Entry 17: Week 1 of Chemo & Radiation

On Monday Aaron began his first week of chemo and radiation. Monday he was at the hospital from 11-5. Chemo was first, then radiation for 15 minutes. He is doing chemo once-a-week and radiation five-days-a-week, for a total of seven weeks.

When Beth texted me this picture she said "reality is setting in." You may not be able to tell, but I know he was emotional in this photo, but trying to be strong. Surely the thought "what am I doing here?" crossed his mind. Chemo? It must have seemed at least a little bit surreal for both he and Beth.

So far not much in the way of side effects has come, except the chemo has made him really tired. Some of you may be very familiar with cancer and its treatments, but this is my first close-to-home rodeo so I maybe ask some questions that seem silly, but I asked him why it made him tired. His response was "because they're injecting poison into my body that's killing my cells." Oh:( 

But Aaron was in great spirits! During chemo, he sat next to a guy who has the same exact kind of cancer as him. He was starting his final week of treatment. When Aaron sat down his neighbor said "what are you doing here? You're too young!" 

The man had a great attitude and outlook about his future which, of course, was reassuring to Aaron. Aaron said they're going to hang out:) One thing I love about Aaron is how he can put so many people at ease and people enjoy opening up to him bc he is funny and personable. I think it's so cool how Aaron has just been meeting people left and right throughout this journey and telling them his story and listening to their stories. Aaron said the last time he really did that-- talked to everyone he saw-- was on his mission-- and how he's missed that. This cancer, in a way, has breathed a new life into him. He actually told me this cancer has saved his life (see a couple posts earlier about his colon), and it has also been a great blessing spiritually. Through trials we can come closer to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, as we realize (and Aaron told me specifically this is how he felt) how much we truly do depend on Him. Aaron said "I just realize now more so than ever how weak I am." We can't do this in our own...we do need our Savior and we absolutely need his Atonement. Aaron also said this experience has given him a better and more eternal perspective in that it has infused him with a greater desire to focus his life more fully on our Savior. I am so grateful for the beautiful things Aaron is taking from this trying experience and how he's becoming better, not bitter, from it all. It makes me think of a song by Casting Crowns called "Praise You in This Storm"...have a listen HERE... :) 

Aaron wearing his mask and mouthguard...about to receive radiation treatment:

I love you, Aaron. And I love you, Beth. I am so grateful for the examples you have set for me and so many others in this...your storm. 

Entry 16: Chemo & Radiation Starts

Right before Aaron had to shave his fortress/ beard, he got fitted for a mouth guard to protect his pearly whites from the radiation. Exhibit A: Goofball... :)

The next day the doctors fitted Aaron for a face mask he has to wear during his treatments, as well. We wouldn't want to hurt that pretty mug! 

The Sundstrom family was so excited leading up today because Beth's dad would be arriving today to stay with them for a couple weeks! Well, this afternoon I got a very excited text from Beth saying that her stepmom surprised them and came too!! I am so happy they can all have that time together right now! :) 

Aaron said he's probably lost about 20 lbs already due to changing his diet to only whole foods, no meat, and no soda (or "pop" as our Michigander family would say;). He said the doctors weren't happy about his weight loss, and said to me "yeah, it's the first time a doctor has ever yelled at a fat guy for losing weight." Ha! I of course assured him he's not fat-- he's a Viking. :) the doctors didn't want him to drop a ton of weight because he'll likely lose with his treatments as well, and they don't want his immune system compromised by too much weight loss too quickly. 

Tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 24th) will be day 1 of Aaron's chemo and radiation. Please keep him in your prayers:)

Entry 15: a Surprise Colonoscopy!

When Aaron got his PET scan for his cancer, the doctors noticed something when reviewing the results on his colon. They said it could be nothing, but to be sure they scheduled a colonoscopy for him last Monday. Turns out it was a precancerous pollup! :O I know colon cancer can take you from this earth pretty quickly, so I am so grateful they caught that and removed it! 

Phew! 

Entry 14: Saying Goodbye to Beardey

Much to his chagrin, Aaron had to shave his beard yesterday:( His radiation simulation appointment is today and they are fitting him for his mask, so it had to go. Aaron was pretty unhappy about it. He told me he wasn't sure how he was going to watch "Duck Dynasty" anymore because it will hurt too much. (I'm pretty sure Aaron and those guys would hit it off!) 

Here is the proof...I am sorry, Aaron! :( 

Hmph...

"I'm not gonna cry, I'm not gonna cry..."

