whistle while you wait...

neither of us can whistle, but some days i sure wish i could. we waited to see dr. wheeler this week, and though it wasn't as long a wait as some weeks have been, it still was a little while. i try to 'jinx' us, by waiting a bit to get the laptop out to work, knowing that as soon as i get everything plugged in and loaded they will call us back. it didn't work as quickly this time (so i did get a few more disney photos ready for the upcoming slideshow!) but it wasn't 4 hours of waiting. hallelujah!

we first met with a dr. that james had seen on his first visit. i guess he is the one with the really good information, because he explained a lot to us in very simple terms. as he looked over the rash he commented 'it must be working'. i asked him if they say that just to make the patient feel better, or if there is truth in the statement. he explained that there definitely is a connection between the treatment working and the evidence of the rash. the chemo treatments are targeting cells, and killing them. of course they are targeting tumor cells, but if the chemo is killing skin cells, causing the extreme rash, it is most likely killing the tumor cells as well... that should have an exclamation point... it is most likely killing tumor cells!!!!

so, though it is horrible to endure, the rash is a good thing. it is spreading all over his legs and arms and is bigger and more red in these new parts. the simplest of things, like his t-shirt rubbing his chest, or the edge of his socks rubbing his legs, are all becoming painful. we talked about wrapping some of the big parts up, with some ace bandages, and the word 'leprosy' came up...those people probably wrapped themselves up to make the itching less bothersome... we haven't tried it yet, but just might.

so after this dr. gave us the explanation they took more photos of the rash. it was suggested that he not get the treatment for one week, to let the severity of the rash die down a little. the other dr. and coordinator all agreed.

so james did not get his scheduled treatment this week.

he is very relieved in thinking how this week might be better, without new drugs making the rash increase. he will only have to endure what is there now, not adding anything new... we hope. it seems crazy, and a little waste of time and money, to go all the way there just to be told they would skip the treatment. but, we needed the dr. to see him to be able to allow him to take the break.

this means that his cycle #2 starts next week. four more weeks of treatment and then one more week for a series of pet scans and mri's. that puts us into the second week of march, one week before the family ski trip we are looking foward to. 5 more weeks... i am tired just thinking of it.

so, i will get back on the care calendar and add some new things for the weeks in march we'll be gone. it has been amazing to have so much help, even though the kids were sick and many of you didn't have to come over for your time. i so appreciate your willingness and flexibility.

we will continue to fly southwest, because the flight and the seats are very comfortable. we have only one more week lined up for tickets, but many people have chipped in to provide for us to be able to purchase more tickets. i can't say enough what a huge blessing our community of friends and family have been.

let's all continue to pray that the treatments will work, and that God would grant James endurance with the rash, hope for some daily relief, and peace that he is in the best Hands possible.

we love you guys!
enjoy a fun family photo from florida... thanks marjorie for capturing this one for us!