Long Overdue Update

Quick Update:

It’s been three months since my last update, and I apologize for the gap. I’m grateful to those of you who have continued to follow along and support me through this journey.

Overall, I’ve been doing okay – still working and hanging in there. However, I have been experiencing some abdominal pain over the past few months. My doctors have been trying to figure out the cause, but with the recent pain, combined with fluctuating tumor marker numbers, I’m scheduled to get a CT Scan this Monday afternoon

CA 19-9 marker numbers are not quite an exact science. In December, having received several increasing CA 19-9 numbers in my tests, I was expecting to find my tumor had grown, but the December scan showed a continued decrease in size of my tumor; it had reduced 30% from the baseline when I began this clinical trial back in May!

I began physical therapy a month ago, and it’s helping me both physically and emotionally. I’m able to work some muscles that have been neglected.

During that time, I stopped acupuncture. Partially a schedule conflict (with PT) and partially a little experiment. I’m not sure if it’s related or not, but my neuropathy came back a little strong this last week, so like a puppy running back home, I scheduled appointments with the acupuncturist. For those who are interested, I’m also receiving some other therapies from East/West including cupping. I believe it may be helping me with pain management.

Prayer Requests:
1) For a clear, trouble-free CT Scan on Monday afternoon, hopefully with no new issues or difficult news. Above all, I pray to gain clarity on my tumor status and sporadic abdominal pains.
2) For relief from and understanding of these abdominal pains
3) That my neuropathy continues to stabilize, and that I find the best therapies to manage it
4) For continued strength in handling my kidney stones, as I have for the last 30+ years
5) For the bone aches I experience as a side effect of chemotherapy to remain manageable
6) Some friends that I have known for many years have recently also been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It’s a tough journey, especially at the beginning. I ask for prayers for them as they navigate the challenges of this difficult disease.

Thanks again for your ongoing support and sticking with me during this time!

I’ll put out another update soon but wanted to get this out there to request prayers for my CT Scan. Thanks!

P

Pictures of me with Kevin from church who I have served with for years on numerous projects. Met me for breakfast by the beach.