September 10, 2009

Today was the day...... Paula returned to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to do the larger dose of the radio immune therapy to treat her lymphoma. Paul took the day off from work to take her over and they left at the wee hours of the morning. The treatment was given throughout the day and they were able to head home at around 3:00. The doctor that was in charge of administering the treatment expressed to Paul and Paula how shocked he was that the insurance agreed to cover this treatment. Apparently, it is not typical to have this happen and he was amazed. We just look at it as another answer to many prayers. When Paul and Paula asked the doctor what he felt the outcome of the treatment would be, he stated that he felt very strongly that this would work very well on Paula with regards to her age, health and condition and that Paula's body would tolerate the treatment positively. There is not a lot of research on this drug due to its age, and thus we are not certain what to expect. The majority of the severe reactions that occur with this particular treatment happen during the beginning of the treatment (which was last week for Paula), so we are prayerful that this is the case for Paula and that there will be just minimal side effects. It is however, typical with this treatment for reactions and side effects to be more delayed and they are not really expected for 4-5 weeks. During this time the one that is the most critical is the dropping of the blood counts. From here on out, Paula's blood counts will be frequently monitored. In two months the doctors will test to see how the cancer has responded to the treatment. We are positively looking ahead with the hopes that once the tests are complete that Paula will be able to have the hip surgery. This is getting increasingly important as the pain and the mobility for her is decreasing noticeably each week. In the meantime, we are praying fervently for two things, one that the cancer is put to rest for a long, long time and secondly that Paula's hip will remain dormant in its deterioration for as long as it needs to for the cancer to be put to rest. You are all critical lifelines for us and we pray that each of you are blessed for your willingness to add Paula to your daily prayers. We continue to need and appreciate these prayers, and as Paula is so quick to respond and "To God Be the Glory!"

September 2, 2009

Today was the start of Paula's cancer treatment. She went to Moffitt at 6 a.m. on Tuesday to do the radio immune treatment. The treatment went smoothly and Paula did not have any reactions. Time will tell if her body accepts the treatment and doesn't show any signs of allergic response. Paula will be going back on Thursday and Friday to have imaging done to make sure the treatment is attacking the correct spots and battling the cancer. Then on Tuesday, September 8 she will go back for the mega-dose of the treatment. Please pray for continued acceptance of the treatment from Paula's body and for the success of the treatment. With the risk of repeating myself too many times, thank you for all the support in the many ways you show your love!