01/11/2020
A journey is an act of traveling from one place to another. The past 2 years have been a journey. Literally and figuratively. We have shared portions of the "travel", but much of the journey has been kept private. There has been pain (physical and mental), mountains to climb, paperwork to complete and research to read and absorb. Today, we are updating everyone on the newest portion of the walk towards remission and asking for prayers.
Months back doctors discovered a tumor in Jim's back. They aggressively began treatment with radiation. During this process we learned that the stem cell transplant from last year did not work. Basically the body rejected his stem cells and began rapidly progressing the Multiple Meyloma.
When the radiation was complete, they created a new chemo program.. last week we were once again informed that this particular treatment is not working and lesions have formed and not just his back but ribs and hips as well. A large mass was found on his hip. They will be biopsying that in the near future. In the mean time, the oncologist has to now create a new combo of medicines that will work aggressively. Our first prayer request would be that he is able to handle the chemo with NO side effects. The major concern with the new drug is that it can trigger a heart attack at time of infusion. They take HUGE precautions to prevent this, but it is definitely a concern. Prayer #2 is that the biopsy shows no new cancers and is benign. Prayer #3 is to continue to pray for all of the family, his doctors and staff, finances and the possibility of becoming part of a trial for MM. We are so appreciative of the thoughts and prayers, messages and texts you all have shared with us. With the uncertainty of all aspects of treatment, we ask for time to adjust to new norms and treatments. We will update as any major developments occur. We are thankful for each and everyone of our family, friends and Prayer warriors.😊 and ❤ The ProctErs