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.

Current Happenings

This blog has been neglected. It seems like there's so much to say and much of it needs background in order to make sense. I have some things jotted down in drafts - but, haven't edited/posted yet.
Currently, Layne is going to head to Houston this week to start a clinical trial at MD Anderson. We have had issues with insurance that are still being worked on. The team there and at Huntsman are trying to see what other details can be worked out in order to have our health insurance cover as much as possible. That being said, we will still reach our deductible and out of pocket maximums for this year. (We get to start all over again in January.) There are obviously also some travel costs associated with what we're doing. Layne will be there by himself at first and I will join him in time to be there after the infusion. He will probably need some care afterwards. We'll see how it goes and assess needs for future infusions as we go.
Layne feels good about the study scientifically. So, that helps. We'll see how long things last. After the first three infusions being done at MD Anderson he'll be able to switch off every other one with Huntsman. The only thing better would be to have all of the infusions taken care of here in the area instead of traveling. But, at least we can be grateful for an option.
We'll still being doing our usual 'learning' with the kids. They will be hanging out with relatives while we're both gone.
We are so grateful for the continued thoughts and prayers that come our way. Thank you. We have so many people offering to help and we appreciate it.