Initial appointments

Well, I will try to make today's happenings brief if there is such a word. This morning at 9:00am we went to new patient registration. Then at 10:00am we had an appointment with Dr. Ravi, Michael's oncologist. Then over to the Mays building for a cardiac injection/scan and then for blood and speciment collection. We then went for a chest x-ray on another floor and at 3:00pm we had a ultrasound doppler to see if the problem with Michael's leg was from a bloodclot or what. The doppler diagnosis was inconclusive as to whether or not he had a bloodclot or if it was something else. The previous doctors who were aware of this problem treated it as minor, but Dr. Ravi is very concerned. It was determined that our 5 day stay in Houston this time has turned into a 21 day stay. Michael will be admitted to the hospital every 21 days for 5 days of Chemo. He will then be released for 7 days and then after the first or second 21 day cycle, possibly get to go home for a few days, but it all depends on how his body reacts to the chemo. He will be taking 3 types of chemo at the same time. It will complete deplete his immune system and sometimes takes a while for it to improve. We have to stay in Houston for the three 7 day cycle until we see what the side effects of the chemo and his reaction is going to be. I am mentally exhausted and can't think any more tonight. Michael has a pain patch now and will be easier to control the pain once the first 24 hour period is over. We would appreciate your continued prayers for him. We did see Ronnie and Wanda Stroud today and Ronnie looks great. He and Wanda joined us for a while late this afternoon and plan to visit more tomorrow. We also saw Justin Harvey from Olney outside the clinic as he was with some friends from Lubbock. It's a small world, isn't it? We were glad to see Justin and meet his friends. Thanks Ronnie and Wanda for lifting our spirits and for your words of encouragement as God only knew we could use some after today since the prognosis was not what we really wanted to hear. The 3 spots are not only on one of his lungs, but both lungs. God is still in control and is still in the miracle business. Love you all,

Terri and Michael