Building Upon Positive Developments

Welcome back to the next blog post. It’s been a while since the last posting so I’m providing an update covering the past few weeks.

As stated in a previous post, I returned to Kansas City following the first round of treatment. It was great being back in the office at work and having the opportunity to interact with more people on a daily basis. I returned to St. Louis for the second round of treatment on April 20. The second round went well and my doctor was very encouraged that side effects and pain have been minimal. This past week I remained in St. Louis for another echocardiogram of my heart and follow up appointment with the cardiologist. The echocardiogram checked for fluid build-up. The results of the test were outstanding as my heart continues to be free of fluid. You might remember from an earlier post that the lack of fluid in heart and lungs is a positive development regarding the treatment of cancer. It could mean that treatment is working; however, I won’t have a more definitive answer about the treatment’s effectiveness until I undergo tests at the end of May. Cancer treatment can be unpredictable and I’m not assuming anything. Maureen and I are remaining cautiously optimistic.

Over the past few weeks my physical condition has continued to improve. In addition to the lack of pain, my energy level has increased and I have even started to work out in a limited capacity. Four to five times a week I do a brisk walk for 45-60 minutes. This past week I have incorporated a jog into that walk for about 10 minutes, and I finish with push-ups and ab exercises. The exercise has helped both mentally and physically. My goal is to become the best in-shape stage 4 lung cancer patient ever.

Reflecting over the past 2 months it’s astounding to see the progress I’ve made. It started with a trip to the Emergency Room and nearly experiencing Cardiac Tamponade from the fluid in my heart. I then was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit for 4 days and diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. I returned to the Emergency Room a second time to have fluid drained from my lungs. Treatment is now underway and I’m feeling great. I am providing this recap to highlight the contrast in my condition from the initial diagnosis to present day.  The prayers and support that Maureen and I have received have certainly played a huge role in this recovery. 

The next two weeks should be fairly routine. The third round of treatment is scheduled for Friday, May 12. Following the third round will be the most significant milestone to-date; in which I will be re-scanned to determine the treatment's (Keytruda) effectiveness. Stay tuned for more updates. I expect to have another post following the third round of treatment (May 12).