On His Nerves

Denny went to see Dr. Rohde (pronounced "Roadie") this morning.  She is the ENT who did the biopsy for the specimen that was sent to Foundation One.  She believes the tumor is pushing on a nerve in his face that is causing all the pain. She reviewed the MRI and said she saw some growth but not enough to cause the swelling in Denny's face.  Dr. Rohde could not tell what is causing the fluid to build up.  Therefore, she can't drain what she can't see.  The plan is to prescribe a steroid and antiobiotic.  Dr. Murphy and Dr. Rohde are hoping that the Topotecan that will be administered on Monday (Mar. 31st) will make the tumor shrink and relieve these symptoms. 

Superman is fighting hard to rise above it all.  He is getting rest, eating well and taking the pain meds when he needs them.  His outlook is as strong and determined as always.  He is using his incredible strength to fight this battle.  The war is not over! Go, Denny, Go!

One Wish

Thought I would give the latest updates.  Last night, the doctor's office called Denny with the results of the MRI.  It appears the tumor is growing and is now resistant to the chemo.  However, the tumor hasn't grown significantly enough to cause the major swelling in his face.  They believe that because the tumor has moved to a different place, it is covering a drainage vessel from his sinuses and fluid is collecting.  That is what is causing the swelling.  Denny will be seeing an ENT this week to see about getting it drained.

Dr. Murphy wants to start him on a drug called "Topotecan". It has shown positive response in other patients using the chemo combination he was on.  They will start the drug on Monday and it will have to be given each day for 5 days.  We are relieved to know that something will be done soon.

There has been alot of activity in the past 24 hours.  Besides the scary Medical adventures, I drove to Gatlinburg last night to be there this morning for the announcement of the State winners.  Dan brought home a 1st place in one event and a 2nd place in the other.  We are so proud of his accomplishments in spite of everything that has been going on.  It was a wonderful birthday present for me; the cheerleader behind the scenes.

As I blow out the candles this year, I have one wish.  I cannot say what it is but I believe you know.  One wish for Denny....

In A Blink Of An Eye

 This is a hard blog entry to write.  Things have changed in the blink of an eye.  Denny was doing very well on the chemo as mentioned in my last post.  We were on our mini vacation and having a great time.

He was due to have chemo but his counts were too low on March 17th.  By Wednesday, March 19th, he was saying he had some pain in his upper jaw.  By Friday, his entire left eye socket was swollen and his eye was continuously watering.  The pain is barely controlled.  I called the weekend on-call oncology line to let them know his situation as he was already scheduled for chemo this morning.  We wanted them to be aware that the symptoms have aggressively returned.

Denny went into the lab this morning and his counts were good.  However, once they saw him, the chemo was cancelled.  He is now waiting for an MRI.  We both know the tumor is growing.  I guess the MRI is going to tell us how big.  Denny says he knows it is bigger than it has ever been based on how he feels.

I am leaving to go to Gatlinburg for Dan's State Competition.  The competition is today and the announcements are tomorrow.  We wanted to be there for him if he takes the State win.  It looks like I am going solo to represent us both.

Dana is on her way home from Alabama as I write.  She will stay with her Dad tonight and go with him to the hospital tomorrow if I am not back in time.  I expect to be here before the results of the MRI come through.

Dr. Murphy mentioned she wants to try another drug when the cancer started showing signs of resistance to the chemo.  Denny and I think it is now resistant.   However, I want to be clear with this caveat: we do not have an official medical opinion yet.  It is just a waiting game at this point.

Therefore, dear family and friends, if you have a moment today, we ask that you say a little prayer for Denny.  Please pray for relief from pain, strength to endure, and another miracle to hold this monster at bay.  We are realistic about what we are facing but Superman is still fighting.  Your prayers give him strength.

I will keep posting as the news becomes available.  Thanks, everyone!

Spring Break 2014

Spring Break...what a wonderful time we had!  We went to a cute little seaside town that was having an Arts & Crafts Festival.  That, combined with St. Patrick's weekend, made for a very fun few days.  We stayed in a beautiful condo.  It was comfortable and so close to the festivities that we could just walk across the street. I took this picture of Superman with the kids at the festival. (Note the hat!)

It was raining the entire weekend but we didn't care.  The hamsters got to jump off the wheel for awhile and relax.  On Saturday, we drove to the Pier and ate dinner at a seafood restaurant.  It was the best shrimp I have ever had!

We dropped Dana off at college last night on our way home. Dan is on the second week of his spring break so he and a friend are driving back down today to spend some time with her.  Hopefully, the sun will be out!

Denny was supposed to start another round of chemo today.  Unfortunately, his blood work did not come back within normal levels.  His infection-fighting cells are too low.  Therefore, Dr. Murphy decided to cancel this week's chemo and try again next Monday, March 24th. 

The break was good.  Superman is feeling well.  Dana did great on her midterms.  Dan is enjoying his spring break and getting ready to hit the State competitions next week.  I got a chance to relax and enjoy an early birthday.  The luck of the Irish is with us today.  All is well in our little world.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Delta Dad and the Wild Winter

Since my last post, TheWoodruff4 have been very busy.  February 21 - 22 was Parent's Weekend for the Delta Gamma Sorority at the University of Alabama.  Denny went down to be with Dana.  They went to a nice dinner function on Friday evening at a facility right on the banks of the Black Warrior river. Saturday morning was the Father-Daughter Brunch.  I was with Dan at Auburn for a prospective student function called "Inside Ag Hill".  We met with Professors, the Dean, and the Ag Recruiter.  This was on the same day as Dana's function.

Looking at that picture, it is hard to believe Denny has cancer.  You can tell that Superman is putting up a tremendous fight. Two days after this picture was taken, Denny had an MRI.  On Monday, Feb. 24th, we got the results.  Once again, sitting side by side and gripping each other's hands, we got the news.  The film showed some shrinkage.  That means the chemo is working.  Dr. Murphy said since the tumor is still responding, Denny will continue the course of chemo through 3 more treatments.  That takes him out another 9 weeks and days closer to his goal of making it to Dan's graduation.

He resumed the chemo regimen on February 24th.  As of this post, he is in the "low" period.  His energy level is not as high and he feels very tired.  His immune system is holding strong.  This wild winter weather in Tennessee sure makes it interesting.  This is compounded by the fact that our furnace didn't work for about 2 weeks due to a wiring issue.  New and heavier wire had to be added because the old wire was starting to melt the insulation and was close to catching on fire.   What a mess!  All of this is fixed now.

The next chemo treatment is March 17th.  We asked Dr. Murphy what the next step is after he finishes all the chemo.  She said there is another drug that has been successful for other patients on this chemo regimen.  She is hoping it will work for Denny.  We feel good because at least he has options. 

TheWoodruff4 are going to take a little break and head to Gulf Shores for a few days of sun and fun.  We all need a break; just a minute to step out of stressful routines for a little relaxation.  We will celebrate a birthday and watch the waves and the water. 

Thanks for checking in.  I will keep posting as news develops.  In the meantime, everyone stay safe and warm! Roll Tide! War Eagle?