Disease Progression: Next?
Posted by stephanie on December 1st, 2007
What we know is in June the disease was spreading like wild fire. In Houston they had about 4 protocols they felt might be effective. They took the +/- of the whole picture and chose the drugs they felt offered us the greatest hope. The protocol slowed the disease and even brought my liver enzymes into a normal range. About a month ago, under extremely high surveillance, they began to see hints things were changing. They needed to wait about two months between PET/CT scans. The news is what we posted below. The disease is again progressing with involvement now being: liver, bone and lymphatic system. We managed five months on this protocol.
The goal of chemo with metastatic disease is to maximize the timeframe to progression of disease and increase overall survival. They leave the patient on the drugs until they no longer tolerate the drugs, they are no longer effective or the patient is in remission. It is recognized that as a whole the goal is to extend a patient’s life and every once in a while they are able to put the patient into remission. While we recognize this is all true, we anxiously hold out for the greatest outcome: the miracle of remission. We struggle when we fall short of remission. I would say those that love me struggle too.
Today we started a new protocol with the same hope and dream we have add for each treatment plan: extending my time with the ones I dearly love. We must always remember the blessings we have and to maximize today’s joy.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:48 pm
We shall treasure and bless every day we have together. God will be gracious and bless you richly. We never know when that mircle might happen. Always know you are greatly loved. Mom
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:06 pm
We will continue to keep you in our prayers. We must never give up hope. Remember you’re never alone.
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Steph,
I pray that the maker of miracles, the healer of all, will bless you with a Christmas miracle — the kind that doctors can’t “explain away.” The kind that only our Heavenly Father can orchestrate. The kind that makes people sit up and take notice of the mighty power our Lord possesses. My heart fills every time I picture your beautiful face — a mirror of your incomparable spirit — while we were in L.A. I’m believing in the power of prayer! You ARE the Talent!
Much Love,
- d.