I didn't mention in the last post the Dr. McCollum was very shocked that Mark was able to receive the full 12 doses of chemo the last time he was treated. He assured us that the medication he received is exactly what he would have given, but that it is not easy to get through the whole regimen due to the side effects. Kudos to Mark!
He also assured us that he is more aggressive than we are used to in the area of follow up as he feels that is a necessity. We are comfortable that he will be watching everything very closely.
That's all I got!
Love, Missy
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Latest Update
Well I wish I had a good result to report, but the scan today turned out much as we expected. That being said I will go back and answer a few questions about what is going on. But first, don't forget to sign your comments if you are not logged onto the blog. The anonymous posting is the easy way to leave a comment, but it does not automatically leave a signature. All of your kind and encouraging words have touched us as usual and we truly feel the benefit of having you all on our side. And, to all the facebookers, you might pass along the blog site to your friends. It seems people are wondering what is going on. They see prayers, but don't know what for.
So, three weeks ago we were having a great time in Florida with our kids, Keith and Cindy, and their kids. We had been planning the trip since 2008 when Mark was originally diagnosed. Prior to our leaving, we knew that we would be looking at a 6 month scan and Mark decided it would wait until after Disney. God is always working! After returning, we called the cancer center and scheduled an appointment. This was strictly a routine follow up. You may remember his prior scan was in November 2009 and was all clear. He was having no complications or symptoms. The results were unbelievable. We were shocked to find that Mark's cancer had not only recurred, but had returned in as many as six different places. I just knew they had the wrong person. This absolutely could not be. I was about to call to have them make sure it was the right report when I read the result of his aneurysm measurement. Sure enough. It was for real. And so began another whirlwind of emotion, decisions, indecision, wondering and waiting. Now on the 5th day following those results, and with lots of help from Dr. Ho, Dr. Hudkins, Dr. Crim and all of the great people I work with, we think we are becoming more focused and getting prepared for what lies ahead. And now for the questions that seem to be most common....
Q. Where is the cancer?
A. Following today's confirmation by PET scan, we know that there are four lesions and several lymph nodes that are involved. There is a mass or nodule in each lung. A lesion on the liver and a fourth and largest lesion (tumor) that also appears to originate in the liver in the upper abdominal area. The apparent lymph nodes involved are in the abdomen on the right and left sides.
Q. How did this happen?
A. When Mark had his original tumor resected, Dr. Crim assured us he was working for a cure and also assured us that he removed all of the cancer in and around the affected area. We have no doubt that he indeed did so. What he had no control over was the cancer had already invaded the lymphatic system. While the nodes that were affected at that time were removed, there was no guarantee that there were not cancer cells circulating systemically. Hence the chemotherapy regimen following surgery. In theory, the chemo would have killed any remaining circulating cancer.
Q. What did the doctor say?
A. Good question! We haven't seen one yet. We got to visit with Mark's gastroenterologist shortly after getting the results. He is so good to us. He did tell us that due to the number of locations, surgery and radiation were not options. His treatment would include chemotherapy and possibly experimental treatment. He urged us to get things moving and to get a second opinion as well. A pathologist friend of Mark's was also so kind to take time to listen and offer his expertise as well. Of course nothing happened over the holiday weekend. We have decided to seek treatment at The Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Healthcare in Dallas. We will see Dr. Andrew McCullom on Friday of this week.
Q. Did you tell the kids and how are they?
A. We waited until the kids were out of school on Friday to tell them. They are doing well. Austin really struggled initially. He surprised me with his insight on the situation. Impulsively he was very angry (Praise God - he is normal!), but has since become very interested in the details and asks lots of grown up questions. He makes me very proud as do Abby and Landon. While they have not been very vocal, I know that it is on there mind frequently as they will come out of the blue with questions like, "Daddy, how long are you going to have the cancer this time?"
Q.How is Mark?
A. Mark is an amazing man. He has been somewhat quiet. I can't imagine what goes through his mind and how he can possibly concentrate on anything but what is going on inside of him. While the fear of the unknown about the treatment ahead is inevitable, he remains positive and is cautiously ready to get this thing started.
