Yesterday was a really tough day, both emotionally and physically.
The CT scans showed that the cancer in Nick's lower abdominal/pelvic area has gotten larger. It is also pressing against the bladder. The scans also showed that the cancer has spread to Nick's spleen.
The part about the pressing against the bladder surprised me, but the spread to the spleen did not. That spread is likely what has been causing the fevers at night during this past month.
The oncologist decided that it was in Nick's best interest to go forward with beginning chemotherapy today. Nick was okay with that. The chemo regimen that the doctor decided on is almost exactly the same one from four years ago. The exception is the chemo that works to eradicate the EBV is not being used. The reason for that is the EBV is not a huge presence right now. It's in Nick's body, but it isn't attached to the right kinds of cells for that chemo medicine to work.
Nick is taking three chemo drugs. Two of them are IV infusions. The third one is prednisone, and Nick will be taking that at home...50 mg/two times a day for 5 days. The prednisone portion will be repeated with each IV infusion of the other chemo drugs.
For now, we will be returning to Birmingham in three weeks for the next chemo treatment. After that, the doctor wants to do CT scans again to check to see if the chemo has had any effect on the cancer.
If there hasn't been any improvement, the plan will be reviewed and changes will be discussed.
I don't even want to think about the other options right now. It's just too overwhelming.
Nick is feeling so so. The nausea is under control for the time being. I am using the theory that nausea does not need to be chased. Take care of it before it takes care of you. We came home with two medications specifically for nausea.
Nick is mainly very tired. He has spent the evening resting yesterday. He isn't up to going to school this morning. He slept well last night, but is still feeling pretty tired. If he gets to feeling better, I'll take him to school. For now though, he is camped out on the couch resting.
Kacie is hanging in there. It's really tough on her right now too.
I'm...I don't know what words to use to describe how I am. There are just too many that apply.
Please continue to pray for us all.
I can't even begin to know what to ask for in prayer requests.
In His Grip,
Kristy Baxley
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