pressure, blood and others

Rich's blood pressure, not unexpectedly, has moved from his normal low to too-high. This is a "side effect" of Sutent, the experimental-for-chordoma drug.

He is still waiting for the "front effect." It doesn't seem to be working. What is working is pressure on his feet, causing painful blisters; sour stomach, causing fear of anything but bland; hope, causing disappointment.

He will not take more Sutent until he gets in touch with the physician's office, probably on Tuesday.

So the pressure is still on: A limited time to stop the tumor before it hits the spinal cord. Surgery is the next step, but it will cause, at minimum, total loss of usage of his right arm.

Maybe I should explore more alternatives, Rich says. Most do far less damage than pills and knives, and some even comfort. But what if nothing works?

Is there a reason for all of this? Rich asks as we fall into bed.

No.

And we sleep, long and deep.

Candace