Cancer Chronicles - March 26, 2010

I met with my oncologist this morning, Friday, March 26. The GREAT news is, all biopsies, scans, and pathology reports show me to be cancer free at the present time! Of course, we are rejoicing in this, praising God, and thanking you for all your prayers.

The bad news is that people with melanoma who have one or more positive lymph nodes are at a high risk to have their melanoma recur. It is believed that 70 to 80% of these individuals will have their melanoma come back within the next three to five years. My tumor, which was removed on February 24, was lymphoid tissue.

For this reason my oncologist is recommending adjuvant interferon treatment (This is the “annoying” treatment, for those who recall a previous blog update). This treatment, its purpose, methodology, and side effects, etc., are very well described at this link, so I’ll not bother with any of it here (With apologies to my Ohio friends – it is a University of Michigan web site). Studies show that interferon treatment lowers that risk by about 20 percent.

Right now, I am planning on moving forward with this treatment. If any of my medical personnel friends care to share your thoughts or experiences, I would be glad to hear them. Also, if anybody else has experience with the adjuvant interferon treatment, I hope you will share your story with me, how you or a loved one coped with it, and so on.

So here’s the plan. Next week, Dr. Smith (surgeon) will implant a Mediport for intravenous delivery. The following Monday, April 5, I will begin the adjuvant interferon treatment. The first phase of the treatment is one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks. More good news – I will be receiving this treatment about two blocks from where I live.

Several family members were already planning to join me here in Gallatin for Easter weekend. Daughter Rachel, and grandson, Thomas Charles Clay will be here Thursday evening, April 1. Beth and Jonathan and Anna are coming on Friday, April 2. Beth is now planning to be with me for the first week of the treatments, April 5-9.

Finally, I am planning to continue my pastoral duties as I am able through the treatment period. Fatigue is the major side effect of the treatment, so your prayers for extra measures of strength and endurance will be much appreciated!

Thanks again for all your thoughts, prayers, and actions on our behalf! God is good all the time; His people are blessings beyond measure; and life is a precious gift! Live, love, and laugh—lavishly!