Chemo at Huntsman

Chemo at huntsman this friday! I'm not sure words can express how grateful I am that we don't have to deal with flying this week-end and all the details that need to be worked out with kids at home while we're gone. Layne can even just come home once we're done. We can also have the rest of the week-end just be a regular week-end with all of us here.

Cancer Week

It seems like cancer week around here. Today Layne went in (to Hunstman) to have the line on his port cleaned. They haven't been able to draw from it for awhile. They've just been doing the infusions with a needle in his arm. I guess I better make sure I explain... A port is used to draw blood and also available for infusions. Liquids are able to flow both in and out. It's placed during a surgery into the chest so the line is close to the heart. One way to test if it's working is to draw blood from it. If that doesn't happen - it needs to be 'flushed'. You know if nothing comes out there's a good chance nothing will be able to go in. You don't want the chemo just sitting by your heart or something bursting because of a build up. As a result, if blood is not able to be drawn then they don't use the port for intake. The only other option is to do an I.V. needle into the arm. Layne's arms/veins have taken more than they should have by now. All of the times we've been to MD Anderson for him to get chemo he's had to do the needle in the arm routine. Even before that when he had his colonoscopy and a couple of other procedures that require liquids to be run in he hasn't been able to use the port. It's more painful, less efficient, and ends up giving the veins more wear and tear then is good for them. So, having a port that works well is a very good thing.

Back to this week's schedule...

Today he went in to do the simple procedure of having the line checked and his port cleaned. They were able to get a little bit of blood, but not enough to feel confident that intake will be effective. So, he's scheduled for a more invasive procedure tomorrow. On Wednesday he flies to Houston. Then on Thursday he will get himself to the hospital first thing in the morning for labs and a CT Scan (and I'm not sure what else). Friday is a visit to the oncologist and infusion day. Saturday a bit of recovery and Sunday back home again. Fun week, right? I'm sure you're a little jealous. Anyone want to meet us in Houston? It'll be a party.

Christmas Wish

Megan (10 year old) slipped a Christmas list under our bedroom door today. It had a Sunday Shower Schedule on the other side. I laughed when I saw it because that is so her. She loves to organize and make lists and schedules.
The Christmas wish list was for the whole family. She listed each person and wrote something that she thinks they would wish for this year. I might share the others elsewhere - but, for Layne she wrote, 'Dad to be there'. I was touched. I think that's what we all want this year. We want Dad to be around for Christmas.

Upcoming Week

Layne heads out again this Wednesday. He'll have some tests done on Thursday. They'll do some labs and a CT Scan. That'll give an idea of how the tumors are doing. If they are getting bigger he might be done with the study. I will join him on Friday when he'll be getting an infusion (chemo).
I think this time we might have non-stop flights. We had to mix it up a little. It'll be kind of nice to be done in one flight. I guess we better make sure we get good seats.:}
I can't remember if the Franklins (the couple we've stayed with) will be there are not when we get there. I think they said something about being gone during part of November.
It seems the legions (originally thought to be skin cancer by the oncologist in Houston) on his head are under control. He's taking something orally and also has topical treatment. The bumps that were on his back and chest seem to be about the same.