August Update from Peter

Thanks for letting me bring you up to date. A lot of things have been going on.

1.   Cancer markers have come down

Great News! The last few blood tests had my cancer markers considerably decreased!

While my oncologists rely more on CT Scans, the marker number’s purpose is to show whether the growth of the cancer is increasing or decreasing.

I typically am looking for a few percentage points of change, this was multitudes more, and fortunately it was a significant decrease!

2. Last infusion of the clinical trial drug

My clinical trial was for three infusions of an immunotherapy drug.  I have now completed the last dosage of the drug and will be monitored to assess how it impacts and potentially enhances the standard chemotherapy treatment that I will continue to receive. As long as the trial is running, and my cancer doesn’t grow significantly, I will still be considered part of the UCLA study and monitored via bloodwork, CT Scans, and other tests.

3. Hospital stay

Last week, I developed a high fever and needed to go to the Emergency Department (ED), as my compromised immune system dictates. I spent two nights in the ED while doctors tried to determine the cause of the fever.  Although I was never in pain and my fever broke shortly after admission, the tests and scans revealed a few potential issues: 1) possible early appendicitis, which could be treated with antibiotics; 2) a possible infection, also treatable with antibiotics (though later tests showed no evidence of infection); and 3) possible side effects of the chemotherapy. I was eventually discharged with antibiotics and have since recovered.

I am blessed to live in a city with so many renowned hospitals just miles away. I’ve come to deeply appreciate it now that I’ve needed medical attention.                

4.  Feeling better & prayers do matter

During my hospital stay, I felt deeply humbled by my situation, being just a few feet away from patients who had suffered severe accidents and traumatic events. I am profoundly grateful every day for the progress in my diagnosis and treatment. I can hardly believe it’s been nearly a year since my initial diagnosis. However, I remain acutely and cautiously aware that many people do not make it this far and that things can change suddenly in my situation.

I’m very thankful to have a supportive community that offers prayers and encouragement in countless ways.

I believe that prayer is playing a significant role in my body’s fight against cancer, providing me with both physical and emotional strength. It’s also keeping me calm and hopeful. Although I’m generally cautious and practical, the hope I feel surpasses my own strength.

So, thank you for your unwavering support and patience, especially when it’s challenging for me to provide immediate updates on my situation. Your encouragement means a lot to me.

5. Prayers

Sometimes, I’m hesitant to ask for things, including prayers. It feels a bit selfish to list my needs.  However, I’ve always appreciated being informed and invited to participate in supporting others.

Please pray for:

A. the efficacy of this clinical trial drug. And for me to remain open to good news when it arrives, while finding strength and resilience when the news isn’t as positive.

B. That this chemotherapy proves effective. The clinical trial drug is intended to enhance the “standard care” chemotherapy. 

C. Managing these side effects. The frequency and the side effects of my current chemo sessions have been dragging out longer than what I experienced with my previous treatment.  While everything is still manageable, and I remain deeply grateful for the life and freedom that I currently have, I continue to experience fatigue, neuropathy, and GI issues. I firmly believe that our collective prayers have played a crucial role in making these side effects more manageable.  

D. Effective management of my resources during this challenging time. While I’ve been able to keep working over the past year, many well-meaning clients have hesitated to reach out during my treatment, which can impact my income.  As my earnings decrease and medical expenses rise, I deeply appreciate your prayers for the strength and wisdom to manage my resources.

Finally, this weekend, I attended a BBQ hosted by the Hirshberg Foundation. When I was at their symposium in late January, they mentioned this summer event, but I never thought about being invited and the event seemed so far away in time and unattainable.

Part of a thank you I sent the staff:

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