Chemo III
Posted: 09/04/2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 7 Comments
We met with the surgeon at UMHS on 8/28. After a lengthy discussion with the surgeon we agreed with the recommendation to start chemotherapy and reassess surgery after treatment. The chemo will be used to kill/stop the cancer. After verifying that the treatments have been successful we will then do another liver resection. However, at this point the liver resection will be completed with a higher degree of confidence that the cancer is truly in remission!
So here we go again. Like a bad sequel I am here at UMHS once again receiving chemotherapy. We are hoping and praying that this will be THE episode where the antagonist is defeated! Where the opponent is knocked out for good!
I once read that insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Well, luckily this chemo will be a little different than the first two cocktails. The first eleven chemotherapy treatments were labeled as FOLFOX. That regimen included 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin. The next twelve treatments were FOLIRI + Erbitux. That regimen included 5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, and Erbitux. This cocktail will include 5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and avastin. This is nearly all the drugs previously received plus avastin. The latest studies have shown that adding avastin (aka bevacizumab) can increase the effectiveness of the other drugs. And we are hoping and praying that is precisely what will play out in my case.
Side effects. Of course there are side effects. You know the part of the commercial where they talk very fast? Or the very fine fine fine fine print? That is the downside of chemo. It comes along with baggage. And there lies the “battle.”
So, yes, I’m ready for the battle. I’ll surely endure these side effects. I say bring them on! I’ll fight with every ounce of energy I have.
To see the smile on a future grand-child’s face.
To walk my daughters down the aisle and give them to their future husbands.
To see my talented older son in his first Broadway performance.
To watch my younger son play sports, graduate, and grow.
To rock in a rocking chair with my wife.
I will fight!
Father in Heaven, King of Kings,
Thank you for today. For a chance to fight. For the energy to fight. Thank you for the love you have surrounded me with. Thank you for all my beautiful family and friends. Thank you for the countless blessings you have bestowed on me. Thank you for giving me peace and strength and endurance. Amen.
And thank YOU for your continued support. And for your countless prayers for my family and me. Please know that I truly appreciate each of you.
Sincerely,
Philip
Phil's Blog 
Phil, your faith, strength and courage are an inspiration to all of us. Please know that we are in your corner cheering you on and praying continually for your complete healing.
Phil: I join you in the prayer that you wrote above. May God keep you in His perfect peace.
With reasons as amazing as those…your drive will knock out this cancer and spring you toward a wonderful, long, life filled future!! We love you all
Prayers, healing thoughts and beautiful light
Colette, Darrick & the guys
You know that we are in your corner with our prayers for this round of the fight. Time for a knockout!
“It ain’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” I just heard how good spinach is for you. For sure make that part of your daily fight. I will too. And laughter, that’s good for you too. Try to see the funny side at every moment, it’s there just as every coin has 2 sides. God allowed you to face such a big opponent. He knows you can hold your own. He has full confidence you will do well, and He plans to bless your efforts with success!!!
We have to do battle with everything we have. This might include getting another opinion on your progress and recommendations for treatment. Also, we should consider a diet focused on improving wellness, energy and over all health. There are professionals who can help with this as I don’t see any help from your oncologist in this regard. Love you and want you around counting great grand kids with me.
Thank you Phil for your openness in sharing your testimony of faith through this marathon life challenge! Praying that you will receive complete healing! Also, that your testimony will be greatly used by God in the lives of those you and your story come in contact with so that they too have assurance of the eternal salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. Hang in there!