It has been a much better week for Jon. Acupunture on Tuesday seemed to work miracles for the respiratory infection he had been fighting. The zpack, supplements, rest, and time probably were also contributing factors. He was able to do most of his normal activities, including 3 weight workouts so he's a happy guy. Staci has been visiting this week and Jon even joined us dancing Friday night...of course he did bring a blanket and pillow to sleep in the car once he ran out of steam :)
We had a visit with Dr. Chu on Tuesday who gave us more information about the remainder of Jon's treatment. His last chemo for this cycle will be March 20. He will have a CT scan shortly thereafter. On March 21 he will start on Tarceva, an oral chemotherapy for two weeks. (sidenote: Tarceva will cost $1900 for two weeks, our insurance covers $400 of it. We are thankful its two weeks and not two months!!)In early April he will start his second round of chemotherapy with a different "cocktail". This combination is designed to kill any microcancer cells so his cancer does not return. That cycle should last another 12 weeks so we will be at this until June.
We were a little disappointed to discover that, even if his CT is normal, he will need to do another round of intravenous chemo. However, being the goal oriented people that we are, it is helpful to know what to expect over the next couple months. We are optimistically anticipating the CT results and expect to be backpacking by August.
Through this process Jon remains the most remarkable person I have ever known. His positive mental attitude, self-discipline, strength, and dedication are astounding. He has even managed to hold onto his sense of humor. When Dr. Chu was examining him with a student from UW Medical School, Jon told the student how fortunate he was to study with a legend like Dr. Chu....told them both the Dr. Chu was the "Johnny Cash of Oncology"!
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Very nicely stated, Doc! Well written. Dad is amazing. But, let us remember this is a man who, according to traditional medicine, should've perished in early January. So what's another round of intravenous chemo when you get to see the Spring come, the flowers blooming, another birthday...
Today, a man with a counterfeit $20 bill who was being interviewed asked if I'd ever had my handwriting analyzed. (He wasn't even my detainee...I just happened to be in the room typing a report at the time.) Anyway, he said to write on a piece of paper, "This is a sample of my handwriting." So I did, as 3 curious officers & I looked on. He asked right away if someone close to me had recently died or was very sick. I almost started crying on the spot. I said, "Yes, my dad has cancer really bad." He just nodded. So, wow, I even worry about Dad in my handwriting! Any points in the daughter book for that?
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