Well, here we are again in scenic Zion, Illinois at CTCA getting a chemo treatment. We didn't have to see anyone this time...we are here just for the treatment. In 2 weeks, we will see Dr. Neelam after having complete blood work which will give us an idea of where we are with this cancer, although we won't know for sure until we get scans again. We will at least get a CEA which we pray will indicate continued progress in our fight.
We have a new situation requiring our attention. I have to have surgery on my lower back March 15th. The procedure I will be having is known as "lumbar decompressive laminectomy and fusion with spinal instrumentation" for the purpose of removing bone, compression of nerves, and stabilize spine.
I have been having problems with my back for probably about a year and have been putting off having anything done about it. The symptoms have escalated to where I had no choice but to go to my family doctor who ordered an MRI. The results of the MRI caused my doctor to send me to a Neurologist/ Neurosurgeon for further evaluation and treatment. I was hoping to avoid surgery but I really have no choice at this point.
Please keep both of us in your prayers! As I have mentioned before, I always love receiving comments and emails from you so please keep them coming our way!!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and concerns for us!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Latest Test Results
Well we now have the results of the latest set of scans. The news isn't exactly what we wanted but it's God's will and we must continue to have faith that His way is the best way.
One rib showed a slight increase of indicator on the PET scan, going to 5.0 from 3.1. That was the only remarkable result on either the PET or the CT scan. All the other ribs and vertebrae are clear as well as the lungs.
The scar tissue that formed at the site of the original surgery in the colon is almost completely gone. This is a site where the cancer would be likely to return so having it cleared up is a good thing.
The CEA has dropped again and is now 3.0 which is considered normal.
The Oncologist's remarks indicate that overall this is a positive report. Being conservative, she wants to do another 4 to 6 treatments of chemo.
Even though this isn't exactly what we had hoped for it shows definite progress in our fight against this cancer. The positive attitude shown by Dr. Neelam is encouraging to me. God must have other plans for us at this time. We wanted to be able to leave here today, having completed all the chemo treatments for now, and not to return here for 3 months, but obviously that is not what we are to do.
It would be easy to become angry and resentful because "God did not answer my prayer," but I honestly do not believe that. God just didn't grant us exactly what we wanted right now. He still provides for our needs. We are still able to come to CTCA for the treatments which is where we feel God led us.
Everyone here is so loving and gracious and we know we need to be here at this time. Each time we come here, we talk and visit with other patients - some we had met before and others we meet for the first time. Perhaps there is someone we still need to meet or who needs to meet us. We never know what impact what we say or do will have on someone else. God uses us in many ways to do His will and I am sure He has a purpose for Arnie's and my life.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. God is answering prayer and we need each of you to keep praying for us! Please also keep in touch with us. I appreciate your emails and comments.
One rib showed a slight increase of indicator on the PET scan, going to 5.0 from 3.1. That was the only remarkable result on either the PET or the CT scan. All the other ribs and vertebrae are clear as well as the lungs.
The scar tissue that formed at the site of the original surgery in the colon is almost completely gone. This is a site where the cancer would be likely to return so having it cleared up is a good thing.
The CEA has dropped again and is now 3.0 which is considered normal.
The Oncologist's remarks indicate that overall this is a positive report. Being conservative, she wants to do another 4 to 6 treatments of chemo.
Even though this isn't exactly what we had hoped for it shows definite progress in our fight against this cancer. The positive attitude shown by Dr. Neelam is encouraging to me. God must have other plans for us at this time. We wanted to be able to leave here today, having completed all the chemo treatments for now, and not to return here for 3 months, but obviously that is not what we are to do.
It would be easy to become angry and resentful because "God did not answer my prayer," but I honestly do not believe that. God just didn't grant us exactly what we wanted right now. He still provides for our needs. We are still able to come to CTCA for the treatments which is where we feel God led us.
Everyone here is so loving and gracious and we know we need to be here at this time. Each time we come here, we talk and visit with other patients - some we had met before and others we meet for the first time. Perhaps there is someone we still need to meet or who needs to meet us. We never know what impact what we say or do will have on someone else. God uses us in many ways to do His will and I am sure He has a purpose for Arnie's and my life.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. God is answering prayer and we need each of you to keep praying for us! Please also keep in touch with us. I appreciate your emails and comments.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
...hope and a future
We will be traveling to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion Illinois later today. Tomorrow we will be having scans and the next day, we will see the Oncologist for results. Our hope and prayer is that those scans will show no evidence of cancer. The treatments have shown a consistent decrease in the presence of cancer as shown by PET scan and CT scan results and the lowering of the CEA with every blood test. Also Arnie's weekly blood work that we get done here in Toledo is always well within the normal range.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers. Part of me is very excited and positive about this trip and part of me is apprehensive and negative. Satan loves to throw that doubt and unrest in our paths and I feel he is doing just that. God has answered prayer and has taken care of us and we believe He will continue. We need to pray for strength and courage, whatever the news is. I know that He is in control of our lives.
Thank you all so much for being there for us!
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