Friday, September 28, 2012

Mr. Consistency

I had my meeting with the oncologist today.  We reviewed my numbers from the blood work and looked at the results of the PET scan.  My numbers showed little to no movement from last week.  My platelets went down a little to 83 from 88.  A normal reading would be around 130.  My low numbers continue to be a concern and it weighs heavily on decisions made regarding treatment.  A low platelet count causes the blood not to clot as well as it should.  Thin blood and chemo do not go well together.  My tumor marker stayed the same again. It has been hovering around 19-20 for 4 weeks.  Now for the PET scan.  The scan results are reviewed by using the pictures and a very detailed report from the radiologist.  The doctor reads the report and shows us what he is referencing by pointing it out in the pictures.  Unfortunately he did have to point out a small increase in tumor activity in the liver.  He did say it was a small increase and not to get too hyper.  We just have to keep an eye on it.  I think he knows when I'm not happy with the results because after he told me about the increase he showed me my first scan and reminded me how far I have come.  It is truly amazing.  He then went on to explain what he thinks is a good course for us to take so we can get some positive results.  If you recall, my chemo infusion medication was decreased by 20% right after my finger surgery.  This was done in order to allow my system a better chance of healing.  Now that my fingers are almost healed, we decided to go back to 100% strength to see if that will move the needle.  That increase was started with today's treatment.  Coming from a sports background, I have always been told that consistency is a good thing. I think the only consistency I want now is being consistently told I'm getting better.  Keep praying!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Time for another PET scan

It has already been 6 weeks since my last scan.  I will have another scan tomorrow and I will get the results Friday before my treatment.  I always look forward to the results of the PET because it really shows the tumor involvement and how it has progressed.  The scan shows any tumor activity from my head to mid thigh.  If there are any active tumors they show up as a bright spot on the film.  I remember my first scan showed my entire liver as one huge bright spot.  It has been great to see the tumors shrink in size during the past 10 months.  The other thing we can look for is if there has been any new tumor involvement in other organs.  I will meet with my oncologist Friday and review everything we have done so far and make any changes if needed.  Even though I spend at least one day per week at the hospital dealing with my cancer, I always feel more anxious before the PET scan meeting.  I think it has to do with the fact that the scan allows me to actually see the cancer in my body.  It makes the reality of the situation really set in.  I'm looking forward to good results and I ask for your continued prayers for God's healing and also thank God for the knowledge and good decision making skills he has given my medical team.  Stay tuned.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Numbers update

 I had my usual Friday blood work and treatment yesterday.  Here is a quick update on the numbers.  My liver function numbers remain in good shape.  My platelets went up for the second week in a row, which is good news.  They registered at 88.  My tumor marker did go up, but by only one point.  I've been told that the small movement in my tumor marker, either up or down, is normal at this stage of treatment and I should not worry unless it goes up substantially.  So, Hakuna Matata everyone.  No worries.  Have a great weekend everybody!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

It's in the air

When I stepped outside the past couple days, I could not help to take a deep breath and realize that summer is making way for fall. In the past this has always been an exciting time of year for me because it meant the beginning of something I really enjoy...football!  I think I have said the same thing every year, for as long as I remember, after I breath in the first cool air of the season, "Smells like football".  I did it again this year and then I took in another breath and quietly said to myself, "Thank you Lord, this smells like life".  I know there are so many things happening in our daily lives that we sometimes feel that if we stop "to smell the roses" we will miss out on what's happening next.  I've been there, lived that and I'm here now to tell you to slow down.  If you want to produce memories, you can only do that with what is happening now, you cannot form memories with future events.  My goal since my diagnosis has been to experience and enjoy events, not just get there and look for the next one.  The change of seasons has caused me to remind everyone to enjoy what's happening around you.  Even though the seasons change every year, I cannot take it for granted that I will be around to enjoy it.  Don't take for granted the events that are taking place in your lives right now.  It doesn't take long. Maybe a deep breath or a short "Thank you God" will implant the memory you might have missed. Thank you again for all the prayers and support.

Friday, September 14, 2012

If it's not broke...

Good news, my platelet count went up 20 pts to 84.  I guess the week off of the chemo pills helped.  I was concerned that my tumor marker would go up without the chemo pills, but I got good news on that front also.  My marker actually stayed the same.  So, with all this good news we decided to go back to what has been working and continue the current course of treatment, 6 chemo pills per day and a weekly chemo infusion.  This will be the plan of attack until my body tells us to stop.  I think I was the only person in the chemo suites today hoping to get the go ahead for more chemo.  I just feel we have to stay as aggressive as possible and not give the cancer a chance to grow.  I have no medical back up for that statement, it's just the way I feel.  Fortunately, I have a great medical team to make those decisions for me and so far they have always been right on.  I also found out today what kind of impact chemotherapy has on the healing process.  Believe it or not, I still have two fingers that are not healed from the surgery.  One of the drugs I am on stops the blood flow to the tumors so they will not grow.  This drug also stops the blood flow to the new tissue trying to grow in my fingers, so the healing process is very slow.  Well, I said it before and I'll say it again.  As I get closer to beating this thing, I not only have to pray for healing, but I have to pray for patience as well. Keep praying with me and have a great weekend!

New treatment course??

I go in today for my weekly treatment.  Based on my numbers I may be put on a new course of treatment.  If you recall, I was taken off my chemo pills for 1 week in order to give my body a chance to get my platelet count up.  Hopefully this did the trick.  If this did not work we may take a longer rest or change drugs or ????.  I put my trust in the knowledge the Lord has given my medical team. I'll update later today.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

New numbers...New course

I had treatment yesterday as per my usual Friday Schedule.  The only difference was I went at 8 in the morning as opposed to my normal 12 noon because I attended the wedding of Ali's (Sam's girlfriend) brother at 3pm . It was a beautiful event and it felt good to dress up and have a date with Vic.
Back to the numbers.  My liver function is still good.  The problems I ran into this week had to do with my platelets again.  For some reason they went way down to 64.  This coupled with the fact that my tumor marker stayed the same again has prompted the doctor to change my course of treatment.  He feels the best plan for now would be for me to stop taking my chemo pills for 1 week in order to give my body a break.  I will still be receiving my weekly chemo infusion.  Hopefully this will get the numbers back to moving in the right direction.  I pray everyday for God's healing touch and now I find I have to also pray for patience.  It has become increasingly difficult for me to accept any setbacks.  Vic has to remind me every step of the way that I knew this would be a long journey from the very beginning and to remember how far I have come.  I know she is right and I appreciate her understanding and patience with me.  Keep praying and thinking good positive thoughts, it helps us all.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Go east my girls

Well, the girls are gone. They headed back home to Baltimore.  Allison, Lillian and Caroline took a special passenger with them... Nana.  That's right, the four of them drove back to Maryland, non stop I might add.  It took them about thirteen hours and they all made it back safe and sound.  Vic will fly back Thursday night after helping Allison with some finishing touches on the nursery, attending Lillian's first soccer practice and seeing Lillian off to her first day of school.  It was wonderful having the girls here.  Just think, in four short months I'll have to start saying the girls and my boy.  I can't wait.  There was a time when I was not sure I would be here to experience the birth of my grandson but, God has continued to bless me with good results from my treatments.  At this point, I feel that time is my ally and not my enemy.  That being said, I will never take for granted the time I am able to spend with my grand children or the rest of my family.  This past week has not only filled my memory banks, it has filled my heart with the love that only a grandchild can give.  I miss them already.  Thank you Lord for allowing me this time.