Q. What's next?
A. Thanks to Cynthia at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas We will be seeing Andrew McCullom, M.D. on Friday the 6th at 1:30 pm. This appointmet was originally going to be on June 21. Cynthia went to bat for us and made it possible for this week. Thank God for good people!
We repeatedly say that we have no idea what lies ahead of us. We know from where we've some that there isn't much of it that is any good, but we have no doubt that we are not walking alone. Mark will persevere as he has done before and he will do it with style I am absolutely certain.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you have done thus far.
PS. I am asking for extra prayers for Mark's family. I can't imagine having to watch a child of mine nor my own brother in the same situation. They are an amazingly loving and supportive family. I ask that they, like us are able to feel the presence of so many caring praying people.
Much love, Missy
So, three weeks ago we were having a great time in Florida with our kids, Keith and Cindy, and their kids. We had been planning the trip since 2008 when Mark was originally diagnosed. Prior to our leaving, we knew that we would be looking at a 6 month scan and Mark decided it would wait until after Disney. God is always working! After returning, we called the cancer center and scheduled an appointment. This was strictly a routine follow up. You may remember his prior scan was in November 2009 and was all clear. He was having no complications or symptoms. The results were unbelievable. We were shocked to find that Mark's cancer had not only recurred, but had returned in as many as six different places. I just knew they had the wrong person. This absolutely could not be. I was about to call to have them make sure it was the right report when I read the result of his aneurysm measurement. Sure enough. It was for real. And so began another whirlwind of emotion, decisions, indecision, wondering and waiting. Now on the 5th day following those results, and with lots of help from Dr. Ho, Dr. Hudkins, Dr. Crim and all of the great people I work with, we think we are becoming more focused and getting prepared for what lies ahead. And now for the questions that seem to be most common....
Q. Where is the cancer?
A. Following today's confirmation by PET scan, we know that there are four lesions and several lymph nodes that are involved. There is a mass or nodule in each lung. A lesion on the liver and a fourth and largest lesion (tumor) that also appears to originate in the liver in the upper abdominal area. The apparent lymph nodes involved are in the abdomen on the right and left sides.
Q. How did this happen?
A. When Mark had his original tumor resected, Dr. Crim assured us he was working for a cure and also assured us that he removed all of the cancer in and around the affected area. We have no doubt that he indeed did so. What he had no control over was the cancer had already invaded the lymphatic system. While the nodes that were affected at that time were removed, there was no guarantee that there were not cancer cells circulating systemically. Hence the chemotherapy regimen following surgery. In theory, the chemo would have killed any remaining circulating cancer.
Q. What did the doctor say?
A. Good question! We haven't seen one yet. We got to visit with Mark's gastroenterologist shortly after getting the results. He is so good to us. He did tell us that due to the number of locations, surgery and radiation were not options. His treatment would include chemotherapy and possibly experimental treatment. He urged us to get things moving and to get a second opinion as well. A pathologist friend of Mark's was also so kind to take time to listen and offer his expertise as well. Of course nothing happened over the holiday weekend. We have decided to seek treatment at The Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Healthcare in Dallas. We will see Dr. Andrew McCullom on Friday of this week.
Q. Did you tell the kids and how are they?
A. We waited until the kids were out of school on Friday to tell them. They are doing well. Austin really struggled initially. He surprised me with his insight on the situation. Impulsively he was very angry (Praise God - he is normal!), but has since become very interested in the details and asks lots of grown up questions. He makes me very proud as do Abby and Landon. While they have not been very vocal, I know that it is on there mind frequently as they will come out of the blue with questions like, "Daddy, how long are you going to have the cancer this time?"
Q.How is Mark?
A. Mark is an amazing man. He has been somewhat quiet. I can't imagine what goes through his mind and how he can possibly concentrate on anything but what is going on inside of him. While the fear of the unknown about the treatment ahead is inevitable, he remains positive and is cautiously ready to get this thing started.
