A Silver Bullet Missed………….

Thursday , September 15

Laurie and I returned last night from OHSU and our quest for a silver bullet.

We were very happy to hear the good news of August 30. However, still weighing heavy on our minds were the realities that relatively large lesions still remain in my liver and these tumor cells are likely to grow and mutate, thus, becoming resistant to hormone therapy.

After voicing this concern to Dr. Beer, he consulted with Dr. Skye Mayo, a surgical oncologist who specializes in liver tumors. I was fortunate to get an appointment within the week. Laurie and I were hoping that Dr. Mayo might provide us with the silver bullet – a hepatectomy that would whisk the remaining tumor cells away for good! We knew this was a long shot, but what the heck; optimism has never been my short suit.

I somewhat disappointingly report that Dr. Mayo suggests that I am NOT a good candidate for liver surgery. He believes that there are still too many metatheses sites and even with major liver surgery he will not be able to remove all tumor cells. Additionally, after major liver surgery my body would not be able to tolerate another round of chemotherapy for at least 3 months, which might be a disaster if we find the cancer returns with vengeance in the near future.

All our discussion at this appointment served to reinforce that my original diagnosis was indeed quite serious!

Despite no silver bullet (yet), I continue to be thankful that my situation is not worse. I don’t have metastatic brain or pancreatic cancer nor some other painfully, horrible disease. I am eternally grateful for the continued support of my family and friends, as I am grateful for the ongoing efforts of researchers and doctors – as perhaps that is where my ultimate cure lies. In the meantime, tomorrow I will take advantage of our gorgeous PNW weather and climb outdoors for the first time in over 3 months.

I am psyched!!!!!

Our drive back from OHSU (again).  Moonrise and Sunset!  Are we too serious?