As the title of this post suggests, it’s been a great past
few days. On Thursday, June 1 I underwent a CT scan and visited with the doctor
to review the results.
I am ecstatic to report that the results were nothing short
of amazing. Our doctor said that this was the best CT scan after only 3 rounds
of treatment he has ever seen. Tumor shrinkage of over 50% was observed
throughout the majority of tumors. This degree of shrinkage is rarely seen
this early in the treatment schedule. I have summarized some of the details
provided from the CT scan pathology report.
- The 3.4 centimeter tumor in my right lung has now been reduced by approximately 50%.
- At initial diagnosis many of the lymph nodes throughout my chest were significantly enlarged Many of them now normal sized and the ones that are still enlarged are significantly smaller.
- My heart has reduced in size by 2 centimeters. At initial diagnosis my heart was enlarged from swelling which can be attributed to the fluid and the close proximity of tumors. The heart returning to normal size shows that my body is recovering from the damage left by the aggressive cancer.
- Numerous tumors throughout other parts of the chest and lung were either smaller or gone.
- There is no evidence of the cancer spreading to any other parts of my body.
Going into the test I felt confident that the results were
going to be positive, but I really wasn’t sure how good. My doctor was prepared
to see the tumors increase in size as a result of the immune response. No one
expected the immune response to be this powerful this early in treatment. My
doctor said that it is likely the tumors are even smaller than what the CT scan
displayed, primarily due to the T cells attached to the tumors. Additionally,
when there is a response this quickly and dramatic, it is possible that
some of the tumors showing up are partially comprised of dead cancer cell tissue.
There will be no change in my treatment plan. I received the
fourth round of treatment after the appointment on Thursday. I will be undergoing
another CT scan in another 9 weeks after I have completed the 6th round of treatment.
However, I do plan to make some minor lifestyle changes to compensate for the
increased fatigue I’ve been experiencing. Since my immune system has been
performing at an insane level to shrink the tumors, additional fatigue is to be
expected. This is a side effect I will gladly accept.
Since my cancer is stage 4, it is not medically possible to
be “cured.” However, it is possible to have a complete response, meaning that
the cancer goes away completely and tests show no evidence of disease. If that
happens, which I am certainly praying and hoping for, the next milestone would
be the duration of the response. The response in which cancer does not return
could be anywhere from a few months to a permanent response in which the cancer
never returns. It is very rare for someone with stage 4 lung cancer to have a
permanent response. However, immunotherapy drugs are starting to lengthen the
responses because the drugs help train the immune system to recognize and fight
cancer cells even after treatment stops. My doctor said that there isn’t enough
research with Keytruda to accurately estimate a response time, but having a
dramatic and quick response is very encouraging.
Not only is treatment working, but the prayers and support
provided by everyone is playing a significant role. I cannot thank everyone
enough. I keep saying that everything is going as good as I could possibly
expect; and I pray that it continues. Despite the progress made, I still have a
long way to go, but Maureen and I have renewed confidence in winning this
fight.
I expect to publish 1-2 blog posts over the next 9 weeks
leading up to the next CT scan.
