Decisions, Decisions

So we met with the oncologist yesterday. We had a full entourage that went in with Layne. There were 5 grown adults. All of us were very concerned and had lots of questions. Thankfully they were all very professional and answered all of our questions. We were impressed with how the oncologist handled things and explained things. We all came out feeling a lot better and were all on the same page. He, like the surgeon is kind of mystified as to why Layne had a small bowel obstruction. He had a few small adhesions but based on his symptoms they expected the block to be a lot worse. So they are hoping this is a one time thing and think that it was probably a mixture of the dexamethasone (steroid), Iron pills and chemo he was taking along with the adhesions, exacerbated what was happening. He went over all our options. 1) We could stop chemotherapy all together. There is a 50% chance that the surgery got all of the cancer and along with the 3 rounds of chemo he received, that would have helped. 2) We can switch to taking oral chemotherapy drugs, that are not as effective as IV chemo but if problems arise we can stop treatment. If you are on IV chemo you can't stop the treatment, you have to finish out the cycle because it's already in your system. 3) Continue with IV chemo but make some alterations. He would no longer take the steroid for his anti nausea meds (as this is the most likely cause of the inflammation in his bowel) he would most likely take Maxeran now. He is no longer taking iron pills and he starts IV iron next week to avoid any irritation of his GI tract. Lastly, there is a little 15 minute bolus of a certain drug they give him right before he gets sent home for the two days with his chemo bottle. They are not going to give that to him anymore as studies haven't shown it to be that effective and that bolus can cause a lot of his diarrhea problems.

Layne just spoke to the pharmacist at the cancer centre to get a few more questions answered. I guess all the pharmacists on staff are going to meet together and discuss all these drugs and others and figure out what the best plan would be for Layne. It's nice that they are taking this so serious. At this time Layne still hasn't made a set in stone decision but we are thinking we are going to continuing doing IV chemo with the alterations that they will make. We still have the option to switch to the oral chemo at any time if things seem to be going down the same road. Layne wants his best chance to live as long as he can. Doing this, there will be no regrets, we will never question that we didn't do all we could. It looks like he will be starting chemo 2 weeks from now if all goes well.

Layne has had a good week. It was nice to get him home. The boys were so excited to see him when we got home from Edmonton. They have enjoyed playing lego with him and watching movies. It's nice to get back into a routine, not feel like you have to be two places at once. His incision is healing nicely. It is still pretty tender but he is doing well. He plans on coming out trick-or-treating with us tonight for a bit and was able to go to the halloween parade at the school.

Thank you again for everyone who has dropped off meals or treats or flowers, sent cards or watched the boys. We are blessed to have all this support! We are very grateful for Rusty and Jackie opening up their house to us. There is no way we could have done this without all of your help. Have a Happy Halloween... I know we will!

Carving a pumpkin for the halloween parade

Making worms and dirt at Aunt Ciana's

Heading out to the halloween parade

Walking at the halloween parade. Blake was so proud to show off his batman costume. Ty wouldn't let me put him down. He was too scared of everyone else haha

Halloween Dinner. We got to drink orange pop and orange crusted pizza! We had a special guest with us at the table called Mr. Bones!