March 24, Chemo #11

Hello. Mark is hooked up to round #11. He did well during the long infusion at the hospital today, but quickly went downhill once we got home. He has been very nauseated this time with dry heaves. I finally got him to try some toast and gatorade this evening. We'll keep our fingers crossed that it stays down.

We had a good visit with Dr. Farmer. She is pleased at the way Mark looks. He has maintained his weight and has actually gained since starting chemo. His neuropathy is progressing though and we're not sure how much longer he'll be able to handle this regimen. Most people stop after 12 cycles due to the neuropathy, but Dr. Farmer has one patient who is on round #36 and is still doing okay. Mark's fingers are starting to hurt with just buttoning shirts. He had a hard time helping the boys put on their Easter ties. He also has a hard time in the shower now because we have ceramic tile which hurts his feet. I have carpeted all that I can in the bathroom where Mark stands with soft throw rugs and he lays down towels in the morning to help him walk across the bathroom floor. Mark's CEA number was a little higher today. It went up to 4.4. It was 29 at it's highest and down to 3.0 at it's lowest and 3.4 at the last check. Normal is less than 3. We will continue to watch this, but Dr. Farmer wasn't so concerned since it was only a small bump. We'll watch the bigger trend.

Our trip to Pittsburgh is in a little over a week now. We pray that Dr. Bartlett will see Mark's case as an opportunity to show off his stuff. We will have to stop some of Mark's chemo 4 weeks before surgery, so if Dr. Bartlett says yes, nothing will happen quickly. Dr. Farmer did agree that if Dr. Bartlett does not do surgery on Mark for whatever reason, that we still need to get the primary tumor out and we'll be planning that during the summer in Birmingham.

Mark will be due for a repeat CT after treatment #12. We're praying for shrinkage of tumor this time.

Today was very hectic with Mark's treatment and the boys going back to school. We had to find time for homework, baseball practice, Emily's swimming lessons and dinner. I really did enjoy spring break with the easier schedules.

Continue to keep Mark in your prayers. I will try to keep this updated as often as I can. God bless you all!!!