Things are lookin' good!

We visited with Dr. Nibley after Mer's second shot yesterday, and although he couldn't give us much more information, he was very excited and encouraged by the huge drop in Merlynn's CgA level. Obviously, the shot appears to be working, but he won't be able to tell us if the tumors are shrinking or if there are fewer of them until after Merlynn's next CT scan, which is scheduled for February. We're feeling so good right now though.

Merlynn was very careful about what he ate yesterday, since he had been a little sick after his first shot. This time he didn't have any side effects at all! He was even able to sleep on the side where he got his injection.

Thanks again everyone, so much, for keeping us in your prayers. We are really feeling them, and we're so grateful for your love, support, and friendship. We're very relieved, and we feel so blessed!

Yippee!

Although we won't know exact details until Merlynn meets with the Dr. on Wednesday, we were thrilled when he looked online and found the results of his blood test from last week. After being on the Sandostatin shot for only 3 weeks, his CgA level has dropped from 1,916 to 128! Normal range is 0-95, so this is truly amazing! We don't know what else the Dr. will tell us, but no matter what, THIS HAS GOT TO BE GOOD! Thanks, everyone, for your prayers!

Earlier this week while we were helping with a volunteer luncheon at the Bountiful Temple, we met Mike and Judy Kueper. Mike is the first person we've met who has the exact same type of cancer as Merlynn, and it has also spread to his liver. They're a neat couple, and it was comforting to talk to them. They were very positive and encouraging. Mike's been taking the shots for a year and said his tumors have virtually stopped growing. He told us that according to his billing statements, the shots cost $11,000 each! Holy Cow! Thank goodness for insurance.

We feel very blessed that although it had already spread to his liver, Merlynn's cancer was easily diagnosed. Mike was sick for 10 years and the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. (These tumors grow slowly and it's difficult to find the primary site.) They finally had to remove 4 feet of his intestines. He really suffered before he was able to get on the Sandostatin shots. We're extremely grateful that Merlynn is still symptom free.