The chemo drug that Bruce is taking to target his mutations is called Tafinlar. While it is quite a miracle drug it is not without its side effects. Since Bruce seems to do things in a big way he has almost all of the common side effects and one of the uncommon ones. The common side effects are nausea, fatigue, weakness, alopecia, cough, neuropathy in the feet, and warts, just to name a few. This week we have been dealing with the uncommon side effect that he has which is squamous cell skin cancers. He broke out in a rash on his back first, we just treated it with some polysporin and it went away but then broke out on another spot. Then one morning he was broken out all over his chest. Turns out it is squamous cell skin cancers, lots of them. He had 2 removed today by his regular dermatologist then we went to Huntsman to see the oncology dermatologist.
Can I just say Huntsman is an amazing place. The people are so nice, concerned and they take time for their patients. It is really a fantastic facility and we are so impressed with the quality of care. Thank you Jon Huntsman!
The PA that works with Dr Akerley is amazing and she got us in to see the oncology derm today!
Anyway the squamous cell skin cancers will probably take care of themselves since they are superficial but it was a little scary to think that he might have to have them all burned off, ouch!
We are again so grateful for the miracle of modern science! Thank you Heavenly Father! Thank you Drs that dedicate their lives to finding treatments and cures for Cancer.
