Graeme Boyett

Friday, February 23, 2018

 Deep breath....

Thank you for taking the time to visit our site.  This is difficult for me to start, but necessary, as we want to keep you, our family and friends, up to date with Gray's battle with cancer.

In brief,  Gray was diagnosed in October 2016 with Stage IV Adenocarcinoma, Lung Cancer.  After initial diagnostic tests, showing 2 primary 3-4 cm tumors in the left lung, Gray began a course of chemo.  This worked to shrink the tumors 50-75%.

Gray was initially diagnosed at Ft. Belvoir, but began receiving treatment via Dr. Spira,  a leading lung oncologist, at Virginia Cancer Specialists. 

After the initial round of chemo, Gray participated in 4 immunotherapy clinical trials.  (Between Feb 2017 until Jan 2018).  The bottom line, none of these therapies worked to 
Shrink the tumors, and Gray's cancer began to spread.

In early Feb, we learned that Gray's cancer has metastasized to his spine and brain.  He recently completed radiation for both. We pray that the radiation has eradicated cancer in these two areas; permanently,  or for a good, long time.   We know that mets to these areas can reoccur, but hope for some back pain relief. 

In addition,  Gray has a fracture at the T6 level of the spine and several blood clots.   Both are common effects of his cancer.  We will have a consult next Monday at Walter reed to discuss a special injection of a substance into the spine to prevent bone breakage.

This past wed, Gray had a bronchyoscope at Walter reed to take a closer look at his lungs, and to possibly have intervention to help improve breathing on the left side,  and reduce pain while breathing.


During the bronchyoscope,  the Dr. Discovered a tumor pressing on his left bronchial tube.  The tumor was bleeding a little,  and so it was decided not to do any immediate intervention.

On a positive note, the main and right lung branches look great.   We'll take all the positive!


On another positive note,  Gray's team of military doctors is AWESOME; they're responsive,  positive,  and caring.  

Today, Gray is having CT scan to determine radiation plan for the tumor.  The radiation should shrink the tumor enough to have a stent placed in about a month.  This will improve breathing. 

Breathe....

Looking ahead:

Radiation for the lung tumor so a stent can be placed in left bronchial tube to improve breathing. 

Standard chemo, 3 infusions, to help clear out as much cancer as possible. 

A spinal injection to help prevent bone breakage.

Thank you for your continued thoughts,  prayers, and support!  My soldier still fights this battle and his sense of humor remains.

Love to all....breathe