Chemo #2 Round 2

Dad had an extra week off last week to give him one more week of recovery before starting back on the chemo treatment today. Of course he was starting to feel a little better and eat a little more just in time to start the next round! We are certainly praying around here that this time goes a little smoother than last time. Pray that the fluids will help him to keep his blood pressure up and that he tolerates the chemo well, all while it is doing its work. Our goal here is to make those cancer cells sick and kill off as many as we can before determining what the next fighting step will be. He is getting the same meds as last time although I think they backed off just a little on the dosage because it hit him so hard last time. They added two new drugs to the scene today as well. He is now getting XGEVA and Carboplatin. If I am not mistaken, the XGEVA is much like the Zometo he was on before and helps to prevent further damage to the bone when it is evident that primary solid tumors have metastasized to the bone. It helps to prevent any "skeletal event" such as breaks, pain and/or spread. It is new and just recently FDA approved so we will see how that goes. The carboplatin is an antibody (chemotherapy) that, like the others, works to kill cancer cells but is most efficient when the cancer cells are are "sick". I pray that these two new meds are worth it and we see great results! His pain seems to be a little less severe which would indicate that the cancer area is not growing as much and pressing on the jaw bone/tooth area. Also, by looking at the site, you can tell that it is still there, but not growing, so that is good. Please keep Dad and Mom in your prayers as I know you do. This is a marathon battle, but they are hanging in there! Pray that this round of chemo does what it needs to do, but that he can handle it much easier than last time! They did mention the words "round 3" in the appointment...I will keep you posted! Love, Michelle