Round 4

Nate had his fourth round of chemo this week at the hospital.  We arrived earlier on Tuesday in hopes that the quicker he was hooked up, the quicker he could go home.  Well, that did not work out so much.  We arrived at 9:30 am and chemo began at 3:30.  It is frustrating to sit and wait for 6 hours.  After we arrive, Nate has to be admitted.  Then we have to wait for the blood draw and the lab results to determine if he is healthy enough to have the chemo.  Then we have to wait for the doctor to send the chemo orders to the hospital doctor.  Then we have to wait for the pharmacy to send the drugs up. So much waiting.  Our question is, why can't the doctor send the chemo orders the day before we arrive?  So confusing.

Anyway, the chemo went smoothly and no complications.  And the hospital staff were great at keeping the chemo on schedule so Nate left the hospital earlier than the last time.

This first week after chemo is a little rough, so pray for minimal side effects.

Nate will have a PET scan in the next couple weeks.  The doctor wants to see if the tumors are shrinking- basically determine if this treatment is working.  The chemo has gotten rid of Nate's symptoms so we think the treatment is working, but it will be helpful to verify that.  

We also learned that there is no way the stem cell transplant will be done in Grand Rapids.  Nate spoke with his company and the insurance company, but no can do.  So the transplant will be done at Northwestern in Chicago.  We have our first appointment on January 25.  As Nate says, cancer is mostly a huge hassle.  Nate has to meet with a cancer doctor at Northwestern first, who will look over his file and say, "yes, you need a transplant.  Let me refer you to our transplant team."  And of course, the doctor can't just read Nate's file and talk with him over the phone to make that decision.  So we will spend about 6 hours in the car for a 30 minute appointment to tell us something we already know.  Fantastic.  Now that March is just around the corner, it will be helpful to start learning about the transplant process and what to expect.  

This latest news about not being able to have the transplant in Grand Rapids was hard.  I knew it was a long shot, but there was still a little hope. The reality is having the transplant in Chicago is going to be hard on our family.  Nate will be farther away from friends who can visit. It will be harder for the kids to visit Nate.  I will be constantly torn between wanting to be with Nate and wanting to be with the kids.  Family and friends will help us thru this time.  But it still sucks.  And I want people to know, it's ok to sit with us in that anger/sadness/frustration.  We know we will get to a place of peace about this and that our family will get through this.  But, you don't have to automatically try to "fix it" for us by saying, "well, it must be happening for a reason" or "this path must be better for you."  Just listen, share our frustration, pray for us, help us and walk with us.  That's all.  Well, that actually is a lot!  And we are so grateful for all the ways you all have shown us love and support.  We know people are always praying for us and that is truly humbling and encouraging.  We could not walk this journey without all of you. 

-Stacy