We talked about him keeping a mustache a la Ron Swanson, but he ultimately decide he's just not a 'stache kind of guy

Finished product!! He and Beth were sad to say goodbye to the beard he's had for six years (though lately Aaron said it had become "a fortress"). I told him now he looks like a military man:) ready for battle! 

Happy Valentine's Day, Aaron!! We love you, beard or no beard!! 

And Happy Valentine's Day, Beth!! Hope your kiddos feel better soon :( (they woke up sick this morning!) and that you get to relax for a little bit at some point today! 

Entry 13: Treatment Options

Aaron's recovery from surgery has gone very well! He has felt good, and was even able to eat right after the operation! (For a surgery in the mouth, I personally was surprised by this!) 

Yesterday was his first post-surgery appointment-- he met with the radiation oncologist. 

 

The radiation oncologist went over Aaron's treatment options, one of which being particularly intriguing. Aaron qualifies to participate in a study of a new drug called Cetuximab. It is FDA approved, and so far University of Michigan has 22 patients already on it. Cetuximab would replace chemotherapy, and from what we know so far, it sounds like a wonder drug!  Chemotherapy attacks all the cells in the body (which as many of you know either through personal experience or through loved-ones, can take an excruciating toll on the body), whereas this new drug would only target and attack and the cancer cells. Naturally, this has definitely piqued Aaron & Beth's interest, and he's going to be discussing it further with the medical oncologist today (and not to mention, ask our brother Chris' opinion).

The radiation oncologist also discussed with Aaron what his radiation treatments would be like.  This Friday Aaron will have a simulation appointment where he will do a practice of what it will be like: he has to hold completely still so that the radiation, which will kill tissue, only hits the cancer. It will destroy his salivary glands, so luckily they only have to do it on the right side of his neck. On Friday they will also fit him for a mask he will have to wear during treatments so his face will be protected from the radiation.  He will do radiation every weekday for seven weeks, likely staring on February 24th. 

They told Aaron that if in seven weeks the cancer is still there, then they will do surgery and remove the tonsils (where his cancer is).  We all wondered why they don't just go ahead and remove the tonsils now and get it over with, but the doctor assured Aaron that if they did that, he'd still have to do the radiation and chemo (or Cetuximab) regardless, so trying it this way is just a much less painful way to get the job done.

So today he is meeting with the medical oncologist to discuss treatment further and after Aaron makes a decision on chemo vs. Cetuximab we will know for sure the next step.  What we do know is that Aaron is in AMAZING hands and that he IS going to beat this cancer with the Lord and his angels on our side! (Which we are so grateful to say that has so far proven to be true time and again.)

Speaking of angels: Aaron & Beth have been blown away by the goodness of the people up in Michigan. First off, our Uncle Jeff.  Uncle Jeff had a severe head injury not too long ago while working at his job as a welder. He has his own medical hurdles to jump, and yet he has insisted on being with Aaron through every step of this journey.  He has been at every appointment, and has already signed up to take Aaron to three out of his five weekly doctor appointment (so Beth and the kids don't have to go to each one).  Uncle Jeff is getting some much-needed rest today, and we are so grateful for all he and Aunt Shelly have done to welcome Aaron, Beth, and the kids and to help make them comfortable (including helping in gathering warm winter clothes for their family).

Also, our cousin Adam has graciously offered his beautiful home to Aaron and Beth for them to live in while in Michigan. Adam is in North Carolina for the next three months. So now all of a sudden they have an entire house to themselves! This house is twenty minutes closer to the cancer center, as well as closer to the church.

 It is so amazing-- time and again I am blown away at the thought of how this has all just worked out too perfectly... and that people have just been so kind and generous.  We are absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude.

Aaron and Beth have each received more than one personal phone call from the stake president (ecclesiastical lay minister over multiple congregations in a concentrated are-- in charge of ministering to 1000's of individuals).  Aaron has also received a phone call from the stake president's counselor (a maxillofacial surgeon who works with cancer patients) while he was away in Texas  offering his assistance. On Sunday Aaron and Beth were so overwhelmed and overjoyed to have been so warmly welcomed by countless individuals in the congregation they will be attending while Aaron receives his treatment.  The Relief Society president (woman who presides over all the women in a congregation) has called Beth several times, and even brought Aaron & Beth a table and chairs for the kitchen since it didn't have one.  Another sweet woman dropped by with fresh homemade bread and cookies. Another member of the congregation took the three kids yesterday so that Beth could be with Aaron at his appointment, and another family is taking the kids for five hours today. Five hours! Each time Aaron and I talk and he tells me of the goodness of the people up there, I am brought to tears, and I know they are too.  We have learned so much from this experience, one thing being more about how to be more Christlike. We have learned this by example, and we have been so touched.

