Thursday, September 10, 2009

Not What We Expected

Today's appointment turned out to be a shocker. Dr. K said that Michael's cancer is growing too fast and is too aggressive for him to be a candidate for HDIL-2 now. Apparently, it takes too much time for HDIL-2 to take effect, and Dr. K says Michael needs something that will be effective now. So, he's prescribing Sutent which is an oral medication taken once a day for 30 days. After that, he will not take it for two weeks, then he will take it for another 30 days. When that's completed, he will have another CT scan to see if the medication has halted the progress of the disease, or if the tumors are shrinking. If so, he will continue to take it. If not, he will have to try something else. The side effects are fatigue, loss of appetite, and in some cases ulcers on the hands and feet.

We were really disappointed and concerned to learn that the cancer is so aggressive and that it's beyond the point where HDIL-2 is an option. I was at school, and talked to Michael's sister on the phone about the appointment. It was hard to hear, and I just wanted to be with my husband and process this new information together. My wonderful colleagues arranged things so that my class would be covered for the rest of the day and I could leave. I drove up to Santa Monica to my SIL's house and spent the rest of the day there.

While Michael and I just sat together. Cathie, Michael's sister, worked the phones trying to get the prescription approved. Anthem Blue Cross is balking because a 30-day supply of Sutent costs $10,600!!! There was paperwork to be faxed back and forth between the insurance company and the doctor's office, and we have been told that it will be approved tomorrow. Cathie plans to pick it up and bring it to Michael as soon as possible.

After feeling like we had experienced quite a defeat today, and shedding some tears, we are slowly but surely regaining our footing and optimism that this treatment will be effective. We talked today about taking a nice trip for our second wedding anniversary in November, and possibly transferring our remaining embryos during Christmas Vacation. We'll see how things go from here.

20 comments:

Kayce said...

Our prayers are with you both Michael and Joannah. Keep your optimism high and enjoy making plans to celebrate your second anniversary. Much love.

AquaSave said...

So praying for you both. my heart is with you.

xoxo,

Shell

Jill said...

Joannah, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart hurts for you guys. Covering you both in prayer.

((HUGS))

Michelle said...

I'm sorry things didn't go the way you planned. I hope the new plan works out the way it needs to and Michael is on his way to being Cancer free soon.

M3 said...

Oh Joannah, I am so sorry to hear this latest news. I'm sending huge hugs and the best most positive thoughts that I've got.

AprilMay said...

Oh my heart just sank reading this! I love how you end the post with so much hope. Sometimes we need to look ahead to the positive things in order to get through the tough times. I am praying for rapid healing!

Jerrster said...

This is not a road we'd expect, Mike you have my full support...funny we'd have conversations about others and now we should talk my friend.

Sandra said...

I'm so sorry :-(

Sending hugs and positive vibes your way...

Anonymous said...

Hugs and prayers.

dawn said...

Sending every positive vibe that I have your way to make this new treatment plan a success.
Words seem terribly inadequate so please know that you are both in my thoughts all the time.

Lilly said...

Remember that HE is in control and that HE will not give you anything that you cannot handle.

Praying for courage, strenght and comfort but mostly, HIS will.

wzgirl said...

Hugs, sweet friend. You are moving forward, and looking ahead...together...and I am so proud of you both. xoxoxo

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

I can't imagine dealing with all that you have to deal with. I can't imagine having to be in a classroom when all you want to do is be with Michael.
I am glad that you are planning some good things for the next few months. Having these things to look forward to will be important as you navigate Michael's health.
Hugs to you.

Anne Marie said...

Oh gosh, this is hard news. Thinking of you both and so glad that you have some wonderful plans coming up ahead!

Michele said...

I am so sorry to hear the latest news. I will pray that Michael is responsive to this treatment. Glad that the two of your are thinking of some things to look forward to.

Kim said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you both..Keep your spirits positive ..it might be hard but things will be ok..
BIG HUGS>.

fuzzandfuzzlet said...

I am sorry the news was not better. What a tremendous blow. I hope that Michael responds well to the treatment and his next scans show that he is well on his way to being cancer free.

Shannon said...

Prayers for you both as you deal with this setback. Planning happy ventures and new medical options to fight this while enjoying each other is great. You, Michael and your families stay strong! Hugs.

Paulette said...

I am so sorry things are not progressing faster. You both are in my prayers and I think a special time away is a great idea for both of you. There is a bright star in all of this. Its just having a hard time showing you its light.

Calico Sky said...

I'm so so sorry! I'm hoping and praying this course is successful and next year holds great news all around!