So we're in the middle of a paradigm shift here. We met with Dr. Komaki, a radiation oncolgist at MD Anderson this afternoon. As she reviewed my PET scan from Thursday she made some major revelations. First, there is no active cancer in my esophagus. That's right, the chemo killed my primary tumor. Second, my liver has gone from "innumerable lesions" to two. Most of the lesions that show up on a CT scan don't show up as active tumors on the PET scan. Third, there are three or more lymph nodes with active cancer.
So here's the paradigm shift. On Thursday we read Dr. Donehower's report from our meeting in April where he described Jen and my concerns as being from "a 30 year old man with a fatal disease that will drastically reduce his life span" and an "earnest and sincere spouse looking for solutions that don't exist." Today we met with a doctor who said at the beginning of our meeting that "you're too young for this," and proceeded to go through the different radiation options she wants to use to attack the cancer that's left.
One doctor who's working to give me a few extra months, and one who's ready to do whatever it takes to knock this crap out. Yesterday I thought I had a liver full of cancer. Today I have two spots. Unreal... Jen and I are just in shock. We were loaded for bear, ready to have to fight to convince the doc to try radiation. She checked out the scans and was totally on board.
So as the shock slowly wears off, we're pretty excited! The Lord has done some amazing things to get us this far. We're not at the end yet, but we can see it from here! It's getting time to start putting some thought into my post-cancer ink. I'm open for all suggestions!
Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers!
19 comments:
Awesome news. Keep up the great work!!! You continue to be in my prayers.
-Big Doug
MD Anderson is amazing! I spoke to the guy from my church with Stage 4 esophageal cancer who is being treated there and he said the same thing. He's in his 40's and he was so happy to be there because from the second they walked in everyone came at them with the mindset of "let's get rid of the cancer and get you back to your life" as opposed to the attitude in Vegas of we can give it a shot but its probably not going to work. That facility is so amazing - God must be watching over everyone there! Congratulations on the good news and kicking cancer's butt!!
Whoo Hoo! Thank God! amazing is right, all the things God has done! I'll use an entire page for this blessing to add to my blessings journal!
Let's keep on kicking cancer butt!
love you! mom
I've followed your blog from the start, although I've never commented, just lurked. But on this, I have to comment. This is awesome! Keep fighting and keep exploring all your resources and options and in the mean time, I'll keep praying for you!
Latise (EVI)
I'm pretty sure I know a guy who can help you out with that ink.
Awesome news!! Rock on.
Yes, and you know, "to whom much is given, much is required."
Isn't it going to be exciting to see how God uses this, something satan intended for defeat, to further His kingdom and plans.
Praise be to God, who always causes us to triumph!
We keep fighting!
Love you both so much!
Dear Kurt & Jen,
To say reading your blog this morning MADE MY DAY, is a huge understatement.....AWESOME NEWS!!! You continue to be in my prayers and in so many others'...God bless you both.....Myrna Stone
That's awesome news! Another battle won, victory is in sight. I bet now you're inspired to fight harder than ever.
When you back to home, we should get the old EVI golf crew together for a round. Give me a call and I can coordinate with Moses and McCarthy to set it up.
Keep winning those battles.
Tom
Reading this sent chills down my spine. I can't tell you how happy I am to hear this. Not just about the cancer progress, but that you are getting a doc with the same goals in mind. So glad you got a PET too! So what's next? Radiation on the lymph nodes and liver spots?
This is great news and the new doc sounds wonderful. Keep up the good fight!!
ROCK ON!!!!!!! Keeping the faith - the Uribe Tribe
As Jen knows, I've been cyberstalking you all on this blog for some time without posting. I get the impression she doesn't like that. :) When I read this post just now, I felt compelled to respond with a resounding "YEAH!". I'm so happy for you both. I'm glad MD Anderson is taking an approach that is designed to kick cancer butt. Keep up the fight - cancer's on the ropes.
Best,
Stacy McB
Kurt & Jen, YEA & AMEN!!
Once again you two are displaying that "bulldog determination" and "perpetual persistence", perpetual meaning lasting or enduring forever for an indefinitely long time. eternal. I will say never quitting; never giving up! So proud of you. I'm praying for WISDOM in the decisions that you will necessarily be making - Don't forget those precious verses in Proverbs -- "In ALL your ways, acknowledge HIM, & HE will direct your paths." IF I said it once, I said it a hundred times -- THE WORD WORKS. You have been Believing it and are now RECEIVING it! PTL! Isn't it great that GOD keeps HIS WORD?
I Thank God everyday for all the miracles you are having,(HE IS GIVING) along the way. I thank HIM with a grateful heart. GOD IS GOOD; ALL THE TIME!!!
Love & Prayers Always!
G'ma D
Wonderful news Kurt! So good to see the Lord at work (and your own willpower and determination too!)
Sending more prayers,
Cynthia
Keep the faith. It has been working... And it looks like the army is rallying around to fight with you. It was really wonderful to start hearing the good news this week. Take care....
With much love, Grandpa Vic and Grannie Channie
This has to be the best news I've had all year!
Keep up everything you have been doing to kick cancer butt and we will keep up the positive thoughts and prayers.
Love ya both,
Aunt Trink
That is awesome! So glad to hear it!
Jaycock
This is so great guys! God is good ALL THE TIME and all the time GOD IS GOOD! We're praising Jesus for the miracle He has worked and is continuing to work in your life. We have never come out of agreement and faith for nothing less than a total healing and elimination of every ungodly sick cancer cell in your body! Thanks for the fantastic report. It is so awesome to see God's promise of health being manifest in your life! Hallelujah from your family in the Pacific! Jay, Kimo, Kalekona and Makala
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