Post CT Scan Update

Tim Keller

A friend sent me this youtube of Tim Keller, a pastor that I would frequent when in NYC. Before he passed from Pancreatic Cancer, this was one of the last interviews, and he spoke about “Scanxiety,” a common experience with getting results.

Tim Keller Q&A on cancer, prayer and forgiveness

I loved his kind candor speaking about faith in a trying situation. He was able to share thoughts and feelings very clearly, including his own experience as a caregiver. I cried a bit while watching.

If you have the chance, rewind to the beginning and watch the whole thing. It was so helpful to me personally, and in some ways, if you watch, you may understand me a little bit better too.

Clarity

Less than a day from my last update, I got some of the clarity I had prayed for.

I got my CT Scan.

My tumor has grown a bit.

Officially, the CT Scan radiology report indicates that things are “stable,” but there are a few things that we have to check out, so we’re working to schedule an MRI asap so we can figure out the best game plan.

But, since day one, I’ve had a small team of friends who have been supporting me, and two of the four were there in the room as we figured out what we knew and what our options were.

My oncologist was very compassionate as we planned next steps and decision-making points. It was collaborative, with him asking input on how I felt about different treatment plans.

So, we await the MRI and the next steps in making decisions.

This was a very different experience than a year ago. I had less knowledge and experience with my cancer, and definitely less on pursuing clinical trials. It’s a tough and drawn out process trying to find clinical trials. 

Being at a research institution with some focus on pancreatic cancer, I have better access to clinical trials. My oncologist is aware of my history and status, so I don’t have to present it to an unfamiliar research coordinator.

I’m in good hands and will update you as new information becomes available.

I’m thankful that the CT Scan went well, and that I can handle the iodine-based contrast with the premeds, mitigating a previous allergy.

I’m praying for:

1. An early-as-possible MRI appointment so we can quickly move forward with the next steps in treatment.

2. Continued clarity of choices of whether or not to stay on the trial, and for approval of any new treatments.

3. Finances and flexibility as we make any necessary adjustments.

Thanks again for your prayers!

After my CT Scan, I walked around the UCLA campus. It was good exercise and a nice walk down memory lane. This is the same campus where during my freshman year, I’d be accompanying mom to her own cancer treatments.

It was nice to look back in time and have hope for the future.

P