I am not sure God actually rips a chair out from beneath us, but I certainly understand the emotion Rayann was expressing.
The past few weeks have been filled with moments that felt like someone was pulling a chair from underneath me.
A Busy few Weeks
Two weeks ago I had my normal three-month scans. When the scan report appeared on my healthcare portal, I was less than encouraged by the language. It spoke of one of my metastases, “doubling in size.”
Last week I completed bloodwork in advance of upcoming appointments. Those results were a mixed bag. Much of the report was very positive. Unfortunately, my CEA (which measures active growing cancer) had doubled and was above normal for the first time in two years.
Wednesday morning, I met with my radiologist. He confirmed my suspicions. My cancer was active once again. It turns out the microwave ablation I had back in June aggravated my cancer and caused it to grow faster.
OPTIONS MOVING FORWARD
I met with my surgeon on Thursday. Rayann went with me. We listened as he talked about the risks and rewards of removing a section of my liver.
In the end it all comes down to a question of how healthy my liver is. Cancer and chemotherapy did damage to my liver. I have undergone two rounds of aggressive chemotherapy.
To help get a better understanding of what is going on with my liver I am going to have exploratory surgery next Tuesday. My surgeon will use a camera to get an up-close look at my liver. This will help us make informed decisions about what treatment plan is the best option.
OPTIONS ARE ENCOURAGING
The most extreme would be surgery to remove the lower lobe of my liver. According to my scans all my cancer is located in this region. This option, while it has significant risk has the most rewards.
My radiologist has several treatment options that would be appropriate is surgery is off the table. The surgeon spoke of surgically implanting a pump to deliver chemotherapy directly to my liver should he decide surgery is too risky.
Dr. Saroha, my oncologist told me we could always return to the systemic chemotherapy treatments I have had twice before.
While the news is not what we have wanted to hear it is encouraging to have so many treatment options. When my journey started, there was never an option. Chemotherapy was the only game in town.
ADJUSTING TO A NEW SEASON
This past week has been crazy. My emotions have been all over the place. It takes me a few days to adjust back into living and moving as Dan the one undergoing treatment for cancer.
As the week draws to a close I find myself with a strange sense of peace. We have been here before. We know how to move, what to expect.
In the days ahead I will be looking for my “God sightings.” Those times when I am abundantly aware of God working and moving in my life.
As we go forward, if there is significant news to share you will find me writing about it here.
May the rest of today be filled with wonder and amazement as you are yet again surprised by the gift & grace of God.
We pray for you every day….Jesus walks with you, by your side.
So sorry to hear this, but your a fighter.
Dan, I’ll certainly keep you in prayer!