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!