Welcome back to the next Thriving Not Just Surviving blog post. On Thursday I underwent the scheduled CT scan and visited with my thoracic
oncologist.
I am pleased to report that for the most part it was another great
scan. The only remaining tumor was consistent in size from the scan in October.
Since treatment had been discontinued from the end of August we were not
expecting the tumor to shrink again; but we were hoping that it would not
increase in size either. So, this is good news and further evidence that my
immune system is continuing to keep the cancer under control.
The one area of concern is a new "spot" that appeared next to the
primary tumor in the middle lobe of my right lung. My oncologist said that it’s
probably not a progression of cancer, due to the primary tumor remaining the
same size. Its most likely an infection in the lung. An infection would be
consistent with the symptoms I’ve experienced the past month including
increased fatigue and achiness. It’s likely that I acquired this infection from
a weakened immune system from the steroids, and its taking longer than normal
to heal. Despite the likely scenario of an infection, my oncologist is
expediting the next CT scan. The next scan will be in two months instead of three.
If the new spot is still present in the next scan, then it’s likely a
progression of the cancer.
The other good news is that I continue to be free of autoimmune
symptoms after discontinuing steroids 4 weeks ago. Hopefully I’m done with
steroids forever and I my immune system can continue to recover.
It feels great to have this scan completed. It was mentally
difficult to go a full three months in-between scans. As a cancer patient,
there are always thoughts and fears of the cancer rapidly progressing. Fortunately,
the immunotherapy continues to work and hopefully will keep the cancer in check
for the foreseeable future.
It can’t be overstated enough how well I have benefitted from
immunotherapy. There was a 30-40% chance that it would work, but no one anticipated
success to this degree. The big unanswered question is “How long will it
work?”. With every passing month new drugs are being developed and its my hope
that when I do have to undergo treatment again that the available drugs will be
even closer to making lung cancer a chronic condition instead of a terminal one.
Over the next few months I am going to have a renewed focus on
eating healthy, exercising moderately, and resting. It is vitally important
that the potential lung infection heals completely.
In March 2017 I never would have expected to be in such good
condition. There were times when I wasn’t sure I was going to see another
Christmas. However, world class medical care, prayers, and support have gotten
me to where I am today. Maureen and I have much to be thankful for.
