Lymph Node metastases

Terence, October 25th, 2011

october 25, 2011

by sherry 

We spent almost the entire day at University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) yesterday- discussing Terence's scans and next treatment.  

In regards to cancerous tumors, Terence's bone scans have come back unchanged since June 2011- but he does show some bone degeneration (which causes some pain) in his sternum, shoulders, knees, hips.  Nothing to worry about, supplements and healthy food can help.  No further bone metastases which is very good news!

However, he does has significant lymph node metastases (cancer progression in his lymph nodes).  In layman's terms, here is the low down: the cancerous prostate has doubled in size; the encroaching tumor appears to be invading the bladder neck and rectal sling.  There are tumors in his lymph nodes beside both (kidney) ureters which is blocking some of the urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. Also, the existing nodules on the left and right lung are unchanged :)- 

 There are also tumors markedly enlarged adjacent to the left common iliac artery measuring1.9 cm. The left external iliac lymphnode now measures 2.0 cm from 1.3 cm.

And most concerning is now a large 6.5 M mass in his chest cavity behind his lung, next to his spine. 

My sister Charla with Terence yesterday.

We are waiting for a call from the chemo clinic- Terence will begin  therapy sometime next week.

The original plan was a 6 month 

cycle of Docetaxel/prednisone, but Dr. M decided  to try a 9 week cycle and then run another set of scans to see if the cancer is responding favorably to chemo.

If it is, he'll continue as long as possible; if  the cancer continues to progress, he'll stop the chemo and begin the next round of  treatment of Zytiga  (a new drug recently approved for post chemo treatment).

So....here we go.......next season, next phase.

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” –Philippians 1:12

 

Turning circumstances into platforms, Apostle Paul saw the storms of life as mere downpours of holy water. Terence & I find courage in his example today, physically and spiritually. Oh, we may not be in prison, but we are being tested.

God has given us a supernatural strength and wisdom to continue through the necessary process.  

Terence and I have learned to live by faith, and trust in the Lord these past few years in ways we never would have been able to if it weren't for the illnesses.  I'm still trusting Him for a healing here,  He's the Lord of my life, and I owe it all to Him!  

 

So.....we are cracking our knuckles, clearing our throats and making the most of the moment at hand.....