Continued Recovery

This is an e-mail that John sent out regarding our visit Christmas week to specialists at Simon Cancer Center at IUPUI in Indianapolis.

Met with Dr. Helft the specialist at IU this afternoon. It was a good trip over and back and he spent a lot of time with us discussing the issues and options.

The bottom line is he is not recommending chemo at this time. My oncologist here hinted that he felt that way as well. We will meet with him next week or so to re discus all of this.

The logic is that the cells growing in my lungs were spread there 5 years ago before treatment started. Not something that has been floating around and landed there recently. They may or may not ever grow into these spots (tumors). Chemo now wouldn't necessarily kill off additional cells and if it affected them at all it may just delay their growth a few months. The surgery I had may have in fact left me disease free perhaps indefinitely or perhaps for (who knows). It is best to see what emerges and go after that (surgery is best). Other factors that support this reasoning are that my tumor marker responds well when these things grow (so it is helpful in keeping tabs on things). Also it is a slow growing disease that shouldn't get out of hand provided surgery is an option.

We will process all of this but feel at this point it is all positive information and a logical plan. I'm thrilled to not undergo chemo. Please keep praying that I remain cancer free.

More later, Love, John

John continues to be content and cheerful, although recovery has perhaps slowed a bit. So much has been going on with the holidays that I forget today is just the three week mark.

Sometimes I have great peace and faith - sometimes not - but for sure, God is using this as an opportunity for more growth and for that we are thankful.

Please keep praying that all the cells in John's body will be structured in a healthy way so that he remains cancer free and that he gains strength. We know God has the power to completely restore his body and ultimately, that is what we hope for.