The Man with the Plan

Yea!  We have a plan!

Today we saw Dr. Alley to discuss the PET scan and biopsy results.  First, the biopsy.  As suspected, Dad has lung cancer - adenocarcinoma, to be exact.  This is the most common type of lung cancer and because of that has the most treatment options available.  Next, the PET scan.  The cancer is also present in his bones, though surprisingly that isn't the cause of the shoulder pain that kicked off this journey.  The good news is that the treatment for the lung cancer is effective on all areas where the cancer is present.

So, what's the plan?  This specific type of cancer is prone to gene mutations that allow targeted therapies that are simpler and more effective.  The genomic testing takes about three weeks...but a lot can happen in three weeks, so we're starting off with one of the traditional chemotherapy medicines until the results are in.  There are few things to do this week to minimize potential side effects, then he'll have his first treatment next week.  The initial treatment schedule is every three weeks and coincides nicely with when genomic testing is back and we can reevaluate the go-forward plan at that time.

In the meantime, the doctor has ordered an MRI to ensure that he doesn't have any spots on his brain.  Dr. Alley doesn't anticipate any...but if there are, there's a plan for that, too!  He mentioned something called a gamma knife.  Does anybody else remember when the word "gamma" was only used in science fiction?  Cancer treatments have come a long way!  But Lord willing, "gamma" will not need to become part of our vocabulary.

Lots of information today, here's the short version of the plan:

• Chemotherapy starting next week, few side effects anticipated
• Genomic testing underway, results in three weeks
• MRI in the next week to evaluate the brain
• Back in three weeks for next treatment - either targeted treatment based on gene mutation or traditional chemotherapy, adding a second chemotherapeutic agent.

This is the plan...but we know that ultimately God is in control and directs both the doctors and how Dad responds to the treatments.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  Proverbs 16:9 

Thankfully, we know that the Lord is in control and we can place all of our trust in him.  Please continue to pray for Dad and the family as we enter into this next phase. 

Oh, and if you'd like to leave Dad a message, please feel free to use the "Comment" feature below.  Thanks in advance for your ongoing prayers!

Biopsies and Bubbles

Biopsy Day dawned bright - and early!  We were on the road at 6:30 AM, joining the herd of commuters on a decidedly uneventful commute into Philly.  We made it in plenty of time and were ready and waiting for the excellent staff at Penn to do their thing.

We had a chance to meet Dad's Interventional Radiologist before the procedure and were reassured by her calm confidence as well as her open honesty on the risks.  She patiently answered our questions, then whisked Dad off for his CT-assisted biopsy.

God created each of us as unique individuals...and apparently he did the same when creating biopsies.  Dad got his morning workout as he rolled and twisted, flipped and flopped as they searched for the perfect angle.  We may enter him in Men's Gymnastics at the next Olympics! Eventually, they found the ideal angle to get a good sample while minimizing risk - well worth the additional procedure time.

After the procedure, Dad stayed in a coffee-free zone as they monitored his lung for any complications.  They discovered a small bubble of air - no bigger than two fingers - that had slipped out of his lung along the needle track.  Bubbles can be fun, but not so much when they are floating around your body.  Dad spent the next few hours resting and having Bubble Evaluations by xray.  Finally, after the second xray, he was cleared to go home!

The coffee-free period ended around 3:00 and we were home by 3:30.  On doctor's orders, Dad's going to be on a bubble break for the next couple of days, taking it easy as his body absorbs the errant air.

What comes after the Biopsy and Bubbles?  Well, result time varies based on what they find and how many stains they need to run to identify it, but will definitely be back next week.  At that time, we'll meet with the oncologist and go from there.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support - they make a difference!  Please continue to keep Dad and the family in your prayers as we continue to wait upon the Lord.

Pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  I Thessalonians 5:17-18

   

What's up, doc?

That's the question we're hoping to get answered soon.  The PET scan is complete and a biopsy has been scheduled for next Wednesday,  August 26th.  We'll meet with the doctor about a week later to review the pathology and PET results and discuss what the next steps will be.

What's up, doc?  We're not sure, but we do know this:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement as we continue to wait upon the Lord.  We'll post an update next Wednesday following the biopsy.