Sunday, November 15, 2020

Chuck Update - Adding a Second Medication

Did you know there are a lot of different doctors when dealing with cancer? There's the Skin Oncologist and the Surgical Oncologist and the Medical Oncologist... I had no idea we'd be seeing so many different people on this journey. They all talk to each other and share information and updates, and sometimes it's hard to keep them all straight.

We met with the Skin Oncologist last week and have decided to add a second medication to Chuck's treatment. The original medication has stopped the growth of the cancer but it's not shrinking it.  

The Medical Oncologist said Chuck could live with this (continuing with the original treatment) for many years but also said he was a good candidate for this new treatment. Chuck said he didn't want to live with cancer for many years, he wants it gone.

So now Chuck will go in every 6 weeks for the infusion and every 2 weeks for an injection that will go directly into the tumor. So far with just the infusions he hasn't had any side affects and he feels really good. I'm concerned that adding the second medication will cause side affects and change his quality of life. Right now the doctor is checking to make sure our insurance will pay for it and once he finds out, then Chuck will start getting the injections.

They also did a biopsy on one of the areas to see if the cancer is still there or if it's just leftover pigment. We're hoping for pigment!

Would you pray with me that adding this second medication doesn't cause any side affects? It needs to kill the cancer while allowing Chuck to go on living like he has been. Thank you!

11 comments:

Susan said...

Praying for the cancer to be gone and no side effects from the treatment.

Stacy said...

Definitely praying over the situation. I went down the cancer road with my dad years ago and with my stepdad six years ago. There have been major advancements in treatment from back 25 years ago to now and I am always amazed. I'm praying God puts just the right combination of treatments in play, that quality of life remains good, and the cancer is defeated. Also for you as you support Chuck.

Regina said...

Praying here that the cancer is " outta here" and definitely so side effects. Hang in there both of you!

ellen b. said...

Agreeing with you in prayer for these requests...

Terri D said...

Count on my prayers!! Do please keep us posted!

Rebecca Jo said...

Adding to the prayer list right now!!!!!
I did know that about different specialists ... I had to go to the Gynecological oncologist for a bit - & say that 3 times fast - a tongue twister. I like there are people that focus on one area. I'm sure medicine changes so quickly in these fields.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Definitely praying now for this 2nd treatment to be approved and that it won't cause any side effects. Praying it will stop the growth of the tumor and totally eradicate it. Our God is able and we will trust in Him to give the doctors wisdom.

Jeanie said...

Of course you have prayers for this -- and all good wishes and hopes for success.

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com said...

Stopping to pray for all good things in Chuck's treatment and recovery. So hard to know what to do when cancer treatments can be so hard on a body. Hopefully this second drug is a like magic and whisks away the disease while allowing your husband to maintain good quality of life. Keep us posted. Be sure to allow yourself some grace, a nap, bubbly bath, pedicure.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Definitely praying for Chuck and that the new medication works and that the biopsy is good.

Anonymous said...

Praying