Oncology Appt.

Wanted to let everyone know that we saw the oncologist this morning. We did not hear the word "remission" unfortunately, but we are trying not to get worked up about anything until we get a PET scan next week.

If I understand things correctly, they are watching two small areas that the radiologist did not mention to us from the CT scan he had last week. The PET scan will give us more information about what the areas are. They can either be dead tumor that the body has not absorbed, small tumors, or enlarged lymph nodes as that is how they feel the cancer likely spread from the colon in the first place - through the lymphatic system.

The outcome will help the Dr. decide if we do nothing, get maintenance chemo (every three weeks with supposedly minor side effects), or do more chemo. Additional, regular chemo is the last choice according to the Dr.

This was a bit discouraging, although John takes everything with his usual good humor while I invariably have a panic attack. My panic attacks are physically like riding a roller coaster and coming to the part where the coaster car has a long and abrupt vertical drop at a high rate of speed. If panic attacks burned calories, I'd be Twiggy.

Please pray about the upcoming PET scan. Also, we should be getting the tumor marker test results in the next day or so. Last one had gone from .5 to 1.5 which is still below normal and they say it can fluctuate, but we sure don't want to see it going up.

On a positive note, we have been attending men's and women's bible studies at our church and really enjoying them. John did not feel well this last Monday so we did not go, but Pam was able to download the video from hers and keep up. John's study is "The Quest for Authentic Manhood." Mine is Beth Moore's "A Woman's Heart." This is a great study on the tabernacle and the symbolism is pretty amazing. It is really challenging me spiritually and God has something to say to me weekly. He is powerful!

We are still trying to get somewhat back to normal at home and some days are better than others. Cancer recovery is sort of like the wintry days we're having. Some days the sun is shining and you hear a few birds singing even though it is really cold outside. Other days, the roads refreeze and are filled with bumpy ruts and there is ice on the sidewalk. In other words, recovery ranges somewhere between tolerable and yuck!

We pray for you and covet your prayers for us.

Pam