Update... and IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We traveled to Charleston Friday to meet with 2 doctors. We first met with Dr. Nysoki, a neurologist. He still believes Randy has small fiber neuropathy and is pretty convinced that the sarcoidosis has caused it. He did lots of blood tests back in December to rule out other causes. There is not a specific test to check for this, so we have to go on what he thinks. Randy's symptoms are extremely cold hands and feet all the time even when he's sweating, his hands and feet feel numb (imagine your hands and feet feeling "asleep" 24 hours a day) and tingling sensations. The vision issues have been better, and so has the pain. Randy told him that he was glad the pain was going away, but the other symptoms are literally about to drive him crazy.

At the visit with the sarcoidosis specialist, he is also convinced that all this is caused by the sarcoidosis. He was happy to hear that Randy is no longer working in the carbon plant. He wants Randy to continue trying the steroids for a couple more months to see if they work. If not, he suggested we try a medicine called Remicade. Randy would have it infused at the beginning, then in 2 weeks, then in 4 weeks, and then every 6 weeks. We asked how long, and he said forever. He also said that it is possible that someone will develop an injection or pill for it with how fast medicine changes. It is approved by the FDA for rheumatoid athritis and Crohn's disease but not for sarcoidosis. So, that leads us to insurance issues. I was thinking oh well, we'll just pay for it until he dropped the bomb on us. The treatments are between $5000.00 and $10000.00 each. Yes, you read right. Our mouths hit the floor.

He said that they've had some insurance companies pay for it and his assistant could start calling for us. The process of approval could take a few months. Then, he dropped #2 bomb. There is a link to cancer. He said that patients who have RA are more susceptible(sp?) to cancer, so researchers do not know if it is the RA or the Remicade. So, we have a lot to pray about. I asked him if he were in Randy's position and could take the $$ out of the picture if he would take it and he said yes. That made me feel a little better. So, we agreed to let her start the process and let them know what we decide. We can always say no.

We appreciate all of your prayers. We felt them. Whenever you think you have it bad, go to MUSC and walk around. It will humble you. I'm so thankful that the pain in Randy's chest is better. Now we're praying for complete healing. Maybe we won't have to even think about the Remicade.

Also, one more prayer request... Randy has an interview at a company in Spartanburg on Wednesday morning. Many of you know I've been praying for Spartanburg. :) Please pray for God's will in the job situation.

Yes, it's snowing! I hope it sticks! Makenna was so excited that God answered her prayer for snow. School is cancelled, so I hope we can make a snowman tomorrow.

Keep praying for my family. The situation with my brother has grown bleaker over the weekend. I know God is going to work things out, but I have to remind myself that He allows people to have rheir own free will.

Check out the birthday post below!