Medical Update, Mar. 12, 2009

This past Tuesday, the 10th, I went back to the VA for my weekly chemotherapy treatment, to be administered if my blood platelet count was high enough. I was able to see the doctor and get the results on the CT scan that I had had on the 25th of February. The report was not good. In the two weeks between the PET scan (which was good) and the CT scan, the cancer had spread into my abdomen, creating multiple tumors (the largest being about one inch in diameter). The doctor said, "Since the cancer is not responding to the current chemotherapy, there is no reason to continue the therapy." He offered me a "last resort," chemotherapy, using pills (4 in the morning, three at evening). Other than that, he said nothing more could be done. I agreed to try the pills, picked up the prescription, and headed home, planning to take the first dose on Wednesday morning.

Before taking the pills I read the paperwork, listing the various side-effects that I could have to deal with. The side-effects consisted of swollen feet and hands, accompanied by sores and blisters, nausea, vomiting, headaches, backache, tenderness of feet (limiting walking), loss of hair, diarrhea, bloody stool, etc.

Currently, apart from the side affects of the chemo that I've been taking, I'm in reasonably good health. I don't know how long it will last, but I've decided that since the medical community has no cure for the disease, if it is God's time for me to go, I'd rather have quality of life that is short, than quantity of life consisting of agony and suffering. So, I've opted out of any further chemotherapy treatments. They've done all they can do with radiation therapy. Surgery is not possible. Therefore, the trust and dependance for healing is now fully in the Lord's hands, if it is His will. To God be the glory, whatever outcome He chooses!

"To me remains nor place, nor time:

My country is in every clime;

I can be calm and free from care

On any shore, since God is there.

While place we seek, or place we shun,

The soul finds happiness in none:

But with a God to guide our way,

'Tis equal joy to go or stay."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. (Ps. 23:1, KJV)