Round 11 Progress

Loved Ones,

It was a very long day at chemo today. Ray's platelets were high enough to proceed, for which we were very grateful. Due to some of the side effects, the doctor decided to reduce the dose of oxaliplatin, one of Ray's chemo medications. We are relieved that she did as when the chemo began, Ray had an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Ray is ok. We are told that allergic reactions are fairly common and that they come in the later rounds as the toxicity builds up in the body. Common they may be, but nonetheless, serious and scary! Ray did absolutely great and they were able to treat him with steroids and antihistimines and the reaction resolved.

They gave Ray some time to rest and then began the other chemo medication as planned, so Ray brought home his chemo bag today as usual.

Given the already long wait, it was one of our longest days at chemo ever. It was wonderful though, to arrive home to a hot meal from our neighbor! This was quickly devoured!

The allergic reaction is likely to mean a change in the chemo regime which the doctor will discuss with us at the 12th round on December 1.

We await the news of the tumor marker tests that were taken today. One of Ray's liver numbers has been on the rise as of late, but the others have held steady. We are not sure how to interpret those numbers as they can be due to the chemo or many other factors. Ray's scan on the 24th will offer clear guidance as to his progress. Those results will come on December 1st as well.

So December 1st will be a big day and we are praying for all those things tonight.

We were never so grateful for your prayers as today.

"O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name." Psalm 30:2-4

not alone and not afraid --
kristin and ray