June 28, 2013

More on an immune approach

Posted by Derek under Conventional Medicine | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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My friend, Paul, sent the link below. Seems very inflammatory to mention that we may be seeing the end of chemo, but that seems the nature of cancer research. What is today’s clinical study is tomorrow’s treatment pattern. When you think about the power of the immune system, cancer treatment moving away from chemo and more toward strengthening the immune system sounds like “personalized” treatment.

If you or someone you love is in the throes of a cancer battle, you may want to read the CNN article below. Also, within the article there are links to TIME Magazine articles with additional information. It is very hopeful.

I’ve talked with my oncologist about this latest move toward building a stronger immune system to fight the cancer and he was very informed and looking forward to turning these clinical studies into practical application with great success rates.

 

CNN.com

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January 19, 2012

Good health report

Posted by Derek under Conventional Medicine, Faith | Tags: , , , , , |
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Today, Patti and I had a meeting with my oncologist, Dr. T.

I had not seen Dr. T since my last appointment in October 2011. Then, he gave me a glowing report. The tumors were stable, no growth or expansion of the cancer to other organs.

Today, I got a similar report. To God be the glory.

I have to admit, since Dr. T has extended the time between office visits, I approach each meeting with a bit of trepidation. Certainly, since my last visit in October, we have had a tragic loss — a death in the family that required daily visits to the hospital from late November through early January.  That was a very stressful time for our family.

So, I was very relieved to see that, even with the stress, the tumors have continued to remain stable. I am so thankful, and continue to thank the Lord for my blessings.

So, work continues on the book, my love of writing has not subsided, and Patti and I are planning to take a quick trip soon to provide some additional stress relief.

I thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. I hope you know that I return your love, your goodwill, and pray for your health and well-being. Thank you.

 

 

July 28, 2011

Bodacious news

Posted by Derek under Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Another visit to the oncologist … and continued good news.

When we met with Dr. Trumbly this afternoon, I was a bit apprehensive. Recently, when Patti and I had been feeding and watering the horses on the ranch here, it was exhausting and I did not know how this exhaustion would affect the cancer numbers. And, I didn’t know whether the exhaustion was due to the heat (over 100 degrees for 30 days), the exertion (lifting and moving seven-eight bales of hay two-to-three times a day) or my age (60-year-old doing stuff that normally someone in their 20s would be doing), or whatever.

I don’t think I have sweat this much in years. I’m just a wuss.

But when we met with the doc, he had nothing but good news. The c-19 markers that he uses to determine spread and/or growth of the tumors in the pancreas and liver continue to drop. The last visit they were 190, and today they were 180. Months ago, they were at their highest — 212. Dr. Trumbly said that normally these markers run between 0-35 for someone without this cancer. So, my numbers at 180 are high, but more advanced patients have numbers that run in the thousands, so we pray for stability. But these marker numbers are dropping, and that’s a good thing.

How ironic is this? We revel and celebrate when we have LESS of something instead of MORE. Hell, imagine how much I would celebrate if these numbers were to drop to the 0-35 range. Drinks are on me!

And the good news continues. From this point forward, I will see Dr. Trumbly every THREE months instead of every six weeks.

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes, prayers and staying in touch. I love you all.

Cancer-boy may be lifting more bales and totin’ more water if it means these numbers continue to fall.

To God be the glory!

 

May 5, 2011

Latest medical report

Posted by Derek under Conventional Medicine | Tags: , , , , , , |
[8] Comments 

Last week, I had a CT scan and blood work in anticipation of a meeting with my oncologist, Dr. Alan Trumbly, today.

Patti and I just got back and the report is good. As Dr. Trumbly said, “Look at your scan report. I’ve not seen the word STABLE show up in a CT scan report this much in quite some time.”

He went on to say that the scan and blood work show that the tumors in the pancreas and liver are immobile and … stable. My liver continues to be 100% operational.

There is a very slight elevation in one of my tumor markers in the blood work, but the doc said that is it minuscule. As Dr. Trumbly keeps saying to Patti and me: “Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s working.”

Thanks to all of your for your prayers. That is probably what’s working more than anything I am doing. God bless you all.