Uncertainty in Uncharted Territory

Today, June 26th, was my eighth chemo and immunotherapy treatment cycle

Happening, as most of you know, every three weeks

It was uneventful - a good thing

Meaning no anaphylactic reactions, passing out or experiencing heart stoppages

Which I had become rather famous for:(

And it was fairly quick

As I only receive two immunotherapy drugs and one chemotherapy drug now

The harshest chemo drug being stopped after the sixth treatment

When it could have become more detrimental than helpful.

It is also hoped that this will lessen the side effects

Though, to be frank, I feel pretty yucky right now when writing this after my treatment.

So...

For a brief report on our meeting with my doctor

And "uncertainty in uncharted territory"

After several weeks of my tumor markers going down,

My blood work three weeks ago showed my tumor markers going back up

Which is not the desired direction...

And resulted in my doctor ordering a CT scan to assess the state of my tumor.

This just created more questions and uncertainty:

The tumor remained about the same size, possibly a fraction smaller

Good news!

However...the scan also showed:

1. Increased fluid in my right lung

Not good news

2.  A thickening of the wall of the esophagus

Not good news

The result of the above being increased difficulty in swallowing.

The good news is that an "urgent request" from my doctor

Has resulted in being scheduled for an endoscopy this coming Monday, June 29th

For which we are very thankful:)

So the uncertainty...

1. My doctor does not know why the tumor markers went up

2. My doctor does not know why there is increased fluid in my right lung

3. The endoscopy on Monday will hopefully help explain why there is a thickening of the
wall of the esophagus

In uncharted territory...

My doctor made an incredible statement again today

That reinforces what he has been telling us all along

Regarding this cancer journey I am experiencing

"There is possibly no other case in the world

Where your rare genetic form of advanced pleural mesothelioma

Is showing successful treatment"

Wow!

Quite a statement, huh?!

It should make everyone consider the fact

That there is a God who still does miracles!

That we are on a very special journey together:)

Yes, I am extremely appreciative of and thankful for my doctor and his team

But, possibly the ONLY case in the world showing successful treatment?!

Why me?

I don't know...

But I am very thankful:)

And, I want to give thanks again to you all who are walking this journey with me:)

I can't express how much I value your encouragement and prayer and positive thoughts!

Blessings,

Dave

**To hope and peace and joy in the midst of uncertainty, finding certainty in God!

P.S. I will follow up with a report after the endoscopy:)