The kids have been LOVING the snow and can't get enough sledding! 
 

I love this picture of Beth and Levi:

Aaron even got himself a sled, but it was overtaken in about five minutes by the kids! Aaron says Benjamin would sled for three hours if he let him (which he would, but he can't take the cold that long)! 

 I love what our good family friend (nephew?) said to Aaron when he posted this pic: "Keep up the fight my Viking friend. Cold weather is just a minor inconvenience to Vikings. You are in our prayers EVERY DAY!"
 
Beth has been going to a chiropractor and her back is doing much better.  She is not in the clear, but Aarons says "she is not crying in pain anymore, so she's got that going for her." :) Aaron, Aaron...always the jokester. Just like this cute little girl (who is absolutely obsessed with Minnie Mouse these days)!  She tries to carry around her two Minnie dolls, a Minnie ball, and her two pink blankets, and then asks Aaron to pick her up with all her loot. Aaron said "it is SO cute." :D

 Thank you all for your prayers for our favorite viking! We love you!

Entry 12: Surgery Success!

Pre-surgery snuggles:

Aaron went in for his surgery yesterday around 10:30 for his scheduled operation at 1:30, however the surgery didn't actually start until about 5:00 PM, and didn't leave until 8.  This was his FB update he wrote as he waited for the surgery begin:

 "So a lot of people have asked about the surgery. This is my understanding: the lymph node where they found the cancer is not the source or primary site. The doc says it's usually on the back of the tongue or in the tonsils. So today they are going to put me under and take biopsies of my tonsils until they find the cancer. If they can't find it with the biopsies they will remove one or both of my tonsils. As far as the lymph node they do not plan to take it out because their experience shows that the cancer should go away with radiation and chemo. While this is a stage 4 cancer the doc said the staging in this type of cancer does not correlate to other types of cancer i.e. stage 4 colon cancer you have a 10% survival rate; he says I have a 90+% chance with my cancer. I'm counting on you guys to make up the 10%!! The next step is to start the treatments. The doc says it's a 7 week course with radiation and chemo five days per week. It's a long road and I will never be able to repay all who have and will help us, but I've got the rest of my life to try:)  Thanks for all of your prayers!"

After his surgery he wrote this: 
"All went well with surgery today. It was a long day- did not leave hospital until 8pm. Doc was able to find the primary site with just two biopsies so no tonsillectomy= good thing! Meeting with oncologist next week to start phase II. Thank you to everyone for your support!"

Today Adam flew home to his family.  Aaron and Beth are so grateful for all of his selfless service to their family!  Aaron & Beth are doing well today. The kids are enjoying the snow.  Aaron has a bad sore throat from the biopsies but other than that he's good!! Aunt Shelley and Uncle Jeff have been so wonderful and hospitable, and Aunt Joanie is working so hard to keep things moving quickly. Aaron also expressed his gratitude to her last night on Facebook when he said: 

"I want to send out a very special thank you to my aunt Joanie Erskine. She has gone so far above and beyond to help me with this battle. I love you Aunt Joan!"

Entry 11: Prepping for Surgery Tomorrow

Yesterday Aaron, Beth, and the crew arrived at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shelley's.  

Here is Benj and his Great Uncle Jeff: 

Uncle Jeff is the best. :)  

They had to hold off getting there for a few days because poor Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shelley had been sick, and Aaron can't risk getting sick before his surgery.  Speaking of, his surgery was scheduled today for tomorrow at 1:30.  I think he's a little nervous, but at the same time ready to kick this cancer to the curb. When I talked to him last night he seemed a little overwhelmed at the journey he and his family have in front of them, but he knows they have to start somewhere, and he's glad he is starting it where he is with our family (aunts, uncles, cousins) and with a great doctor. Aaron really likes his doctor. He said he was very knowledgeable, competent, compassionate, etc. He also has young children like Aaron. 

Aaron had his PET scan yesterday so the doctor will know where to focus his work tomorrow. 

Then next Wednesday is when Aaron will meet with the radiation oncologist (we were mistaken in the last post saying that it would be today).

Beth said tonight that they had a good day today and have been in good spirits today.  I feel like asking for more prayers is pushing it since you've already prayed and fasted and loved and cared so much! But, if you could pray for my brother and the doctor performing his surgery tomorrow, we would so greatly appreciate it! :)

Entry 10: First Doc Appointment!