Q. What's next?
A. Thanks to Cynthia at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas We will be seeing Andrew McCullom, M.D. on Friday the 6th at 1:30 pm. This appointmet was originally going to be on June 21. Cynthia went to bat for us and made it possible for this week. Thank God for good people!
We repeatedly say that we have no idea what lies ahead of us. We know from where we've some that there isn't much of it that is any good, but we have no doubt that we are not walking alone. Mark will persevere as he has done before and he will do it with style I am absolutely certain.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you have done thus far.
PS. I am asking for extra prayers for Mark's family. I can't imagine having to watch a child of mine nor my own brother in the same situation. They are an amazingly loving and supportive family. I ask that they, like us are able to feel the presence of so many caring praying people.
Much love, Missy
Monday, May 31, 2010
New News
I am not sure where to start. Good thing for computers. I think I have deleted my first sentence like 4 times. I think I will start with the good. We have the most awesome family and friends ever. We just spent a wonderful day at the lake with friends, food, fun and lots of SUN. The day before was church and lunch with family and swimming with more family. The night before we got to have family visit for the night and on Friday, guess what? Supper with more family. You guys mean more than you can imagine to us. You have been the light in the storm over and over again.
And so, we call on you yet another time. (Gosh, not sure how we will ever repay you!) But we are in need of some big prayers. You may have heard that Mark had a CT scan last week. It appears that that nasty "C" word has come to visit again. I say visit as we do plan on this being temporary! And if it knows what's good for it, it will make a short stay! I hesitate to go into too much detail as he will have the very definitive PET scan tomorrow. Yes indeed, you know I will update and fill in the gap tomorrow. In a nutshell, he has several areas showing up on his CT scan that appear to be metastasis from his original cancer. There is a chance they could be something else. We will see if the same areas appear on the PET scan tomorrow. Appointments are in the works at Baylor Dallas and in Wichita Falls. I will find out more on both of those tomorrow.
I guess our struggle now is not only in getting the awful news, but also in knowing exactly what to do about it. Specifically, with doctors and facilities just to start. I would ask that, in your prayers, you would ask for Him to lead us only to the best. I am not sure I can say that we and especially Mark are prepared for another fight, but we know that in time God will give Mark the strength to kick this thing in the booty yet again.
I know I am leaving you with a lot of questions, but I will post tomorrow with a question and answer to be a little more thorough. Also, I know many of you are more facebook people than blog people. I (unlike Mark) am not real facebook literate. I think I will continue to keep the blog separate from facebook. (Your right, because I really don't want to learn anything different right now. If you know of somebody who checked the blog before, please mention that they might return to the blog for their updates.
With love, Missy
And so, we call on you yet another time. (Gosh, not sure how we will ever repay you!) But we are in need of some big prayers. You may have heard that Mark had a CT scan last week. It appears that that nasty "C" word has come to visit again. I say visit as we do plan on this being temporary! And if it knows what's good for it, it will make a short stay! I hesitate to go into too much detail as he will have the very definitive PET scan tomorrow. Yes indeed, you know I will update and fill in the gap tomorrow. In a nutshell, he has several areas showing up on his CT scan that appear to be metastasis from his original cancer. There is a chance they could be something else. We will see if the same areas appear on the PET scan tomorrow. Appointments are in the works at Baylor Dallas and in Wichita Falls. I will find out more on both of those tomorrow.
I guess our struggle now is not only in getting the awful news, but also in knowing exactly what to do about it. Specifically, with doctors and facilities just to start. I would ask that, in your prayers, you would ask for Him to lead us only to the best. I am not sure I can say that we and especially Mark are prepared for another fight, but we know that in time God will give Mark the strength to kick this thing in the booty yet again.
I know I am leaving you with a lot of questions, but I will post tomorrow with a question and answer to be a little more thorough. Also, I know many of you are more facebook people than blog people. I (unlike Mark) am not real facebook literate. I think I will continue to keep the blog separate from facebook. (Your right, because I really don't want to learn anything different right now. If you know of somebody who checked the blog before, please mention that they might return to the blog for their updates.
