First Chemo Treatment - Hurry Up and Wait

Chad and Aja's day today at OSU started at 10 am and ended well after 5 pm.  After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, we were able to meet with the Oncologist who confirmed the results of tests from last week and provided some clarity around the goals of treatment:

Confirmed test results - The Oncologist confirmed that cancer was found in the stomach, lymph nodes outside of the stomach and in the fluid in the abdomen, which confirms that we are facing Stage IV cancer.  Some good news from today is that Chad's liver does not have cancer.

Goals - The goal of treatment is to maintain Chad's quality of life and extend his life for as long as possible. The best way to meet this goal at this time is to use Chemo as the first line of defense against the cancer.  After a few rounds of treatment, Chad will be re-scanned to see how the cancer is reacting to the Chemo. If the cancer does not react well, next steps may include immunotherapy as a second line of defense. 

But first - Chemo.  Chad received his first round of Oxaliplatin around 3 pm today, and he left with Fluorouracil in a pump that will release Chemo continuously over the next 46 hours.  Chad and Aja are at home getting used to the pump, and will go back in Wednesday to have it removed.  Side effects from Chemo may not manifest until later this week.

Thanks for all of the messages, positive vibes and prayers. They are all greatly appreciated. 

- Holly