Today we had a chance to go to the Cancer Learning Center at Huntsman...glad we did. We've been trying to piece things together the last couple of days. I feel like it helped. It was great to actually talk with someone too. We'll see what happens when the 'Tumor Team' meets on Tuesday.
The boys also left on a backpacking trip with the scouts. Layne was a bit nervous for Jonny...considering the pack he will be carrying is 1/3 his weight...and doesn't even have much in it. I'm not sure what happened once they got there and put food and other supplies in the pack. Poor guy. He was positive about it today - but, he has previously stated being nervous about carrying all of that weight. The reason I mention all of that is because at one point Layne suggested that he go on the trip with them so he could carry some of the supplies in his pack. I thought he was joking so I laughed and said something to the effect of, 'Says the guy who just had surgery and isn't supposed to be lifting anything.'. He looked as if he had forgotten all of that for a moment. It really is hard not to help when you think you're capable of doing so. We need him getting better from his surgery, not helping out the scouts.
To finish off the day, Layne and the girls are sleeping in the tent in the backyard. The girls are thrilled. They even get to use their 'Princess' sleeping bags.
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Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Muci What?
We went to the oncologist on Tuesday. We were told (among other things) that Layne has a rare form of cancer that's mucinous (has mucus texture). It seems that means that it's more aggressive. That translates to harder to treat and less chance of survival. We think. As you can probably guess...we don't really know anything.
Layne was scheduled to start chemo next week. He's not sure about treating his form of cancer with the 'classic' chemo. So, he's been doing research...as much as possible. He wants to know options. We were a bit surprised to think that the chemo they offered was pretty much the only option given. We have been exceptionally pleased that he's at Huntsman. We were thinking they would have offered something that was more specific to what he has. They don't offer anything because there hasn't been enough success with any one treatment route. So, here we are. It would be nice if success had reigned and we were heading into something promising. But, not sure we can really say that and mean it. Although, I'm sure everyone has heard that nothing is promised when it comes to chemo.
Another thing we did hear was that survival at 5 years is about 20%...instead of the 8% we read about in an old study. We were hoping things were a little better and they are. So, that's a happy thing.
Layne was scheduled to start chemo next week. He's not sure about treating his form of cancer with the 'classic' chemo. So, he's been doing research...as much as possible. He wants to know options. We were a bit surprised to think that the chemo they offered was pretty much the only option given. We have been exceptionally pleased that he's at Huntsman. We were thinking they would have offered something that was more specific to what he has. They don't offer anything because there hasn't been enough success with any one treatment route. So, here we are. It would be nice if success had reigned and we were heading into something promising. But, not sure we can really say that and mean it. Although, I'm sure everyone has heard that nothing is promised when it comes to chemo.
Another thing we did hear was that survival at 5 years is about 20%...instead of the 8% we read about in an old study. We were hoping things were a little better and they are. So, that's a happy thing.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Family and Ward Fast
We've had so many people ask what they can do to help. We've been trying to do better about answering the question instead of just deflecting it. So, those of you who will be fasting this Sunday anyway...will you consider fasting with us, our families and our ward?
We want to be sure that the treatment Layne receives is what will be best for him and his specific type of cancer. There is a group that will meet on Tuesday. They're dubbed the 'Tumor Team' and will be discussing specifics about Layne, his case and the best course of action. Our fast will be that they will be inspired/prompted to know what will be best for Layne.
We are so grateful for all of the support we have received. We can truly 'feel the vibes' of all the prayers in our behalf. Thank you!
We want to be sure that the treatment Layne receives is what will be best for him and his specific type of cancer. There is a group that will meet on Tuesday. They're dubbed the 'Tumor Team' and will be discussing specifics about Layne, his case and the best course of action. Our fast will be that they will be inspired/prompted to know what will be best for Layne.
We are so grateful for all of the support we have received. We can truly 'feel the vibes' of all the prayers in our behalf. Thank you!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Life as Usual
Life is a little different at our house lately. Our husband/father has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. This blog is about that...and, the fact that we still have plenty of life as usual moments.
'No Kung Fu in the kitchen, please.' is a direct quote from me when one of our daughters came in doing 'kung fu' (Kung Fu Panda style) when asked to come and help prepare lunch. My husband laughed and said it would be a great name for a blog...in hopes that I would change the name of our family blog I started years ago (and haven't updated for years either). I was already thinking to start this blog, so...there you have it.
I'm hoping to use this blog to keep family and friends updated on the cancer scenario. We had so many of the same questions asked of us at the beginning, that I decided it would be great to have everyone on the same page. I'm also hoping to give a glimpse into what we are thinking and feeling about it...not just when the next appointment is scheduled.
'No Kung Fu in the kitchen, please.' is a direct quote from me when one of our daughters came in doing 'kung fu' (Kung Fu Panda style) when asked to come and help prepare lunch. My husband laughed and said it would be a great name for a blog...in hopes that I would change the name of our family blog I started years ago (and haven't updated for years either). I was already thinking to start this blog, so...there you have it.
I'm hoping to use this blog to keep family and friends updated on the cancer scenario. We had so many of the same questions asked of us at the beginning, that I decided it would be great to have everyone on the same page. I'm also hoping to give a glimpse into what we are thinking and feeling about it...not just when the next appointment is scheduled.
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