November 2021 Update

Picture added as an attention step--symbolism 😊

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”– Theodore Roosevelt

Update (short version):  still making positive progress and will enter new treatment phase--long course radiation. 

Longer version:  the journey continues! Well, since my last update, I've endured several medical procedures to include stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)--high doses of precision radiation on my liver--along with a flexible sigmoidoscopy (x2) to evaluate and remove another polyp and take some biopsies.   Evaluation of the SBRT on my liver will take a few months, but only have a few more weeks to know if the treatment damaged my liver (remote chance).  Thankfully, the side-effects are lessening (nausea was worse than chemo).

The good news:  the biopsies 'technically" do not show cancer at the point of origin (rectum)--best news so far!  Cannot determine if any cancer cells exists except via biopsies.  Thus, docs won't declare a full clinical response. The tumor has shrunk leaving quite a bit of scar tissue (originally a 10 cm tumor). The polyp that was removed was deemed precancerous.  Considering 10 months ago I was looking at palliative care followed by Hospice, the remarkable response and turnaround has delivered some cautious optimism. I'm now hearing whispers of "curative" rather than "palliative."  However, still walking on egg shells as this disease can stick its ugly head up at anytime and take one down quickly (see attached picture).

My case went back to the tumor board for more deliberations by various experts on Wednesday.  Possible COAs ... 1. Surgery to remove rectum (quality of life issues, but with the best chance of survival);  2.  Radiation to rectum followed by additional scans, etc., and then decide next steps to include declaring no cancer--see #3; 3. Watch and wait (protocol for stage 3 and NOT 4; however, I am considered an anomaly at this point in the cancer treatment).  Much more details, but this captures the key points.  Went back again this week to UAB for labs and doc visit.  Lab work may help in picking direction too (critical data point).  As such, a cancer maker in lab work showed the lowest number to date and indicates in essence, no cancer (positive!) ... normal range.  However, liver function tests elevated perhaps due to SBRT.  

With all that, the tumor board appeared to understand my concerns (my GI oncologist is great at presentions) as well as survival rates, so I'm headed for 6 weeks of daily radiation 🔥--long course radiation.  This option provides the best chance to reduce scar tissue and hopefully keep a critical body part/function and ultimately beat this ugly disease. However, there are never any free lunches--the side-effects can be horrendous.  Nonetheless, will to continue down the path of aggressive treatment without being reckless. On top of that though, I might be able to receive treatment locally instead of daily Birmingham commutes.  Keep in mind, I have already have racked up frequent driver miles going back and forth (and a set of new tires on the truck). 🥴

Domestically, will continue to maintain a healthy plant-based diet, supplements, and an aggressive exercise routine along with working on various domestic (home) projects. Above all, keep my mind keen with readings and exercises.  Yes, some of my readings are peer-reviewed works on cancer, arming myself with some knowledge.  The neuropathy in finger tips have lessened, but nails are still brittle and breaking (really bad).  Still endure neuropathy in feet.  Received third Covid-19 vaccine and flu shot.  

Looking forward to some cycling (outdoors) and kayaking now! I might now reschedule my Key West trip for January 2022 (canx last January due to diagnosis).  Fingers crossed! 

Final thoughts:  “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

#beatcancer