Had a CT scan yesterday. Along with scanning the lungs they did a special version that took a close look at my urologcal system. Special barium drink, extra IV fluids & special timing on the scans. Had a fair amount of contrast but drank LOTS of fluids afterwards to flush everything out.
Today we met with our two main docs, my primary oncologist and main urologist (that was involved in my surgery last year). The CT scan basically confirmed what we already knew. Cancer has spread to a few small spots on my lungs and is trying to block my ureters. Our main oncologist basically suggested that the best way to move forward is with a "systematic" approach (which means that since the cancer is in multiple places, chemo is the best course of action). Sounds reasonable. He's going to take one of my existing cancer samples (from last year) and do some genetic testing on it to see if there is a particular chemo that might be more effective than the "standard" chemo used. Finally, we're starting to see "customized" care for cancer treatment. Not sure what he'll come up with, but this IS the future of cancer care.
Our urologist was very hesitantant to recommend surgery and agreed that the best thing for my ureter was to continue to keep it open with a stent and see if the chemo helped. The stent is sort of a "band aid" solution, but it will work and will be MUCH less invasive than a surgical (or "stainless steel" approach as our other doctor calls it) procedure. We can use a different kind of stent that will be all internal, so the hassle-factor will be reduced too. Sounds good to me.
So the bottom line is nothing super-radical, but we can "kick the can down the road" for another 6-12 months and then see what happens. Depending on the chemo that we go with, it might produce some significant results (stay tuned). Eventually we're hoping for some SMC (Super Magic Chemo) that will kill this stuff once and for all, but until then, this should keep us going.
All in all, we have our Texas docs back in the loop and have a pretty reasonable plan. It involves some chemo (which may not be all that much fun), but should give us some "mileage" on down the road.
Looking foward to heading home tomorrow...
Today we met with our two main docs, my primary oncologist and main urologist (that was involved in my surgery last year). The CT scan basically confirmed what we already knew. Cancer has spread to a few small spots on my lungs and is trying to block my ureters. Our main oncologist basically suggested that the best way to move forward is with a "systematic" approach (which means that since the cancer is in multiple places, chemo is the best course of action). Sounds reasonable. He's going to take one of my existing cancer samples (from last year) and do some genetic testing on it to see if there is a particular chemo that might be more effective than the "standard" chemo used. Finally, we're starting to see "customized" care for cancer treatment. Not sure what he'll come up with, but this IS the future of cancer care.
Our urologist was very hesitantant to recommend surgery and agreed that the best thing for my ureter was to continue to keep it open with a stent and see if the chemo helped. The stent is sort of a "band aid" solution, but it will work and will be MUCH less invasive than a surgical (or "stainless steel" approach as our other doctor calls it) procedure. We can use a different kind of stent that will be all internal, so the hassle-factor will be reduced too. Sounds good to me.
So the bottom line is nothing super-radical, but we can "kick the can down the road" for another 6-12 months and then see what happens. Depending on the chemo that we go with, it might produce some significant results (stay tuned). Eventually we're hoping for some SMC (Super Magic Chemo) that will kill this stuff once and for all, but until then, this should keep us going.
All in all, we have our Texas docs back in the loop and have a pretty reasonable plan. It involves some chemo (which may not be all that much fun), but should give us some "mileage" on down the road.
Looking foward to heading home tomorrow...
3 comments:
Well, what you should say is SUPERMAN is BAAAACCCKKKKKK! See you soon RACCON. g and pb
PB says your head is fine just the way it is... i think facial hair makes one look older so you can get rid 0f that. xoxoxo
Yay genetics! Wish I could have visited with you while you were in Houston. Probably best I didn't. (Still have a super massive sore throat...will see doc soon). I agree with Grandee...you're too cute to cover up that face with hair! You're still on the prayer list at church. Hope the SMC works, and that they can take the tube in your back out soon. Love you. Taffy
Mark - glad to hear you're a survivor - email what else your life has brought you -I'm back on the east coast -
Breen *Veek* Berger
breen09@verizon.net
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