Alan’s Army

OK dear friends, we saw the medical-oncologist today.

The MRI that was done back in September looks perfect.  No tumor, no problems.

Alan’s bloodwork done today at their office is perfect, no bad counts, no problems.

They weren’t at all concerned about the single night of headache and throwing up on day 4 during chemo set #2 a few weeks back.  Since day 5 went fine they figure it was a quick bug or something Alan ate.

The chemo regimen/schedule has now changed, we think probably due to the specialist’s recommendation.  Alan will now have five days of chemo within every 28 days, not between every 28 days.  So 5 days of chemo, 23 days off, 5 days of chemo, 23 days off, etc.  So his next regimen will start Monday the 20th, not the 27th.  And here he thought he’d have his birthday “off” on the 24th.  Oh well, hey - he’s having a birthday, right?  Thank you dear Lord.

So, we need to do blood work next Monday morning the 20th prior to him starting chemo set #3 that night.  We’ll visit our friends at Princeton Radiology that morning and they’ll send the results down to Dr. Stadden in Philly.   If his blood counts are still good, then he will have 5 days of an increased dosage of the Temodar - 440 mg each night.  If for some reason they don’t look so good, he’ll do 400 mg instead.

If his blood counts still look good 4 weeks later on the 17th of November, then he’ll likely get a dosage of 500 mg for chemo set #4 starting that night.

A few folks have sent notes asking about specifics on Alan’s eyesight.  It is definitely improving slowly.  Tonight at dinner he remarked on being able to make out the shapes of the different plates or dishes in front of him.  Contrast is good, white plates or bowls on a dark placemat helps. He does not see colors, just contrasts.   He can make out motion:  If I walk about 5 or 6 feet in front of him he can follow me, but there needs to be no obstacles and again, contrast of my shirt against the background helps a lot.  When people stand in front of him he can see their outline.  No detail though, he still needs a recognizable voice to know who it is.  With the right size font and contrast, he can make out letters or numbers.  When we were standing by the Revolution Disc Golf tent talking with Dave at the USDGC, Alan could make out the large white 6-8″ letters of the marquee on the black tent.  If he really concentrates he can make out the larger numerals on the corners of the newer US paper currency.  So, praise God that his sight is improving, albeit slowly.  Your continued prayers are very much appreciated!

A Note to all our Disc Golf friends:  This Saturday Oct. 18 the Friends of Sedgley Woods are running a fundraiser doubles tourney at Fairmount Park in Philly.  Proceeds are being split between the family of Lefty and Alan’s Army fund.  Come on out and enjoy the fun.  Becky Sonnheim is Alan’s partner (talk about Beauty and the Beast!) and they are challenging all comers!  Bring a partner or pick one up there - but come on out for a good cause and fun!  Registration from 9:00am, Tee off at 10:00am.

And then drive up I-95 a bit and enjoy Moonlight Madness at Tyler State Park!  Glow round starts at about 6-6:30 and then we go to Slack’s Hoagie Shack afterwards for good food, prizes, and of course, Halloween candy!  Wear a costume and get a reduced tourney fee!

Many thanks to all.

God Bless,

Andrew

PS - Please remember Renee in your prayers, and also Sam Covington’s sister who is going through chemo as well, thanks.