This morning Aaron, Beth, sweet Ahna,

Uncle Jeff, and Aunt Joanie all went together to Aaron's 1st dr appointment. (The boys stayed back with Adam at the hotel.) What a blessing to have such an amazing support system. The very first thing the doctor said to Aaron when he walked in at 7:30 AM was "you must know someone!" :) 

Aaron said the following about his visit:

"The doctor is very knowledgable and took a lot of time to talk to us and answer questions- I really think I'm at the right place."

The doctor stuck a scope down his nose and said that everything looked fine, but that he knows it's hiding down there somewhere. The doctor read all of Aaron's test results and explained to them that Aaron has Stage 4 cancer (there are only 4 stages): however, he further explained that the kind of cancer Aaron has is very treatable and so he has a 90% survival rate! Wow- so much hope and joy comes with that statistic! Phew! 

The doctor believes the cancer is in the tonsils, but he said Aaron would need a PET scan this week to detect the origin of the cancer, and that he'd then have surgery this Thursday. They originally were told the PET scan wouldn't be today, but Aunt Joanie then stepped in to pull all kinds of strings to go ahead and get him in today! She was so determined and helpful, she was getting him to the area for the PET scan before he had a chance to call his insurance company to see if they would cover it! Haha! I can see this happening so easily! Aunt Joanie, you're the best!! Aaron got a hold of his insurance company and all checked out clear and so he went in for his scan at 12:20!  

Aaron further said: "I'll have surgery on Thursday to get biopsies done in my tonsils and surrounding areas. The doctor is going to try to spare my tonsil. and I will most likely start radiation and chemo in the next 3 weeks." 

This Wednesday he will meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss the specifics of his treatment, but most likely he will start radiation and chemo in the next three weeks and he'll have it 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Again, that is not a definite schedule- he'll know more after this Wednesday. :) 

Thank you all again for your prayers, concern, and love. Aaron told me last night that he'd be lying if he said he wasn't scared, but that he knew it would all work out as it should. He feels this peace has come in large part from the support he has been shown by family, friends, and even strangers. We love you and are grateful for your love!!

PS: I wanted to share what my cousin Lisa (Joanie's daughter) said in a comment in an earlier post:

"Aaron's appt moving up is an amazing and wonderful example if paying it forward. My mom, Joan/ Aunt Joanie, does everything she can including working weekends, days she's on vacation and so on all to make sure she is helping the patients anyway she possibly can. She doesn't know these people she just knows what she does helps and they come first. So now when it's not only a known face but a dearly loved family member that is in need and they are able to 'pay forward' what Joan does every day it's just amazing! Reminds me of what I heard all the time growing up " do on to others as you want done on to you". I know my mom is more then grateful this was the outcome!! Of course as Kim said we all are beyond grateful!!" 

We are so grateful for Aunt Joanie!

Onward into battle-- with a plan now!! Yeah!

Entry 9: Made it to Michigan!

Aaron, Beth, the kids (and let's not forget Adam) touched down in Michigan tonight!  Beth sent me this pic upon their arrival: 

They were blessed with safe travels (though as briefly mentioned in an earlier post, it was a journey not without it's challenges-- I'll leave it at that!) and are now settled into a hotel right next to the Cancer Center preparing for Aaron's 7:30 AM appointment tomorrow. In the next few days they will head to our aunt and uncles' home to stay there. 

On the way up they stayed a couple nights in a cabin in Knoxville provided to them by their dear friend Carol. On Saturday Beth was in a lot of pain from her pinched nerve in her back so they decided to stay in Tennesssee for the day and finish up the drive Sunday. Here they are on a walk/ getting some wiggles out in TN: 

Carol commented on a post after they'd left Knoxville: "Blessed to have spent time with Aaron, Beth, Benjamin, Levi and Ahna along with Adam as they make the trip to MI. So much love! Asking (as we all are) for Heavenly Father to bless this family as they travel and for complete and total healing fot Aaron and Beth! They are lights of your love!"

