April 19th 2010

It seems like forever since I last updated this. Life has been a bit hecktic and I haven't had the chance to get to this. This process has had so many up and downs.

Ryan started round 2 of his chemo last Tuesday. He has been such a trooper and done much better that expected. He manages through the day to day nasuea, and never complains :)
This past weekend I had a Board meeting in Sun Valley for work. Ryan had chemo every day last week, so we didnt know if he would feel up to going with me. Friday, he went in for his chemo and got his fluids and steroids. After we loaded in the car and headed to Sun Valley YAY! We stopped on our way down for some lunch, and he was feeling fairly well. By the time we got there he was starting to feel crummy. He thougth it was from a big lunch. Saturday he was still not feeling well. He said he felt gassy and uncomfortable. Saturday evening we headed home. During the night Ryan woke me up because he was hurting so bad. I called his oncologist and he said to take him to the ER. They gave him some pain meds and something for his nausea and then did a cat scan.

The cat scan showed that his tumor on his adrenal bed has grown, and is pressing on his spleen, stomach and diaphragm. His lymph node by his Vena Cava has also grown in size. After a day to absorb this nightmare, we called his regular oncologist this morning to come in for an appt and gather a new plan. It is looking like he will start some radiation to help decrease the size of the tumor and help with the pain.

Today is a better day. Ryan's pain is better, we are still working on fine tuning this. We saw the Radiation Onc NP and spoke with his Dr in Michigan. His Drs are going to check to see if surgery is an option to decrease the size of the tumor. We are pretty sure this is not an option. Tomorrow we see the medical oncologist. We are not yet sure if he will finish his chemo tomorrow. Wednesday we see the Radiation Oncologist to get a final plan. They will review his scans in Michigan again next Tuesday at their tumor board to determine what other avenues could help.

We want you to know that we are doing good. Ryan is an amazing pillar of strength and gives us all the strength to continue through the bad days. We welcome your phone calls, emails and visits and want you all to know how much we love you all. We are so appreciative for the support system you all have given us.

Love, Hope and Faith!!
The Holadays