Hi there!

 

Between email and Caring Bridge, I hope I reach the many of you in my life that have given me so much love and support these past two years in particular.

 

Yesterday, Sue and I had another telemedicine check-in with Dr Zheng, my oncologist, to get the results of my latest CT scan: another all-clear!

 

This check-in was an extra big deal for me because I’ve now reached the two year survival mark, well, technically two years will be Jan. 4th, the date of my surgery, but close enough!

 

And there’s more! Yesterday morning I thought to ask him what the chance of survival is for pancreatic cancer patients who are able to have surgery like I did—most patients can’t. He said 50% reach the five year survival mark. That’s up from the 20-25% I had read. Dr Zheng said the newer type of chemo available now, which I fortunately received, is the reason. I also knew that those who have the KRAS mutation have a bad prognosis and, luckily again and thanks to the thorough and extensive genetic testing I was able to get at Johns Hopkins, I knew that I did NOT have that mutation, and mentioned that to Dr Zheng as another lucky factor. My understanding was that 30% of PC patients have that mutation, but Dr Zheng said 90% of PC patients have that very bad mutation. So, another blessing, even bigger than I realized, not to have that genetic mutation.

 

Conclusion? Dr Zheng thinks I have one of the very best prognoses for a PC patient: 5 years and counting it would seem. Whew hew! It’s nice to be able to give your oncologist something to smile about. And Dr Zheng really did. I will still value your prayers—for lots of reasons—but I wanted to share this with you because it is happy news, and I want to let you know not to worry about me if you were.

 

May your days, too, be blessed and healthy; may you have large doses of peace and joy this holiday season, and may you know how special you are to me. I am so grateful for your love and care, and that you are a part of my life.

 

Thank you (and hugs and kisses,)

Alden

PS  accompanying photo taken by Sue, at Cromwell Valley Park