Four said...

I'm so glad to hear this good news...especially that Alan's pain situation has improved! Y'all keep hanging in there...God has good things in store...and we will continue to pray!

Jenny Sipes said...

Melissa that is great news!!! I think about yall and pray for yall each and every day! We love yall!!

RADstitches said...

I don't see how you remember everything to even repeat it!!!! You do good on your reports! Glad it was better news than you expected! BTW how many words did Kami.. I mean your co-worker find! LOL

Beth said...

Love you guys Love you guys and love you guys!!!! I'm praying and praying and praying that God showers you guys with strength and courage!!! [[{HUGS}}}

Crystal Sivils said...

Melissa, I read your post from time to time and find them so inspirational. You and your family have so much love and faith in God during such a hard time. I am so glad your husband recieved good news. I will continue to pray for your family. You were right when you said you never know when someone might read your post and bring them closer to God. I really don't know you well, but it sure makes me want to be a better Christian. Thanks