Dr. Appointment

WooHoo we are on the right track! We met with Dr. Mccollum at the Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Dallas. From Start to finish the whole visit was splendid. The registrar was even as sweet as she could be. The entire office was very laid back and yet very proficient. The following highlights the details.

1. It is apparent that there has been a recurrence of colon cancer in at least 4 areas of concern. It looks as if this recurrence would most obviously be metastasis from his original colorectal cancer. This means that those cells originating in the rectum and infiltrating the lymphatic system survived the chemotherapy and have now landed in these other areas. He is 90% certain this is the case. He, however would like to be 100%. If Mark's labs were greatly elevated, he would be 100%, but they are not. His CEA (tumor marker) is within normal limits. For this reason, he wants to biopsy the largest of the lesions.

2. The only treatment at this point is chemotherapy. The goal will be to resolve or at least shrink the tumors that are there. If this can be done then there is the possibility that surgery and or ablative techniques could be done to take care of the other lesions.

3. His choice of "poison" as Mark so fondly refers to it is Folfiri with Avastin. This is a little different combination than the Folfox he had the first time. The most obvious reason for this, for me anyway, is that it didn't do the job! But also, the side effects can be more of a problem the second time around, especially since it has been less than 1 year since his treatment. He feels that this treatment may come with some difficult side effects as well, but they are unpredictable and many people tolerate it quite well.

4. We will know within 2 to 3 months after treatment whether there is any success with this medicine. If not, the medication will be changed.

5. We will be going to dallas for his treatments. It will be much the same as last time. we will go there on Mondays, he will receive his bolus infusion over several hours, and then he will have the pump until Wednesday. At present we will return to have it discontinued on Wednesdays.

6. We set his first treatment for June 14th. Our job was to get his biopsy and port placed next week so we could start. However, he will have to be off his coumadin for a period of time before the procedures, so we could be pushing it. We may have to push that back a week. Both of these procedures will be done in Wichita Falls.

Dr. McCollum was very kind. He asked questions and listened for answers. He knew a great deal about Mark and his treatment and even his heart before he ever came in the room. He made every effort to work with us not only because of location but also because of our crazy insurance needs. It really feels good when things go right after you have to make tough decisions. Truly, all you can do is pray about it, as we did and trust in the guidance He sends your way. We are so blessed.

The last issue I want to address is kind of a difficult one. I am doing so because we are human, just like all of you. The big question is, "What does all of this mean long term?"
With tears I tell you that there is only One who knows the answer to your question. The facts are: cancer is no good at anytime. When cancer returns it is no good. When it returns in more than one spot, it is no good. What is good is our God. He has blessed us with a wonderful son, brother, cousin, friend, husband, and dad. Many have watched him persevere through adversity multiple times over since he was a child. All of the statistics, the studies, numbers and percentages do not factor in the miracles. You have to trust, as we do, that He is going to take care of Mark in His own way. You have to be tough to fight this fight (and we know he is), but you also have to trust. I believe one of those Clemmer boys said it best, "Surely there is but one set of footprints in the sand." Absolutely no doubt!

We love you all, Mark and Missy

P. S. GO TROJANS!!! They need a pair of big wins tomorrow.