I wanted to give everyone an update on where things are with my treatment.
We found out that in early January that the tumor is not "dead" like we thought, and it has grown significantly. As many of you know, the pain is almost, if not more painful then when first diagnosed. So they sent me for an MRI and CT Scan. We went to see the Doctors today to figure out what to do next.
Most importantly, the cancer hasn't spread other than the tumor growing. There is a new small spot on my liver that was never there before, but it may not be anything - they will continue to monitor it. The three small spots on my lungs have not grown and they will continue to monitor them, as well. They gave me new meds for the pain (Fentanyl patches supplemented with Percocet) and advised me to start walking with a cane to take pressure off of the area. The pain is from the bone right now, and as you know, bone pain is tremendous.
Chemo started again on Wednesday, January 11. They plan on a total of three (3) chemo cycles (1 every 2 weeks), just like the outpatient sessions I had before. They are going to try every two weeks as long as my body can handle it (it's a pretty aggressive treatment). The main goal right now is to prevent the tumor from growing and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. In 6 weeks, they'll do more scans and evaluate the next step. It will be either radiation, surgery or possibly more chemo - we won’t know until then. Probably the hardest news is that surgery is going to be much, much harder than anticipated. Unless the tumor shrinks, they are now going to have to take the entire left side of my pelvis, as well as the hip socket (they will use bone grafts and plates in place of those). After surgery, I'll be monitored in ICU for several days, a week in the hospital, and 6 - 8 weeks of rehabilitation. Also, the likelihood of chemo and/or radiation after recovery from surgery is good.
We definitely could have gotten worse news today, so we'll take this the best we can. I’m not giving up.
Really sorry to hear its not going as well as it could be. I know you are strong and will push through anything they throw at you. I know you will get through just fine. If you need anything at all just give us a call. We Love you Very Much!!!
ReplyDeleteYour sadist doc needs to give you some stronger pain meds... Or you need a pain mgmt doc - Dr. Fox on University in Tamarac was able to help my Dad when he had major back issues.
ReplyDeleteMiss you Scott, wish I could help.
Love, Shawn