"What's up Doc?"

It has been I while since I have posted anything regarding my progress on this journey.  It's been two months since I was diagnosed with a "local recurrence" of colon cancer, this time in the sacral/rectal region.  It has been 3 weeks since I finshed the 15 rounds of radiation and 2 weeks since I posted on my last visit to the oncologist.   Here is an update...


Radiation

The radiation continues to be having a positive effect in terms of both pain relief and recovery of bladder function.  This is good because I am now rid of the indwelling catheter that I needed for about 5 weeks!  I'm not yet rid of the infection it left in its wake but we're working on that.   I am also completely off the morphine that was my constant companion for the same 5 weeks!  My understanding is that the radiation continues to work for some weeks after your last treatment.

Radiation Fatigue

This has improved immensely.  I went through a couple of weeks where I was overcome with fatigue.  There were times when I simply could not stay awake!  What's more, I would not feel refreshed or renewed after a 3 hour nap!  Not like me at all.  A short nap will almost always restore me.  This fatigue was even worse  than what I experienced earlier with chemo.  Fortunately it was short-lived and I am now enjoying very good energy levels.

PET Scan

This is supposed to happen in Alberta.  Edmonton I hope. (That way I can slip in a visit with Robyn and other family there!)  But I've had no word.  So I am waiting patiently...

MRI Scan Results - Liver

In the midst of this I had a regularly scheduled MRI scan of my liver to check for metastacies.  This is a 6 month routine for me although it is usually a CT scan.   I saw my liver surgeon this week and he is happy to report that things look stable in this area.  I was quite concerned before getting the results.  I didn't want another "front" to fight right now!  This is really good news.  

Treatment Plan Emerging

In my last post I mentioned that my original tumour was being tested to see if a certain growth inhibitor might work.  Well the results have come back favourable so I should be starting a new medicine soon. 

There is a certain protein known as KRAS (also known as V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog).  KRAS functions as a molecular on/off switch, regulating cell growth.  KRAS can be either  "wild" or "mutated".  When "mutated" it can lead to unregulated cell growth and it is thus implicated in many types of cancer including colon cancer.  What is important in terms of treatment is that only normal or "wild" type KRAS tumours will respond to a new class of cancer growth inhibitors.  My tumour type is KRAS - "wild", which is wildly good news.  

The long and short of it is that I will most likely be receiving a cancer growth inhibitor known by the brand name of Erbitux.    I don't know if it will be paired with any other chemo medicines or not.  I also don't know when I'll start so I am again... waiting patiently.

Other Options

There are a few other options that are beginning to emerge.  Some of them are a little further afield both geographically and practically.  I am planning to explore some of them but want to get things in place with this next line of chemo first.  Once that is done I can begin to make some enquiries about some innovative surgical, radiation, and medicinal possibilities.

I can tell you that discovering and researching these options is a lot of work.  In this I am incredibly grateful to my "semicolon" friends in the "online" colon cancer community.  Their knowledge, experience, wisdom, compassion and companionship is a blessing to me each day

Restorative Care

I am now on an indefinite period of medical leave.  There is some obvious uncertainty about when I will be able to return to work.  For now it depends on the length, side-effects, and outcomes of various treatment regimes.  I am very grateful for the time off and continued care and support of my church community, especially the wonderful folks at St. Stephen's.

My Outlook

My outlook continues to be good, my "will to live" remains strong; I've got an absolutely awesome medical team who haven't given up on me yet; I continue to be engaged in healing touch, meditation, and prayer; and I am well supported by a wide network of family, friends and colleagues.   I remain "hopeful".

That's all folks...  Rob; in Vancouver

“Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So let us be swift to love, and make haste to show kindness.”

Henri Amiel