Something has to change...

Change is definitely needed

My body is at its end

The chemo and immunotherapy have been effective

In reducing the size of the tumor

But the reduction seems to have plateaued 

As shown by another CT scan today

And...it has also taken a huge toll

My body is shot!

It is extremely weak

I am in constant pain

And the only way the pain has been able to be managed lately

Is by continuing to increase the daily dosage of the steroid that I'm taking.

Not the life that I want to live.

(This may be a little intense to be sharing?)

So...what's next?

I had a Zoom consultation today with the radiation oncologist

And this is the plan...

Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 29th, 2pm

I will have a CT Simulation as described below:

A CT simulation includes a CT scan of the area of your body to be treated with radiation. The CT images acquired during your scan will be reconstructed and used to design the best and most precise treatment plan for you. The simulation portion of your radiation therapy regiment ensures that your treatments will target the area of concern, while missing surrounding critical structures.

The importance of this scan is due to the extremely close proximity the tumor is to my heart.

It actually overlaps my heart and though separate from the heart

Any radiation has the potential of impacting my heart

Due to the heart being a moving organ while radiation would be happening

Not to mention my lungs

Which are also in close proximity and moving as I breath.

I think you get the picture of the complexity of radiating the tumor

In such a confined space!

The results of the simulation scan will be evaluated leading to

TWO possible radiation solutions

And the hope that the tumor can be reduced in size

Extending my life

 

Solution #1 - Photon Radiation

This would take place in Bremerton

And probably be a daily treatment for 5-6 weeks.

There is greater risk of impacting the heart with this radiation

Causing some scar issue to the heart

As the photon radiation, despite careful calculations

Will not just stop at the tumor

But, to a degree, continue past the tumor and impact the healthy tissue of the heart.

There is a 10-15% risk of this happening.

 

Solution #2 - Proton Radiation

This would have to take place in north Seattle

Through a referral to SCCA and UW

And also, I believe, be a daily treatment for several weeks.

We would probably move to Seattle 

Rather than commute every day for a month and a half.

Proton radiation would obviously be preferred

As the radiation stops at the tumor

And would not overflow to the healthy heart tissue.

The glitch?

SCCA and UW would need to accept a referral from the local radiology oncologist

That I'm working with

(And she is beginning that referral process)

And...our insurance would have to agree to pay for it

(It is extremely expensive!)

 

We are looking at about a two week process to find out 

If the proton radiation is a possibility 

Or if only the photon radiation is an option.

 

Then...time for the BIG decision!

What do we do?

There is no question that continuing chemo/immunotherapy 

At this time is NOT an option.

My body can't take anymore right now.

 

So...calling all praying people

To please PRAY for wisdom for us in knowing how to move forward.

We are definitely at another crossroads

In this cancer journey...

Sound familiar?

 

To be honest

As I told Cindy this evening as we were talking about these things

(Heavy things to be talking about before a game of cribbage!)

Some times I just want to give up!

Yep

It's been a tough go the last days...

But, with God's strength,

I will keep on keeping on 

IF that is God's intention for me and my life

IF it is more profitable for me to remain with you all

Than to be with Jesus

Blessings,

Dave

P.S. Don't ever forget how much I appreciate you all!