As I write this, I'm sitting in the clinic receiving chemo round 21. If you'll remember from my earlier post, Round 20 was the first round with the elimination of the 5FU and the addition of the Paclitaxel. For the most part, my worst expectations about the new drug were not realized. Although the new drug, added to the Irinotecan, dramatically increased my fatigue for several days after the infusion, the nausea and other awful side effects I was expecting were mostly well-controlled with medication. My care team has told me to expect the complete loss of ALL of my hair over time with the Paclitaxel, but generally, the side-effects have been fairly minor compared to some previous regimens I have experienced.

Thank you for your prayers on my behalf - I am so grateful that the side-effects of this new regimen are manageable. The fatigue caused is overwhelming at times. After my last Wednesday infusion, it took until the following Monday for me to be able to do much more than move from my bed to the couch and back. Even taking a shower required a rest break before getting dressed because my system was so depressed by the chemotherapy.

Last Wednesday, I was finally feeling well enough to spend a day with my family. We spent the morning at the Dallas Zoo, and even enjoyed a picnic lunch near the elephants and giraffes. It was good to be able to get out of the house and walk around for a while, enjoying the time with my wonderful wife and children.

Riding the monorail at the zoo with Matthew and Raegann

Melissa and I also want to thank the many of you who supported her business by buying the single earbud and writing a review. Our reviews number has more than doubled, which provides the social proof leading to ongoing higher sales numbers. Thank you!

For those of you who continue to pray for us, please remember the following requests: 

• That this new chemo regimen will be uncommonly effective at treating my tumors.
• For faster recovery from each infusion so I can continue to meet my obligations as a teacher and faculty member.
• For strength for Melissa as she continues to bear a majority of the burdens related to running our household and caring for our children.