After my last post you’d figure I’d try and keep the next one a little lighter, well it’s not going to be…I think? Throughout my years and I know this is going to sound, well strange, I always seemed to have a bit of a sixth sense in certain situations. Whether it would be sitting during speech and knowing what the next sentence would be, driving down the highway and knowing, just knowing that car waiting at the stop sign is going to pull out in front of me and that feeling four years ago it was more than an “abnormal growth” was going to be the least of my worries. I even knew that I shouldn’t have went on my latest canoe trip. It’s like a spidey sense, ya both my boys always and still love the Spiderman movies, hence the reference. Ever since that last Gallium scan I had a feeling that something had changed, but not sure if for the bad or good. Regardless the results weighed much more heavily on my conscious than any other test, scan or treatment before.
So Steve, What were the Results?
After getting my blood work done and dropping off the “jug o’pee” I took my spot in the waiting room with my better half and waited. Only ten minutes later the nurse came and got us and into the room we go, the usual questions are asked, such as mood, symptoms and mental state, so for the answers to that I’ll refer you back to my prior post and you’ll understand. My doctor came in and sat across from us to give the update and I was right something had changed. Now given the type of cancer I have it’s harder to explain the results, but the tumours , which there are already numerous haven’t really spread or even grown that much they just appear to be angrier or maybe a better word is more active. He explained to me the tracer that runs through your body and lights up the tumours under the scanner have lite up brighter this time, than our base scan three years ago. So, ya it’s a bit of a confusing result, like everything about this disease, “To put it in a different context” he said, “Your largest tumour on the liver was rated at a 6, three years ago and now sits at 22, so almost four times the activity within that area.” That being said it’s still a relatively low number, but it is moving in the wrong direction. The tumours in my abdomen are also more active, so he was concerned, but reassured me this wasn’t the worst case senecio. Surprisingly I really wasn’t that upset and felt almost a sense of relief that I finally knew, that my sixth sense was correct. With a squeeze of Tracys hand and a quick glance she knew I was ok and she was probably more concerned than myself. I honestly almost felt a heavy load fall off my shoulders and asked the doctor, “So what’s next?”
A Change in Treatment
Now for the hard part and not because of the treatment, it’s the wrench this will probably throw into some summer plans. I’m to continue on my regular shots of Sandostatin and my Oncologist will now pass my file off to London Hospital where the next phase in treatment will take place, that will be radiation. This isn’t your typical type either it’s more of a targeted treatment and to be honest with you I haven’t really looked that deep into it. I know what it consists of and heard stories from others in our support group, but my plan is to worry about it when the hospital contacts me and gets the ball rolling. It’s called PRRT and I believe it is specific to neuroendocrine tumours, but don’t quote me on that. Consisting of four separate treatments it will target the troublesome tumours in my liver and also I believe abdominal area, but until I talk to the doctor in charge I won’t be 100% sure. This therapy has shown to have some very good results during trials and in the U.S., where they are always ahead of us. My tumours have the receptors required for the treatment, so my doctor assured me I’m a prime candidate for this treatment and I’m super pumped we only have to drive to London for it.
How am I feeling?
It is a little hard to describe right now, like I said earlier I almost feel more at peace, you’d figure after my last post that I’d want to crawl into a hole. Quite the opposite feeling has come over me and besides being a little mentally fatigued from having to call so many people I think I’m okay. Jogging and daily reflection have once again played a key role in dealing with this, along with the strong support I get at home. The fact I’m inspired to return to my keyboard enthusiastically has made me feel much more alive again, giving me meaning and with all the comments of support from my last post also lets me know my writing can make a difference to both you and me, bad grammar…As a matter of fact as we speak I half about half my gear packed up to go back out again. If anything this has taught me again how precious time really is, I’m by no means worried that my time is up, but to take joy in those things, hobbies or adventures that mean so much to me. There will be no doubt some darker days ahead as for now I will take my own advice and go do what I love to do, cause the world needs people who love what they do, not what they think they have to do!
They’ll be many updates along the way and when you read this I should be out of service and doing what I’m meant to do. Please feel free to subscribe, like and as always comment. I will always get back to you all in time and appreciate every one of my readers. Cheers
Cancer Won't Run My Life 
Don’t worry Stephen, PRRT is supposed to shrink tumours up to 70% and even in some cases make them disappear. I’m hoping for PRRT asap but there is doubt that I have the receptors needed. And then there is the cost ($160,000) as lung origin NETs are apparently not covered by BC Health and the treatment would be in Vancouver, 1100km away. Glen Rodgers in Cranbrook, BC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve done a bit of reading up on it, but already have received a call from London and have a consultation on Monday. I was surprised to be contacted so quickly. Fortunately in Ontario we are covered for mid-gut primary tumours, I have no idea why treatments that can potentially save or prolong lives aren’t just standard across the country. Wish you the best Glen.
LikeLike
Wishing you all the best during your new treatment and that it will be a success. You certainly are an inspiration to all.
Take good care
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
Thank you so much for keeping us updated, Steve, and for doing what you do to educate people about our cancer. I’m actually glad to hear that PRRT is the next line of treatment for you. I had 12 treatments as part of the clinical trial done at the Cross Cancer Institute here in Alberta. I didn’t find it too gruelling and the results were very positive. I’m also glad that you’re out doing what you love to do because the treatments will probably leave you feeling more tired than usual for a week or two after each one. You’ll also be given very specific instructions about how to protect those around you from the fact that you’ll be highly radioactive for awhile after each, but it’s all very manageable. Just another bump in this long and winding road that we’re on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly is a bump in the road and I’m never one to complain this will just throw a wrench into summer plans, but we’ll roll with the punches. I’ve already been contacted by London hospital and go on Monday for a consultation. Man that was much quicker than I thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️ Go enjoy your new adventure! It is so great that you live your life each day. We all need to do more of that. Thanks for your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and thanks for following along, much appreciated.
LikeLike
I’m hoping for the best for you! Positive thoughts and energies to you!! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’ll be by your side For this next step and whatever else they toss our way
T
LikeLiked by 1 person
When you tell me over the phone about test results and treatments I don’t always understand… seeing it written helps to understand somewhat better?! Love ❤️ you Mom
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mom, sometimes the words just flow out better when writing them out and putting thought into how I word things. Who’d a thought after my English marks? lol, Love ya
LikeLike
I often sit here with a blank screen not knowing what to say Steve. I have no idea how I would mentally handle this. You are an amazing person Steve and I’m sure give so much inspiration to others not just myself. Safe travels my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks you, I often stare at my blank screen as well, unsure what to write. It just makes me happy when people take the time to leave a comment and read what I have to say.
LikeLike
I’m so grateful for your updates,
Steve. Your journey through all of this is inspirational, and we love you dearly, so keep on keeping on. You rock! Kate and Mike
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mike and Kate, your comments mean a lot to me. Love ya too, I’ll keep on keeping on. Cheers
LikeLike
I enjoy reading your blogs Steve. Thinking of you often and wondering how you are doing. You are a strong man and also a great writer. Stay strong, we are so proud of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am doing fine and thanks for caring. I look back at some of my first posts and see how far the blog has come and it the people who read it and can take something away that inspires me. Cheers
LikeLike