Update: 8/26/12

How the time flies....

I didn't realize that it has been such along time since my last post and I apologize for not keeping it more up date.  I keep getting reminded to update the blog and I just never seem to sit down and do it.  It has been a quick summer for us and a busy one.  I will cut to the latest update from the doctors office.

I went on last Tuesday August 21, 2012 for my one year check up appointment.  This  was the one year mark since I started this avastin / tarceva chemo regiment.  I went in for my MRI in the morning followed by the doctors evaluation.  He had told us at last appointment that after the MRI we would be able to evaluate if any changes needed or like the old saying goes "If it ain't broke don't fix it".  The doctor came in and told us the news we always love to hear and once again no new growth.  Which means that there is no visual signs of any changes from the scan.  Now there is a little bit of white that shows up in the scan but from a year ago there id no change.  This white stuff that shows up in the scan could be a number of things.  But without doing a biopsy the doctors don't know for sure what it is.  We know for sure what ever it is the area is not growing AT ALL!!  He was extremely pleased that I made it a whole year without any changes.  My family and I are just grateful and thankful for God giving us this good news.  I know it is his grace and the power of prayer that all of the scans keep coming back so positive.

After the explanation of the scan and the good report the doctor gave us a decision to make, either continue on the same chemo regiment or get off of the chemo all together.  We didn't realize that was an option to get off the chemo.  He said that since there is no growth and that there is really nothing to target with the chemo I had the choice to come off of it.  Lets just say at this point we didn't really know what to do.  There is a drawback to both options.  If I stay on the chemo the cancer cells have the ability to mutate and become immune to the chemo and if I come off of the chemo than of course the tumor could grow back as well.  So we asked the doctors opinion and he said to stay on the chemo because I am having very little side effects and can still operate without any real hinderance.  After he gave us his lecture he asked what did we want to do.  We decided to go with the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" approach.  I feel that if something changes then I will make a change then.  Like my dad said, "We live in a 2 month window" meaning that I get a MRI every 2 months and thats when we would see any changes.  If there are changes we deal with it at that time.  I mean thats how I started this journey and it seems to be working out good.

I would first like to thank God for allowing these results to come out so positive.  I am not sure of what his plan is for me and I am good with that.  All of my worries are now his worries and it makes living so easy.  I can't thank all of you enough that read this blog for all of the prayers you have given my family and I.  The power of prayer works and if somebody doesn't believe it just read the blog from the beginning.

Love always and THANK YOU!!!!,
Scott, Candace, and Tyler