Cancer

We've been in treatment coming up on four years. Have posted here several times the latest this Christmas when I was in the Hospital for blocked veins. The cancer in the center of my chest had blocked blood flow from my upper body back into the heart. We have now been given approval to go to MD Anderson for evaluation for surgery. We leave Sunday for 2 to 7 day evaluation and then whatever comes next. Met a fellow right after I got out of the hospital who had a similar surgery 10 years ago and no problems since..... so we're hoping for the best of.... Have always appreciated your prayers...... Tom

 

Well, got to meet with the doctor this morning and right off the bat he was only talking about a clinical trial. He was quite frank in stating that my cancer is definately inoperable. The clinical trial is working with gene implants or something or other and they have had about 25 participants so far. Problem, it would involve a 330 mile trip to Houston every three weeks (660 miles round trip) and a night in a hotel. He said a couple of people of the study group have had reduction in tumor size while some others have at least stopped advance of growth. There will also be the question of possible side effects. We're going to finish more tests tommorrow talk to the doctor administering the trial and spend a few days in prayer prior to any decision. Real factor may be finding out how and how much of this would be covered by my insurance and what the personal cost would be vs the probable outcome. That and know side effects. The other option is to go back to Abilene, have the stent implanted, continue with chemo and hope for a reasonable length and quality of life..... Thanks for listening...... Tom

 

We debated just coming home after the doctor mentioned surgery was out of the question, but stayed and completed all the catscans etc... and even talked to the other doctor in charge of the clinical trials. They sent me all the information on the trials via e-mail and we carefully read thru all.... and came on home. We will meet with our regular doctor here on Tuesday and probably go into the hospital then and have the stent implanted and start back on the chemo he originally started. And wait upon the Lord. Feel at worst case I have three to five years and who knows what the Lord has planned. Thank you again for all your prayers thru this. It sure does help knowing who is really in charge. Love you all Tom

 

The dust has settled from our trip and we're rested and back to life as usual. Had an appointment with the Doctor on Tuesday the 24th and were setup to have the stent put in place on Tuesday morning, the 3rd. After that the best the doctor has to offer is going back on chemo....... and we have decided that after two years of various chemo treatments with all the side effects etc.... that we will forgo further chemo and concentrate on possible alternative treatments. God is still on the throne and we will enter this phase with much prayer and joy as we anticipate my good and His glory is all that can result. Thanks for you continued prayer and concerns. Tom