With love, Missy
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 23
By now you must know that things are either really good or really bad when I don't have time to post. Fortunately for us, Mark recovery has been phenomenal. He was kind of down and at home on Monday, but bounced back on Tuesday beautifully. He went to work the rest of the week and has done so well. He is not 100% in the diet category, but that will happen over time. He has progressed from liquids, but has stayed with soft foods that don't require a lot of breaking down. It is definitely a learning process, but he is so happy to feel more "himself" than he has in a while. Once again, GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!! He has a follow up appointment next wednesday. We are expecting it to be pretty uneventful!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
We're home!!!!
Well I'll have to catch up. I came home to work and be with the kids on Friday. I had plans to go back Friday night, but I kind of got too tired to drive back. Judy stayed with Mark Friday night. By 930 the next morning when I arrived, he was a different person. Obviously feeling much better, moving better and being ornery. Dr. Hurley came in to see him and advanced him to full liquids and made a plan for him to go home! Mark was ready and was fine with going home on liquids. Basically he will just have to take eating slowly and do what he can tolerate. Everyone seems to be different in how quickly they are able to eat again.
He was so glad to be home. And, just when I thought he was going to lay down and take a nap, he decided to go hog hunting! He looked out the back window, saw the hogs and just had to go. Never mind the gun got too heavy for him to carry, so he had to hand it off to me. I think a little adrenalin has been pretty good medicine! And at least we are one less hog anyway.
He had an okay night after about 330am and as we speak is watching the cowboys try to pull out another playoff game.
Many, many, many thanks to all of the help from everyone keeping things going at home. Donna did an awesome job with the kids and mom and dad were great to help her also. It means the world to us to know that the kids were in good hands.
Thanks to everyone following and praying, Missy
He was so glad to be home. And, just when I thought he was going to lay down and take a nap, he decided to go hog hunting! He looked out the back window, saw the hogs and just had to go. Never mind the gun got too heavy for him to carry, so he had to hand it off to me. I think a little adrenalin has been pretty good medicine! And at least we are one less hog anyway.
He had an okay night after about 330am and as we speak is watching the cowboys try to pull out another playoff game.
Many, many, many thanks to all of the help from everyone keeping things going at home. Donna did an awesome job with the kids and mom and dad were great to help her also. It means the world to us to know that the kids were in good hands.
Thanks to everyone following and praying, Missy
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Did I really say that?
How many times do we preach to be careful what you ask for. All I wanted was a plan. But what I typed was "waiting on the doctor to come and maybe something will happen." Shhhaaammmee on me. So the doctor came at 2:00. He changed dressings, advanced his diet, removed his iv fluid, changed his medicine, and said we would negotiate the possibility of getting to go home tomorrow. I know that he was not off of the floor before Mark was telling me he didn't feel so good. I thought it might of been the sight of his open incision, but when it didn't subside with time, I knew something must be up. It really might have started earlier because he didn't have an appetite at lunch either (he thought he just couldn't stomach another pureed meal!)
He spent the next six hours feeling pretty poorly. I got them to give something for nausea, but he didn't get much relief until he was finally sick. Relief lasted a short time. Soooooo, he never got that regular diet that he wanted. He really hasn't eaten much since am and nothing since noon. He is back on an iv and iv meds for nausea and pain, had lab work done and is facing an NG tube down his nose if it persists. We have called on all the prayer warriors because he would really like to fore go the tube. At present he has been resting for about 30 min, so maybe it will continue.
And I promise not to mention our boredom again!!!! Much love, Missy.
He spent the next six hours feeling pretty poorly. I got them to give something for nausea, but he didn't get much relief until he was finally sick. Relief lasted a short time. Soooooo, he never got that regular diet that he wanted. He really hasn't eaten much since am and nothing since noon. He is back on an iv and iv meds for nausea and pain, had lab work done and is facing an NG tube down his nose if it persists. We have called on all the prayer warriors because he would really like to fore go the tube. At present he has been resting for about 30 min, so maybe it will continue.
And I promise not to mention our boredom again!!!! Much love, Missy.
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