I need to start this post with something that I feel is extremely important. This year we had 24 Team members join our Relay for Life of Barry County. What an important event in the fight against cancer. I can't exaggerate how important this organization is and what it does for research, treatment and overall funding. We had 2 team members walk the 24 hour Endurance walk...walking over 28 miles. Our daughter Katie and her friend walked 22 miles. Our son Cody came out for the first time and he said that he would like to do it again next year. We had friends and family stop in from as far north a Mt. Pleasant and south as Kalamazoo. I have to say the Silent lap was the most emotional for me as we walked a silent lap in memory of those who lost the fight. Immediately afterward the Luminary bags were light around the track in memory and honor of all cancer patients (even some K-9 bags were made). It is quite humbling to see to say the least.
OK, so now onto what everyone has been looking for: Tom and I headed to Detroit early Tuesday morning. We knew this would be an interesting visit as Tom's doctor and the Clinical Manager were both out of the office. Tom checked in, had his vitals and labs done then the doctor came into the room stating that Tom was to have a biopsy done as there was no conclusion in regards to whether the scan showed evidence of cancer. Tom and I gave each other the deer in the headlight look. Apparently his oncologist did not complete the report prior to his departure. He had called Tom the day after his scan to let us know that Tom was out of the Clinical Trial and that he would like to start Tom on the FDA approved drug. Tom informed him that he would be going back to his oncologist at the U of M to discuss options. We were supposed to be there to exit out of the program. There seemed to be a lot of confusion at this visit as the doctor was unaware of what was going on after the last MRI. We received paperwork that requested an additional follow up with Dr. Ali. When Tom and I asked what for, there was no answer. Tom will be calling the hospital next week but be assured that was our last visit. I know that Tom was there for the benefit of the drug. I am not saying that we had terrible care, but Tom kept stating that he was just a rat. As we exited the doors for the last time I think we both took in a breath of fresh air.
We spent the night at Tom's cousins home. Thanks again Dawn and Tom for opening up your home to us. We went to Side Track Bar and Grill and enjoyed dinner on the patio and good conversation. It was a working weekday for them so hopefully we didn't bother their schedules too much. It was such a pleasant evening :)
Wednesday we went to the U of M for a consultation. It is scary to be put in the same room you've had twice before and not had the best of news. I laughed and said "Three time's the charm" :) After a mound of paperwork and answering lots of questions, we have started a plan. The CD with all Tom's scans were given to their Radiologist to review. Tom will have a new CT of the chest scanned here in GR and it will be sent to the U of M Radiation department. Once all this has been reviewed Tom's case will go before the Tumor board it will be determined if Tom will be watched for tumor growth, have radiation of the C6-C7 vertebrae, or if he will be put on Vandetanib. At this point Dr. Worden stated that Tom has been through a lot these last two years on the XL-184 and would like to give him a break. Dr. Worden stated that the soft tissue has been stable and the cancer may have found another genetic path through the bone. If so, he believed treating it locally to be the best way to go. The side effects for this new drug is very similar to the XL-184 and he didn't want to put Tom's body through this unless there were definite signs of metastatic growth. He is concerned about quantity as well as quality of life.
Though Tom is a little concerned that taking nothing may mean that the cancer will spread, he was relieved that he can feel normal again for a while at least. Tom has been eating very well this last month, he is looking healthier (goodbye pasty white skin) and has gained energy. Tom's mind seems to be clearer and I notice his attitude about life has improved in the last month. I am happy to have my hubby back!
As I walked the silent lap last Friday I couldn't help but think someday this could be me walking in memory of my husband. I really had to fight back the tears and my heart went out to those who were walking in memory of someone close to them.
Psalms 42:5 "Why be downcast? Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise him again. Yes, I shall again praise him for his help."
