And the winnah is...

Last weekend we talked over our treatment options and we decided to go with the chemo drug that Ramsy has had before, just on a low-dose, high-frequency schedule.  From talking with the doctor and a couple of other patients, we know that this schedule can get around the resistance enzyme that some people have to the drug (which is possibly the reason that the drug was not very effective for him last time).  The chemo drug, temozolomide, is given together with Celebrex- normally prescribed for arthritis, it has been found to inhibit cell growth as well, and we hope it does in this case!

All the prescriptions arrived in time, so we were able to begin treatment on Wednesday.  The schedule will run 21 days on, 7 days off treatment with a blood test once a week (mostly in Portage- closer to us than Winnipeg) and a visit to the oncologist once a month.  I believe he will be having an MRI every 12 weeks again as well.

Including all the medications Ramsy is taking (anti-nausea, chemo, blood pressure, 2 types of anti-seizure, steroids, stomach protector, and antibiotic) he has to swallow up to 26 pills a day, divided into 6 batches.  This is proving to be a real challenge for him; so far it doesn't make him gag, but it does make him shudder every time.  Please pray for him that he will be able to manage this!

I have been very happy to see a couple of small improvements over the last few days: he has been able to lift his right leg and swing it forward at the knee to take a step instead of lifting at the hip and dragging the foot forward; he has also managed a few more words some days, and even said a 3-word sentence once!  And he seems not to be quite so foggy except when he is quite tired or if he has a headache; in fact, now that I know he has been having headaches, I have watched for the signs and given him some good painkillers.  When the pain is gone, the fogginess is often also gone, and I am wondering if he may have been having headaches more than he even realized.  You know how you just get used to a bit of pain and don't even notice it anymore...

Anyway, these little things have helped brighten some pretty dark days.   I am so happy to have him "back" a little more.  He is my favourite person, and it is really hard to go day to day to day without him talking.  We keep hoping for a miracle but try to live in the knowledge that there may not be one- or at least not the one we wish for.  Thanks again for your many prayers, encouragements, and the help you give us- whether it's money or gift cards, housekeeping, food, repairs, rides, videos lent or whatever.  It all helps.