Beth told me tonight what a blessing Adam has been for their family in helping with the kids and with driving. He has been a Godsend for our family. Since the kids were cooped up in the car all day today, they were pretty wiggily once they made it to Michigan. So Adam, a certified lifeguard, took them all to the hotel pool and let them have some fun. :) 

Beth and Aaron also told me that today while they were driving, they could feel the love and support surrounding them through the fasting and prayers so many were offering on their behalf. Aaron commented to me how incredibly humbling it is to know that so many people care. "I certainly don't deserve it" he said. But he's so grateful. As is Beth. Aaron said he's heard from people he hasn't talked to in 20 years saying they and their families are praying for him. He and Beth have been so buoyed up by each and every one of you. We all have. I likewise have been so humbled by the kindness and love of my friends in saying they are and were praying and/or fasting for my brother. How does one say thank you adequately for such a gift? I tried to tell my in-laws tonight what Aaron and Beth said about being able to feel your prayers and love, and I could barely speak because it touches my heart so much.  Thank you so much. 

Aaron said tonight how much he's looking forward to having a plan because it will give him a sense of power; not knowing anything right now makes him feel pretty helpless. So hopefully the next post will include the first few steps of the plan to beat this ! 

Entry 8: Fasting & Prayer

As some of you may already know, we are holding a fast for Aaron and his family this Sunday, February 2, 2014.  As Beth said "we would like to invite each of you to join us in fasting and praying for health, strength, peace and comfort." 

We are so grateful and humbled to know that the Sundstrom's church congregations in both Enterprise, Alabama and Destin will be fasting for Aaron and his family. Aaron and Beth have also been informed that friends, family, and even strangers from all over the United States and even in different countries will be fasting for them tomorrow. These are people who are well-acquainted with fasting, as well as others who may have never fasted before.

We would be so appreciative if you remember Aaron and his family in your prayers and fasting tomorrow.

If you would like to participate, but are not quite sure what fasting entails, here is a bit of information that may be helpful: 

"Fasting includes neither eating nor drinking for two consecutive meals.
Since the time of Adam, God’s people have fasted to help them draw near to Him and to worship Him. Jesus showed the importance of fasting by His own example (see Luke 4:1–4). 

Fasting means to go without food and drink. Occasional fasting is good for our bodies and helps our minds become more active. The Savior taught us that purposeful fasting is more than just going without food and drink. We must also concentrate on spiritual matters. Our fasting should be accompanied by sincere prayer, and we should begin and end our fasting with prayer. Fasting can have many purposes. We can overcome weaknesses or problems by fasting and praying. Sometimes we may wish to fast and pray for help or guidance for others, such as a family member who is ill and needs a blessing." -lds.org

Entry 7: Gentle Giant

Aaron has received so many kind, uplifting, and encouraging words from friends and family since he found out. (We should make a book of all the sweet words shared.) I want to share an excerpt on the blog from an email Aaron received and shared with me. As a precursor, Aaron has participated in various martial arts classes over the years, and one of his teachers sent an email out to his class requesting prayers on Aaron's behalf (thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, John).  Aaron received several emails from those in his class, all of which touched and humbled him greatly.   One of those classmates said:

"I remember the first time I went to class and I looked around and all I saw were these huge guys in class, ... and then you walked in and I thought, 'maybe I should take a class with smaller guys.' I was very intimidated at first.  Then I started talking to you and you seemed so cool like a gentle giant.  You have such a great personality and a kind heart."

 

I thought that was so perfect.  Aaron is our gentle giant.  One of my favorite, favorite things about Aaron is how big his heart is.  His stature may be intimidating, but that heart is so soft.  I remember distinctly a time several years ago shortly after Aaron returned home from his mission and not too long before our Grandpa died.  Grandpa was in his 90's and living in an assisted care home. Grandpa needed some help with his feet. His toenails needed some attention. But of course he wouldn't have been able to bend over and take care of them, and plus, they wouldn't be easy to shape up. However, I remember Aaron sweetly taking Grandpa's feet in his hands and gently trimming his toenails with a jovial attitude, making jokes with Grandpa along the way. I was so touched by this seemingly simple scene. What a Christlike thing to do. What an impression that had one me.

I also wanted to share an excerpt from a message a friend of mine wrote to me. My friend's mother recently overcame her battle with cancer. I hope she won't mind that I share this. It brought me a lot of strength and peace, and I wanted to document it here too for Aaron and Beth.

"We know that we will never be given a trial we can't handle. We also know that we must have a trial of our faith to have eternal life. So, the trial has to match the magnitude of the person enduring it --otherwise it wouldn't be a trial. A trivial thing to one person might be a huge trial to another. Make sense? So a huge trial is really just Heavenly Father showing you how confident He is in your ability to overcome said trial... Of course with His help. Never forget His help.  We also know that trials are designed to bring us closer to Him. As you get further into this trial, you will understand the true validity of this doctrine. It is true in ways I couldn't have known before. The same will be true for you too."

We will overcome with Him on our side.