Braving the Storm...Which Looks Like Rain

Hi all!

I cant believe 3 weeks have passed since I last updated the blog. I always feel like I just posted, but time always seems to go so quickly! I think I still must have vegetable brain from finals. Well nothing too crazy has gone on the last few weeks. Dad has gotten to play some golf, although it's finally starting to get chilly here in AZ so he hasn't been playing as much. My cousin Blake(sta) came into town this weekend so we got to catch up with him Thursday for dinner, of course we forgot to take a picture. Friday Dad had all of his scans to see how the clinical trial was going. They are so great up there at Scottsdale Health Care, we were in and out in no time!

Saturday Dad and Cindy went to the Southwest Christmas party. Dad looked so handsome! Here is the only picture he took (I swear, we only take pictures because I force everyone to).

Dad and Jackie

Uncle John came into town on Sunday, finallllyyyy! We have missed him! Its always good to have him in town for the appointments, even when I know it's an excuse for him and Dad to play lots of golf :)

Well TGen was great in a quick return on the scans. We got the results Monday and Dr. Weiss let us know that unfortunately the clinical trial is no longer working. The tumors have collectively grown 20% since we started in October, meaning that we are no longer eligible to participate in the trial. Dr. Weiss was so surprised because Dad has been feeling the best he has in a year. Dr. Weiss went over a few options and asked us what we wanted to do. Dad kind of chuckled and said "I don't care we want to do what you think is best!"

On January 4 Dad will get another Biopsy on the adrenal tumor (which contains the same cancerous cells as the lung tumor). It will take two weeks to process, but the lab will look at which chemos will specifically target Dad's tumors. While those are being processed, we will be going back to MD Anderson to see Dr. K. There, Dad will receive a chemo drug called Taxotere. When the test results come back they will figure out whether the Taxotere, another chemo drug, or a different clinical trial is going to give Dad the best possible results.

While we were processing everything we were joking about what is going to happen when we go back to MD Anderson. 1. Do you think they will give us a new Nurse Navigator? 2. If not, Dad is going to give Jill the "I'm baaaacckkkkkkk" and "I'm watching you" look. No words necessary. It will be interesting, but it will be so great to see Christine and Juanita again!

I could tell the nursing staff had a hard time saying bye to Dad, naturally...they LOVE him there. I think they would hire him on if they could.

Dad and Katie

Dad with the TGen nursing staff

Obviously this is not news any of us wanted to hear. When I started to update the blog Dad suggested the title, which is true. Cancer is such a bumpy road with so many ups and downs and what feel like dead ends. But all we can do is have faith in God's plan and look forward to the next plan the doctors have for us. We are still so blessed to have options and multiple doctors working hard for Dad's survival.

When we got done with the appointment Monday I went to In & Out for lunch. When I got to the window to pay the the attendant let me know the car in front of me had paid for my meal and I immediately broke down in tears. It was just one more reminder of how much good there is in the world and to continue to stay positive for that very reason

Until the 4th, we are going to enjoy a wonderful Christmas season together! Kristen and I are finally done with the semester so we are excited to be able to spend more time as a family! Thank you for your continued prayers, have a very merry Christmas from all of us!