The Cancer Appears to be Stable!!!
Our scan last week at MD Anderson indicates that the cancer appears to have stabilized since our last scan in early January – no new growth, no new lesions, and some very small shrinkage! This is very good news!
Our meeting with Dr. Glover at MD. Anderson provided us with a great contact and resource, and some ideas about go-forward chemotherapy regimens should this current one no longer achieve expected results. We know that at any time in the future, we can tap into the resources and doctors at MD Anderson. As Katrina Glover said to us, “Once a patient, always a patient”. That is reassuring. She has already communicated directly with our Cedars Oncologist, and they are in agreement on continuing the current regimen.
On Monday, 2/13, Val, Chris, Rich, Nance, and baby Tyler traveled to Los Angeles to consult with Dr. Lenz, a GI Oncologist at USC who also specials in liver and other gastro cancers. Feedback from the group was that Dr. Lenz was very personable, very optimistic and hopeful about treating Val’s cholangiocarcinoma. He endorsed the current chemo regimen, suggested a few changes in the rate and timing of the drugs, and wanted to see Val in six weeks to determine if the cancer continues to be stable and/or to shrink. We have a lot of ‘great minds’ conferring with us, and each experience helps us better understand the optimum course of treatment. That is also good news!
Val is currently scheduled for Chemo 8 in LA on Friday of this week. We are still working on transferring infusions to a local oncologist, but due to some insurance ‘hiccups’, we are unable to proceed with that plan this week.
Posted by Char
Our meeting with Dr. Glover at MD. Anderson provided us with a great contact and resource, and some ideas about go-forward chemotherapy regimens should this current one no longer achieve expected results. We know that at any time in the future, we can tap into the resources and doctors at MD Anderson. As Katrina Glover said to us, “Once a patient, always a patient”. That is reassuring. She has already communicated directly with our Cedars Oncologist, and they are in agreement on continuing the current regimen.
On Monday, 2/13, Val, Chris, Rich, Nance, and baby Tyler traveled to Los Angeles to consult with Dr. Lenz, a GI Oncologist at USC who also specials in liver and other gastro cancers. Feedback from the group was that Dr. Lenz was very personable, very optimistic and hopeful about treating Val’s cholangiocarcinoma. He endorsed the current chemo regimen, suggested a few changes in the rate and timing of the drugs, and wanted to see Val in six weeks to determine if the cancer continues to be stable and/or to shrink. We have a lot of ‘great minds’ conferring with us, and each experience helps us better understand the optimum course of treatment. That is also good news!
Val is currently scheduled for Chemo 8 in LA on Friday of this week. We are still working on transferring infusions to a local oncologist, but due to some insurance ‘hiccups’, we are unable to proceed with that plan this week.
Posted by Char
posted by McCrea Family at 10:08 PM
4 Comments:
Val,
This is terrific news! With a team of physicians working behind the scenes with an optimistic and progressive approach you are on the right road. I am very encouraged for you that the cancer appears to be stable and with some shrinkage!
You have set course with many top oncologists. You can now have peace of mind. These MD's
will advise you if you need to change your regimen. And they are working and communicating with your MD's at Cedars. That is wonderful.
This is good news Val!
Call me when you get some time!
Love,
Marianne
Val and Chris -
This is Great news!
Stay strong.
The Lawrence Family
Val,
I'm so happy to hear the positive news! It's reassuring to know that the doctors are communicating with one another and that the recent test showed signs of shrinkage. I'm praying for you and your family everyday. As you know God works miracles and there is nothing he can't do!
Deanna
Dear Val, Chris, Nancy, Richard, Julie and Char...
YEAH!!! Awesome news guys! Over the last few months, each and every single one of you has gathered together to form a formidable "front" to battle this disease. You set forth on this journey with a plan and a goal in sight. With the team you have put together here and the ultimate, glorious "Team Captain", our Father, Val...that "winner's circle" WILL be yours!!! I am amazed daily by you Val and the incredible family that surrounds you. You are the true definition of "family"...
On top of it all...we are so blessed to be able to see the Hand of God working through this with you...for you!!! He is listening to every single prayer that has been said by all and walking by your side each step of the way. And even though there have been hurdles to overcome...and He hasn't done everything EXACTLY the way WE want it...His plan is unfolding and it is SEEN in the latest results!!! With that...I pray that our Lord continues to hear all of our prayers...that He will continue to give you and your "team" strength, courage, and peace to continue this journey to complete healing!
And ONCE AGAIN, I have rambled on and on!!! I will end this with a poem that I sent you at the very beginning of this journey back in October...it came back to my mind so strongly today...and I believe it to be true with all of my heart and soul...
"You are a great champion...
When you run the ground shakes, and the sky opens, and mere mortals part...
Part the way to victory...
Where we will meet in the winner's circle...
And put a blanket of flowers on your back..."
All my love,
Kerry Randall
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