Update on DH
 

Arnie had a new set of CT scans done, then we saw his oncologist. There is one nodule that has grown from 4 mm to 11 mm--triple in size. The oncologist recommended waiting two weeks, and then having another CT done.

Arnie told him that we wanted a second opinion. So, this week we got in to see a renal oncologist at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He said basically what the other one did, but said he would rather start chemo as soon as possible.

Arnie has to have laser surgery on his eyes in two weeks, then after that he will begin chemo. The name of the drug is Sutent or Sunitinib. These are pills that he will take for four weeks, then have a two week break.

The bad news is that this type of cancer isn't curable, only manageable for a period of time. There are side effects, and if they get too bad then they can reduce the dosage. If Arnie decides that he doesn't want to spend the rest of his life on chemo, he will stop the meds. I am behind him 100%. I love him and certainly don't want him to die, but I also respect his judgement.

Just wanted to keep you updated.

I hate the word incurable. :mad: Only God knows that for sure.

I will pray that Arnie lives the rest of his life, however long God chooses that to be, as strong, happy and as pain free as he can.:hug:

My best wishes for you too, Maryann.:hug:

Sweetie I cannot imagine what you guys are going through. I can only offer prayers and good wishes.

I was thinking about you today as I went on the Tysabri thread wondering why you haven't been posting there. Then I saw the DH update ...:hug:
Sending a prayer as I type for you and your DH. My heart goes out to both of you.
Linda

hugs and prayers sweetie. :hug:

sending prayers and good thoughts your way.:hug:

Awww, nuts, Azoyizes. I'm so sorry for the bad news. :(

The good news is that Arnie is well enough to participate in his treatment decisions, and that you are a great supporter. :hug:

Please give him some hugs from Twink, will you? :hug::hug::hug:

Hugs and prayers going out for both of you. :hug: :hug:

Good thoughts and hugs to you.

:hug: So sorry for your bad news. I'm glad your DH has the strength from you to help him through this. You both will be in my thoughts. :hug:

"Managable." Isn't that what everyday life consist of? Managable beats the alternative......right now anyway. I fully understand his position and limited options. Medicine and doctors are like watching an awesome trailer for a new movie, going and it falls short in so many areas. The impression and front are really good and promising but the reality and results are completely different.

I relate 100% to his position. "BUT!" I have yet to find a blue ink stamp on the bottom of my foot with an expiration date.

You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

Maryann I was wondering where you were. I must have missed his illness thread, I think. I am sorry to hear about his cancer. I hope the treatment helps, with little to no side effects.:) We can only hope so.

My prayers are for both of you during these hard times. I understand standing by your man and his decision to treat or stop when he is too miserable and in pain, with no hope in sight. It is his right. He has the control button. We know you love and care fore him.:hug:

Thank you for the update.

I'm so sorry, Maryanne. My thoughts and prayers will be with both you and DH. Take care of yourself.

i'm very sorry to hear the news about arnie's cancer.
i hope the drug will help him stay on this earth a bit longer.

i can't imagine how hard this time must be.
hugs and prayers for you both.

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

(((Maryann)))
Holding you both in my heart...:hug:

Oh Maryann. This is hard to hear, life is such a gift. I hope you two are making the most of every moment in the present. Tomorrow will do what it does. Give Arnie a hug and kiss today. :hug: Cyn

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I hope it is manageable and I hope he tolerates the treatments. I will add another hope, too. I hope that while he is on the treatment, that someone comes up with a cure!

My FIL had leukemia (CML) and was kept stable for long period of time, but like your DH was told that it was only manageable and not curable. He was also told that despite the meds, he could get into a crisis where he would not survive. He did get into such a crisis and they had to give him really aggressive chemo just to save him, but just as he was coming off that, a new drug was approved by the FDA called Gleevac (sp??) which pretty much ended the leukemia for him.

If he hadn't also had prostate cancer which spread, I'm sure he would still be alive taking his magic pill. When he was dx'd with the prostate cancer, they told him he would die from the leukemia before the prostate cancer got him. He lived with both for probably 8 years. Just goes to show that even the docs don't know what is just around the corner that can change everything.

Well, crap, MaryAnn. :( Sorry to be so late, I fell off the planet for a bit here.

I'm with Sal and I'm praying for peace and comfort for both you & Arnie.