During the appointment we asked about other treatment options to which the doctor responded that the third and fourth line options are just not very effective. She is on the second line option and may be able to go back to the first line treatment since the side effects have subsided. Clinical trials are most likely not an option due to Karen's declining health unless it is a phase one trial. When we asked the doctor why only phase one he said they may not be as concerned with patient health. It has given us a lot to think about and process.
We asked the doctor directly for a timeline and he said with treatment she could have another year and without she could have six months. It's not the best Christmas present we could have gotten but at least he gave the okay for her chemo treatment on Monday. The dosage levels were adjusted to hopefully reduce the side effects. We will see if that works since Karen is scheduled for chemo again on January 4th. The doctor did warn that with chemo her health could decline rapidly if the toxicity goes up and causes more problems with her blood counts. Her regular blood tests will let us monitor that.
After the appointment we went out to eat together since the kids were with Karen's parents. It was nice to get out and just talk for a while. After we got back to Logan, we met with a home healthcare and hospice provider to see what help they can provide for Karen. One of the nice things they can do is home blood tests so she doesn't have to constantly go to the hospital lab. She will probably begin home health early in January to make things a little easier on her.
For right now we are going to focus on having a great Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Braden
Merry Christmas you two. You have a lot on your plate right now. I agree, just make this the best Christmas ever and I know you know that God is watching over you. We love you and pray for you always.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paula. We are grateful for the love and support of so many people. I hope things are going well.
DeleteSure do love and miss you guys. Would so love to take those two kiddos for a walk and stop off at the Farleys to play. You are in my prayers. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteI don't know your family personally, but have been reading your blog since seeing the story on KSL. My heart aches for you and your sweet family.
ReplyDeleteI have seen so many people suffering with similar health problems who discovered natural healing.
I feel I really need to share this mans blog with you as well.
http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/about/
Thank you.
DeleteBraden,
ReplyDeleteAn alert reader of the recent Deseret News article about your family pointed out that your daughter had received a Ryan's Lion. Due to HIPAA restrictions, we seldom know who these lions go to, so we're excited to see that Becca is doing well!
I wondered if you would mind contacting the Ryan's Lion Organization. We would like to send a second Ryan's Lion for Karen (or one for you to pass on to someone else, if you prefer). My son, Ryan is the founder of the organization. The website is down temporarily for updates, but you can contact us at ryanslionorganization@gmail.com.
Yes she did get a Ryan's Lion! I'll talk it over with Karen. We had considered the lion passed to Karen after Rebecca got home from the hospital and have been holding on to it until her challenges pass. A part of me has become quite attached to it so it may be hard for us to pass this one on so another to pass on might be nice.
DeleteAnother one would be nice. I'very become attached as well.
Delete