Cancer Chronicles - Scan Results

Toward
Higher
Ground 

As scheduled, my Pet Scan and MRI took place on Monday, September 8th. I have waited this long to post because, though I had the results on Wednesday, it was not till today (Friday) that I was able to talk to my surgeon. I am grateful to report good news! My MRI scan showed nothing in my brain (I know. This confirms the suspicions of many). The PET scan found the nodule on my thyroid. This was there in 2010, was biopsied, and found to be non-malignant. There may be a slight change in size. 2010 measured 18 mm, this scan, 2 cm (20 mm). The plan now is to do a biopsy of the nodule at my next visit with the surgeon Thursday, September 18th.

The PET scan indicated some sort of hypermetabolic lesion in the small bowel mesentery. The PET scan report recommended an abdominal and pelvis CT scan to take a closer look. However, my surgeon indicated that this is so close to the area of incision (meaning it could very well be scar tissue), that he is not concerned about it at this time. He said that he would be more concerned if he hadn't removed several lymph nodes that were found to be negative around the area of the tumors. He thought that taking a look at it with the next PET scan (four to six months) would be sufficient.

Dr. Johnson (surgeon) is referring me to Dr. William Sharfman, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. I will also see him next Thursday, September 18th. After taking a look at his "resume," he seems like a good choice to me.

We are rejoicing in this good news, and it seems like we can claim to be "cancer free" - for now. But undoubtedly there will be a rigid regimen of checkups and tests for most likely all my future. I will be living in a state of what I call diligent paranoia. That's because I know there are those who's stories of cancer are not as good as mine is tonight. Many of you know I lost my brother to lung cancer this past January. I remember Terry, a high school friend, who died of melanoma in his 20's. When you read this, would you pray for a brother and son of some friends of mine. His name is Eric, and he probably does not have long. Unless God intervenes, melanoma is going to take him. Finally, pray for Dale, the husband of a Facebook friend, also battling melanoma.

And now for a song. May it bless you as it does me (the Title is a link to a youtube version).

"The Glorious Unfolding"

Lay your head down tonight

Take a rest from the fight

Don’t try to figure it out

Just listen to what I’m whispering to your heart

‘Cause I know this is not

Anything like you thought

The story of your life was gonna be

And it feels like the end has started closing in on you

But it’s just not true

There’s so much of the story that’s still yet to unfold

And this is going to be a glorious unfolding

Just you wait and see and you will be amazed

You’ve just got to believe the story is so far from over

So hold on to every promise God has made to us

And watch this glorious unfolding

God’s plan from the start

For this world and your heart

Has been to show His glory and His grace

Forever revealing the depth and the beauty of

His unfailing Love

And the story has only begun

And this is going to be a glorious unfolding

Just you wait and see and you will be amazed

We’ve just got to believe the story is so far from over

So hold on to every promise God has made to us

And watch this glorious unfolding

We were made to run through fields of forever

Singing songs to our Savior and King

So let us remember this life we’re living

Is just the beginning of the beginning

Of this glorious unfolding

We will watch and see and we will be amazed

If we just keep on believing the story is so far from over

And hold on to every promise God has made to us

We’ll see the glorious unfolding

Just watch and see (unfolding)

This is just the beginning of the beginning (unfolding)

Cancer Chronicles – Surgery Follow Up

Toward
Higher
Ground 

 My first follow up with my surgeon was Thursday afternoon, August 28^th.  All 29 staples were removed. 

Dr. Johnson told me that my case had been a topic of discussion that morning with a group of physician’s, including a medical oncologist.  The oncologist stated that he did not believe I was a candidate for adjuvant therapy (therapy applied after initial treatment for cancer, especially to suppress secondary tumor formation).  This is what I received in 2010, and at that time it led to temporary liver damage.  Also, what was just removed is “secondary tumor formation” (Stage IV).  The oncologist suggested that participation in a clinical trial may be the best treatment strategy at this time.

Dr. Johnson recommended that I follow up with this particular oncologist¸ however, his staff informed us that the oncologist does not take our insurance (United Health Care).  So, Dr. Johnson is doing some research, and looking closely at possibilities in Hershey, Lehigh Valley, and Johns Hopkins.

Meanwhile, I am scheduled for a PET scan and an MRI on Monday, September 8^th.  Results will not be available for at least 48 hours after that.  I follow up with my surgeon again on September 18^th.

As for “How are you feeling?” – my most frequently asked question, the answer is just fine, except for a little sore and slow.  I have returned to a regular diet, but I am looking very seriously at cancer nutrition strategies, and will adjust as I feel a need to.  Also, I have returned to work as of today, though I am not cleared to drive until next Monday, September 8^th.  When I go to the office this week, I will catch a ride with a colleague.

Finally, let me share with you my personal theme song (for at least this week) by Building 429, and may it bless you as it does me!

"We Won't Be Shaken"

This world has nothing for me 

This life is not my own

I know You go before me and I am not alone

This mountain rises higher

The way seems so unclear

But I know that You go with me so I will never fear

I will trust in You 

Whatever will come our way

Through fire or pouring rain

We won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

Whatever tomorrow brings

Together we'll rise and sing

That we won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken 

You know my every longing

You've heard my every prayer

You've held me in my weakness

Cause You are always there

So I'll stand in full surrender

It's Your way and not my own

My mind is set on nothing less

Than You and You alone

I will not be moved oh 

Whatever will come our way

Through fire or pouring rain

We won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

Whatever tomorrow brings

Together we'll rise and sing

That we won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken 

We will trust in You

We will not be moved

We will trust in You

And we won't be shaken