Welcome to week 4 of Thriving
Not Surviving. Time continues to fly by since the initial diagnosis. It
feels like I’ve lived with the cancer diagnosis for much longer than a few
weeks.
This week was expected to be significant, but turned out
fairly routine. We were scheduled to meet with our oncologist on Friday to
determine a treatment plan. However, our oncologist wants to run additional tests
from the initial biopsy, so our appointment has been postponed until this upcoming
week. Apparently the initial biopsy results came back negative regarding the
cancer biomarkers that would allow for targeted therapy. This is unfortunate,
but our oncologist still believes that there is the potential for a biomarker
and therefore the tests will be re-performed. We are also waiting to see if I
am eligible for a clinical trial which includes a new type of cancer treatment
for stage 4 lung cancer. We are still praying and hoping that I test positive for
one of the cancer biomarkers as well as be eligible for the clinical trial.
My medical team continues to expand. In addition to the
oncologist, we now have added a cardiologist and pulmonologist to my treatment
team. Since the cancer in my lungs is advanced, there is the potential for
complications with the heart and lungs. I
am very thankful that I have access to some of the best medical specialists
around.
Patience is the hardest part of life right now. It’s extremely
hard to wait for treatment when I know that I have an advanced form of cancer.
From what I’ve heard from other cancer patients, the initial wait for treatment
can sometimes be long and mentally grueling. However, it is very important to
select the right type of treatment for my specific diagnosis.
It felt good to log a full five day work week; the first
full week of work since February. Since I’ve been in St. Louis I’ve been
working remotely from my parents’ house. The routine certainly helps and the
feeling of productivity is empowering. I’m looking forward to maintaining a
good working routine and interacting with coworkers and management as much as
possible.
Thank you again for the continued prayers and support. Knowing
that Maureen and I have an amazing support system gives me strength and has
made the past few weeks easier. We will continue to keep you updated and let
you know if there is anything you can do. Already you have done an incredible job
with your prayers and well wishes.
Greg and Maureen, We are continuing to pray for you and are asking people we know to also pray for you. Thank you for keeping us updated through your blog. The Lanari Family
ReplyDeletePatience is definitely a challenge. I'm grateful that you have taken such good care of yourself before this diagnosis. You are positioned to be a strong fighter. Thinking of you both and praying for your strength and patience.
ReplyDeleteI've heard others talk about the waiting and the patience being a difficult aspect of the journey. I pray God continues to bless you with patience and healing, and that the right treatment plan will be determined soon.
ReplyDelete-Micah
Thanks for the blog. It is keeping your Brother Knights informed without us pestering you! :) We miss you all here in KC. Keep up the great attitude! Glad to hear you're working and able to do so from STL! Be assured your circle of Brothers if praying for you daily here!
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