It’s not always great news.
My last three blood tests have shown that there has been a slight uptick in my cancer markers, indicating my cancer is progressing (growing). Although this is a bit disheartening, my doctor reminded me that there has been a very significant decrease in the cancer markers over the last six months, and that this recent increase in my numbers has not been that large. Thankfully, my recent CT scan came back and did not show any evidence of new tumors and all others have either remained the same size, shrunk, or have disappeared. While there are some concerns, and we have to make some decisions, my doctor has said I’m in great shape, coming through the chemo well, with this notable degree of drop in markers.
Now that I have completed my six months of regular chemotherapy, my focus is on figuring out the next treatment options. I am planning to apply to some clinical trials, but with the recent increase in numbers, the trials that I was looking at a few weeks ago now have to be reassessed.
If you’re open to praying, here’s what’s happening…
This week, I’m hoping to be assigned a “Navigator” from pancan.org to assist me in the clinical trial application process. Reviewing different clinical trials can get rather overwhelming, and pancan’s familiarity with active trials as well as their knowledge in the administrative process of applying will be very helpful to me. I plan on applying to the clinical trials as soon as this Navigator is assigned.
On April 24 (or earlier if an appointment becomes available), I’ll be meeting with City of Hope and getting a second opinion. I plan to go over any clinical trials that they are running which would be applicable to me. City of Hope has a fantastic reputation, and I was rather impressed with their thorough intake process.
The clinical trials that look the most promising right now are KRAS mutation related. My friend is in one of those studies right now, and he’s been having a good response. My variant/mutation may qualify me for such a study.
So, if you could pray for:
1) God to provide wisdom and to direct my paths to the clinical study that will provide the best outcome. And, if a KRAS trial is what is ideal for me, please pray that I will be eligible and accepted into the study.
2) My meeting(s) with City of Hope and with other doctors/experts to go well and reveal promising options.
3) The assignment of my Navigator and for a clear and swift application for any clinical trials I am eligible for.
4) Wisdom for me and my medical team in selecting my next treatment.
5) For me emotionally as I process this recent shift in my progress.
6) My health to sustain or improve while we’re trying to figure this all out.
So yeah, I’m humbly asking for your prayers. Like for real.
And if you’ve never prayed before, I’d so appreciate you giving it a try! 🙂
Thank you!
P
And here’s some inspiration from Judge Frank Caprio
Dear Peter,
Thank you for keeping us updated, and providing the list of specific prayers. It is most helpful to know how to direct them to best help you. As Willard mentioned, your are constantly on our minds and in our hearts. We miss you, and the chance to offer you water like we did every visit, even though you always declined. Lol.
The strength, resilience and straightforward attitude with which you are facing the hand you have been dealt are remarkable and inspirational. Please do know that you are in my prayers.
Sending you white light along with my prayers,
Teleia
Hey Peter, sending you healing light and prayers.
Best wishes,
Joe
Dear Peter, You are always in my thoughts which are wishing the very best for you during this hard time. And I know Teleia is praying along with all your loving friends. The two of us miss you every day in our hearts and minds and we look forward to your next visit here. Big hugs, Willard and Teleia.
Peter,
I truly appreciate your straight forward and clear communication! Certainly, having your specific requests helps me pray specifically and that slows me down to ponder what your experience must be like. I respect and admire your conduct in this trial.
Love in Christ,
Tom
Peter, I will continue praying for you and add what you mentioned in your post. May the Navigator assignment be timely, and be a brother or sister in Christ, and may all of the other things on which you’re waiting be timely and blessed by Him. No matter what, we serve a great God and I know He has you in His loving hands. God’s strength and blessings be with you, brother!
Done! Thanks for adding me to your updates.