An Amazing Transformation

Its amazing how things can change in a moment's notice. Back in January, I was one of the happiest people on earth having just completed my last radiation therapy. I was NED (No Evidence of Disease), I kept the doctors from putting a feeding tube in me, and I was on my way back to health. Over the last six weeks, I have been taking a cancer survivor's class at the Wellness Center with my chemo mentor, Toby and 23 other survivors. My taste buds have almost come back from the assault of chemo, and I've been able to learn how to eat again with more knowledge about foods I'm OK with coming daily. Most things were going well for me with some exceptions.

Given all the good things coming my way and my 1st set of scans being taken, I was sure that all would go like clock work. I guess you could say I was feeling pretty confident. So after the CT scan came back with some cause of concern, I felt a bit of concern, but not too much. Then when the PET scan continued the concerns, I felt a bit less confident. I had an appointment to see Dr. S (my chemo oncologist) to get an answer regarding the results.

The appointment is when the great transformation occurred. Dr S informed me that the CT & PET scans show that the cancer was indeed back. Not to mention that it had metastasized to my liver. Thus in one fatal swoop I went from a celebrating cancer survivor who was NED and on the road to recovery, to a Stage IV cancer victim with limited options. An amazing transformation!

I was told by Dr S yesterday & Dr. P (my oncology surgeon) today that they have exhausted all the tools that they have in their toolbox. Thus my options are these:

1. Clinical Trials: experimental treatments going on at places like NIH, Johns Hopkins, or other research centers.

2. Second Line of Chemo: The chemo treatment that I have received was considered the strongest thing that could be thrown at this cancer. Apparently, the cancer did not respond as hoped. Thus, a different set of chemos can be considered, however this set would not be as strong and therefore there is very little confidence that the results would be anything less than what would be desired.

3. Live & Let Live: Basically the statement here was enjoy the rest of my life without doing anything more to fight the disease. As many of you know, this really isn't my style. I'm just hate to lose too much!!!

So without further ado, we are investigating clinical trials with NIH & Johns Hopkins.

The fun is just beginning again. Looks like there is a lot more to go in this cancer adventure. Wish me luck and say a prayer. I can certainly use it!


PS: On a side note, I was able to take a bit of an escape from this craziness by spending much of the day with Lori and Sam (Lori's dog). It was a wonderful respite and much needed. Thanks Lori (and Sam)!