Chemo Rounds, Genetic Test Results, International Trip, and Car Accident

Hi Everyone, been a couple months since the last update, and I thought I should share how things are going.  Long story short, things are going well.

Chemo Rounds: Similar to my last post, after updating my regime to include lots of anti-nausea meds, I've been tolerating the intense dosages very well.  I still require 3-4 days off work after my chemo to recovery, and after 6-7 days, I'm feeling close to normal.  Nausea and fatigue are still the primary side effects immediately following the infusion, and hand-foot syndrome is what typically lingers, primarily drying out my hands causing lots of cracking/peeling (gross).  I have another couple of infusions prior to my next CT scan, which should take place in mid-October, so fingers crossed that the treatment is effective as confirmed by the scan.

Genetic Test Results: I met with my doctor yesterday, and he mentioned that we got back the genetic test results.  He found a new mutation that wasn't captured in previous tests associated with the NRAS gene, and some amplifications in other genes that I don't recall.  What this tells us is that one particular medicine won't be effective down the road, and may actually be detrimental.  The other thing we learned from the genetic testing is that one drug commonly used for leukemia may actually be effective, so we may use that down the line.

International Trip: With my doctors permission and my manager and director's approval, I was able to travel to Malaysia and Thailand over the last two weeks for work, which was a wonderful distraction.  It was great to see new cities, try new foods, and meet new people.  With that said, just like anyone with a family, I was missing Sam and Caleb, so it was nice to return at the end, and the two week duration was just the right length.

Car Accident: Lastly, on Sunday 9/20 about 5:45pm, my family and I were involved in a hit-and-run car accident.  We were heading to a friend's house to watch the Seahawks game, waiting to turn at a light when a truck going the opposite direction sped through a turn too quickly, lost control, and hit us head on.  The truck then pulled a U-turn, and evaded the scene. I tried to start the car, but it wouldn't.  Our airbags went off, and the car was perpendicular to the road, blocking the left two lanes.  A few good Samaritans stopped and checked on us, and encouraged us to get out of the car quickly, because there was smoke and appeared to be a small fire.  The police and a firetruck showed up, and the car was towed away.  Luckily, the family wasn't injured too badly, as I sustained a few cuts on my wrist, some soreness in my bicep, and Sam had some marks from the airbag/seatbelt, and some bruising on her knee.  Thank goodness Caleb wasn't injured at all.  Also, the truck's license plate dropped at the scene, so hopefully the cops go after him.  See below for pictures of the incident.

I think that's everything, thanks so much for reading, and hope all is well for you!