Today's Doctors Appointment

So I know some of you are anxiously awaiting the results of today's doctors appointment.  Well, there was no infusion today because we hadn't received pre-approval from the insurance company by the time of Ed's appointment.  Dr. Bowers, though, did recommend that Ed at least start taking the Xeloda again starting tomorrow (this is an oral prescription that Ed already has).

Dr. Bowers also strongly recommended that Ed start the Erbitux along with the Oxaliplaten.  In his words, the tumors are "growing quickly" and so we need to be aggressive in attacking them.

We also were able to discuss how Ed is currently feeling and, as a result, I made a trip to CVS to pick up three prescriptions:

1. Furosemide is a diuretic to help with the swelling since Ed had slight swelling in the ankles.  So Ed needs to be sure he's elevating his feet when sitting (another reason for him to lay back in his recliner!)
2. Doxycycline is to combat the rash that is likely to occur with the Erbitux.  To start, Ed should use Oil of Olay with SFP15 on his face and skin exposed to the sun (there's goes my supply of that!) but if the rash becomes more than just slight, this is to try to manage that.
3. Nucynta is to manage pain.  Ed is currently taking Tylenol (Ibuprofen) but Dr. B gave him a script of the Nucynta if he needs it and also told him to take Tylenol PM at night to help him sleep (since that's been a problem).

Ed's little collection...

Thankfully we've got fairly good insurance for prescriptions.  While I was out doing all this shopping, Dr. Bowers office called and they got the pre-approval from the insurance company and so Ed is scheduled to go in for his infusion Thursday morning at 10:15.  It will be about 4 hrs--two hours for each plus some added time because they will also be giving him four (I believe) other drips to manage side effects.  I'll get a list tomorrow!

So that's the news for today!  We'll continue to keep you posted.  In the meantime, thanks for your support and prayers!