Very Good News (03/26/2013 Update)

I am very excited to report.

I went in for follow-up scans last Thursday.  I was expecting to receive the results of these scans in a couple more days, along with receiving Chemo Treatment Five. The doctor called this morning and gave me this update.

“The results are better than we had hoped.”

The two larger tumors (seen on the previous MRI) have showed significant reduction. And more importantly, the smaller tumors seen on the previous MRI are not present in this MRI.  As you may recall the previous MRI was not a high-quality image and what was thought to be smaller tumors were “inconclusive.”  The quality of this MRI was substantially better than the last one and the doctors now believe the smaller shadows on the previous scan may not have been tumors. The fact is that they are not showing up on this scan at all.

Change of plans

The NEW plan is to prepare for surgery sooner than later. I will be off chemo four weeks in order to allow my body to recover and prepare for the surgery. Surgery will likely be scheduled towards the middle/end of April. The Tumor Board will review my case on Thursday 3/28 as they must approve this change-of-plans before it is official. However, my doctor said he is 98% sure this will be the new course. I will send out another update on Thursday evening after we hear the results of the Tumor Board review.

Meanwhile, please join me in a prayer of Thanksgiving.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your healing Grace. Your mercy and Love overwhelms me.

And thank you for the many medical staff that help me (and many others) fight this Cancer. Grant to them many Blessings and Love this Easter season.

And Thank you Lord for so many people praying for me and supporting me.  Let your Love and Light shine down upon them all during this Easter season.

And help those who have not known you Lord; help me share with them your Love and Grace. Open their hearts as they explore new beginnings.

May the risen Lord be our partner today and every day; filling our lives with Love and Joy!

Amen

More Good News (03/14/2014 Update)

My CEA is down again (from 9 down to 7.6).  This is a hopeful sign that these treatments are working as designed.

I’m scheduled for the MRI and CT follow-up Scans for next Thursday, 3/21.  The hope is that these scans will show the cancer on the decline, positioning me for a future surgery.

The other good news is that the Erbitux Rash has continued to decline.  I did not experience much (if any) resurgence with the last treatment.  And therefore today I am receiving more Erbitux along with the Fulfiri chemo.

I want to write more of an update but I’m struggling with being very tired right now and the words are simply not complete at this time.  I’ll include an additional update in a day or two and will conclude this update with the following invitation.

The Colon and Rectal Center in Battle Creek Michigan are sponsoring a 5K Walk/Race.  I’d like to invite you all to join me in this activity. Maybe we can plan lunch together afterwards..

The event is on Saturday June 1st at 9am.

Please let me now if you are interested in joining me in this race/walk.

Thank you Colette and Darrick for suggesting this activity; I’m already looking forward to a beautiful day on 6/1. More information and sign-up can be found on the following link.

https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/90222

Love and Light to you!

Philip