Good Bye Interferon!!!

So a lot has happened since the last time I updated my blog.  Hope had another gymnastics meet in Lakeland and did awesome!

We went to a Bucs game.  We were given free ticket with awesome seats and front row parking so we didn’t have to walk too far. 

We’ve been to one of my best friend’s wedding.  What a gorgeous bride she was and a beautiful wedding.

And we’ve decided to quit Interferon!  Justin simply just had enough!  It’s been a rough road.  He’s done pretty amazing I think.  But after much prayer, research, and meeting with his oncologist we have chosen to end this treatment known as HELL in a shot. 

My last post I let you know that they cut Justin’s dosage in half.  It was pretty good for the first few days.  We had high hopes.  But then after it started to get back into his system the half dose was nearly as bad as the full dose.   All his symptoms came back full force and he was back to being bed ridden and miserable.  He put on a good front to people who came by the house or called him.  But it was hard.  Something I’d never wish upon someone.    Many nights we wouldn’t even talk.  He was too fatigue to even carry on a conversation with me.  The kids knew to leave daddy alone and not bother him.   He often felt as though he was having a heart attack and his whole body would shake.   I don’t think he was depressed but then again who wouldn’t be if you were cramped up in a house for 8 weeks feeling absolutely miserable.   I want to say that the kids weren’t affected but I honestly think they were.  We started having problems with one of our precious kids at school and I can’t help but think that daddy being sick was affecting his behavior and actions.  I tried really hard to not only be a mommy and wife but also to be a “nurse”, “a daddy”, and many other roles that I had to take on.  Some days were good and I was strong.   Other days I would just cry and be angry at what was going on.   But through it all I think Justin and I handled the situation pretty good.   But it was only because of the strength from our heavenly father.   Some days it was a simple verse in the bible that would keep me going.    Other days it was a listening ear of a friend or family member.  My family went above and beyond at doing everything possible to make our life easy whether it was taking the kids, feeding us dinner, helping with Justin’s business or simply being an encouragement. 

But after a rough day, Justin sent me an email.  He was too fatigue to talk with me.   He said something very short and simple but basically that he had given it his best effort and he felt that this drug was only going to make matters worse if he continued for the whole year.  And that he needed my support with his decision to quit.  That I would stand behind him 110% percent.    So with that being said I said ok.  With the exception that he meets with his oncologist to let him know before he quits.  

So yesterday we were back at Moffitt to meet with his oncologist.  She basically gave him kudos for the 2 months he stuck with it.  She said majority of her patients don’t finish this treatment because it’s so brutal.  She herself isn’t a fan of Interferon because of how brutal it is and was proud of him for what he did do.   She said the studies that have been done with Interferon have been anyone whose taken it for one day or up to a year.  So basically there is no specific study that says taking it for a year is more beneficial than the two months he took it.  I honestly felt at peace leaving the appointment yesterday that she was completely supportive of Justin and his decision to quit.   

So the plan now for Justin is continue to get his weekly vitamin infusions.  Continue to make lifestyle changes to take care of our bodies.  All of which include covering up in the sun, exercising, and making healthy food choices.   And lastly we will be back at Moffitt every 3 months for checkups and pet scans.  His next appointment at Moffitt is the beginning of November with the dermatologist and then in January he has his first pet scan.  The doctor did say it will be 4-6 weeks before he starts to feel better and back to normal.

Today we are rejoicing.  We are closing a chapter of our lives that we both believe will not ever have to be reopened.  We are choosing to have faith that God has taken his Melanoma out of his body to NEVER return.   A sweet lady in my bible study group shared a bible verse with me last week.  It was “Nahum 1:9 What do you plot against the Lord, he will make a complete end; affliction (pain/suffering) will not rise up a second time. “   So we are standing firm that the Melanoma will not rise up a second time.  

So goodbye Interferon!!!!  You will NOT be missed!!!

And lastly I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to each and every one of you that have touched our lives the last 5 months during this trial in our life.  Tears come to my eyes as I think of how much we were blessed in the mist of the storm.  The prayers, words of encouragement, cards, money, food, donations, gifts, time, and service that has been given to us these last 5 months will never be forgotten.  I journaled every bit of it and want you to know how much you touched our lives.  And my prayer now would be that God would bless you beyond your imagination.   I love you my friend.