Journal entry by Greg Wolfe —
On Thursday (exactly one year from discovering the first tumor), we received uplifting news from our oncologist during a follow-up telehealth appointment from a PET scan this past Monday. The blood markers of cancer had dropped significantly in the blood test results and all the tumors have continued to shrink! He said to keep doing what we are doing for the time being and we wouldn't even schedule to see him again until June. We had received other positive news of the effectiveness of treatment over the past few months, but it also would come with some news of concern or tests and appointments dealing with some complications or physical needs.
In my previous post, I mentioned the pain in Lisa's tailbone; we were thinking it was from the weight loss and it was connected to when she sits a lot. In our next appointment, our oncologist, referring to past notes and tests, recalled the original scan showing a small spot on the tailbone. This had not shown on the CT scans since the original PET scan. The pain continued to bother her into early January so to get the bottom of it, Lisa would have an MRI and PET scan to take a further look at what was going on. Both scans showed the same spot on the tailbone as the original PET scan last May. Apparently, the CT scan wasn't picking it up. Since it hadn't appeared to have changed in size at all, the oncologist had her get a biopsy on the tailbone spot and another spot that showed up near the same area of the backside. The result was the spot directly on the tailbone was colon cancer. The other spot is just some benign, non-cancerous fatty deposit. A bummer she had a tumor there, but also good it wasn't a different type of cancer. To combat the tailbone tumor, the oncologist recommended some directed radiation, which Lisa would complete in late February and early March.
About the same time the tailbone thing was going on Lisa also had to miss a treatment due to a poor protein count and low hemoglobin. I guess this is normal and the protein count just needed some time to correct. It is a side effect of chemo. The low hemoglobin was a result of some blood loss which was taken care of through a visit with her OB doc and some iron infusions in January to accelerate the creation of some red blood cells. The low hemoglobin was the likely contributor to Lisa feeling a bit weak and very tired quite often during the months of December to February. At first, we thought little of the symptoms and fatigue. It was easy to assume as the mother of three busy boys, the chemo treatments, and the busy holidays, of course she was tired.
Given the tailbone tests, radiation, and all the iron work January and February were busy with tests, treatments, and appointments in Marion and Ft. Wayne. Although at times frustrated with having to schedule another place and doctor to visit, Lisa has remained steadfast and consistent in her prayer to the Lord as well as her own diligence and great confidence to beat this.
As for the boys, Cooper our middle son, has been the greatest encourager over the days. He has developed a habit of leaving Lisa sweet, simple notes of encouragement. For Brady and Cooper, although I am sure sometimes weary with the additional things we ask them to do over the past year, have been uplifting in their positivity and spirit. Trevor can be a bit grouchy and moody, but then provides some of the greatest laughter as he attempts to keep up with his big brothers.
As for the recent days, about three or four weeks ago, Lisa's energy and stamina changed significantly for the better. A great answer to all of your prayers. She is more as we had pictured she would be when she transitioned to a less intense form of treatment back in November and December but had not fully experienced the change as she dealt with side effects and radiation.
To try and give a little perspective on the improvement, this past Easter Sunday while visiting with Lisa's parents in Lima, OH, I had stepped outside of the house for a moment for a reason I can't remember. When I came back into the house, Lisa had just hugged her aunt and I suddenly had to fight back some tears. She had a color and vitality to the smile on her face that I had not seen in quite a long time. I am guessing this is how the Psalmist felt when describing his praise for the Lord - "The Lord is my strength and shield...my heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." (Psalm 28:7)
Tomorrow, she returns for another treatment, and please continue to pray with us for her complete remission. At the time, they label it partial remission. And, as pastor Mark preached this morning, please also pray that we continue to be committed to believing and trusting in his goodness regardless of the ups and downs that our certainly to remain in future weeks and months.
Thanks to all who celebrate and rejoice with us in the healing that has taken place!
In my previous post, I mentioned the pain in Lisa's tailbone; we were thinking it was from the weight loss and it was connected to when she sits a lot. In our next appointment, our oncologist, referring to past notes and tests, recalled the original scan showing a small spot on the tailbone. This had not shown on the CT scans since the original PET scan. The pain continued to bother her into early January so to get the bottom of it, Lisa would have an MRI and PET scan to take a further look at what was going on. Both scans showed the same spot on the tailbone as the original PET scan last May. Apparently, the CT scan wasn't picking it up. Since it hadn't appeared to have changed in size at all, the oncologist had her get a biopsy on the tailbone spot and another spot that showed up near the same area of the backside. The result was the spot directly on the tailbone was colon cancer. The other spot is just some benign, non-cancerous fatty deposit. A bummer she had a tumor there, but also good it wasn't a different type of cancer. To combat the tailbone tumor, the oncologist recommended some directed radiation, which Lisa would complete in late February and early March.
About the same time the tailbone thing was going on Lisa also had to miss a treatment due to a poor protein count and low hemoglobin. I guess this is normal and the protein count just needed some time to correct. It is a side effect of chemo. The low hemoglobin was a result of some blood loss which was taken care of through a visit with her OB doc and some iron infusions in January to accelerate the creation of some red blood cells. The low hemoglobin was the likely contributor to Lisa feeling a bit weak and very tired quite often during the months of December to February. At first, we thought little of the symptoms and fatigue. It was easy to assume as the mother of three busy boys, the chemo treatments, and the busy holidays, of course she was tired.
Given the tailbone tests, radiation, and all the iron work January and February were busy with tests, treatments, and appointments in Marion and Ft. Wayne. Although at times frustrated with having to schedule another place and doctor to visit, Lisa has remained steadfast and consistent in her prayer to the Lord as well as her own diligence and great confidence to beat this.
As for the boys, Cooper our middle son, has been the greatest encourager over the days. He has developed a habit of leaving Lisa sweet, simple notes of encouragement. For Brady and Cooper, although I am sure sometimes weary with the additional things we ask them to do over the past year, have been uplifting in their positivity and spirit. Trevor can be a bit grouchy and moody, but then provides some of the greatest laughter as he attempts to keep up with his big brothers.
As for the recent days, about three or four weeks ago, Lisa's energy and stamina changed significantly for the better. A great answer to all of your prayers. She is more as we had pictured she would be when she transitioned to a less intense form of treatment back in November and December but had not fully experienced the change as she dealt with side effects and radiation.
To try and give a little perspective on the improvement, this past Easter Sunday while visiting with Lisa's parents in Lima, OH, I had stepped outside of the house for a moment for a reason I can't remember. When I came back into the house, Lisa had just hugged her aunt and I suddenly had to fight back some tears. She had a color and vitality to the smile on her face that I had not seen in quite a long time. I am guessing this is how the Psalmist felt when describing his praise for the Lord - "The Lord is my strength and shield...my heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." (Psalm 28:7)
Tomorrow, she returns for another treatment, and please continue to pray with us for her complete remission. At the time, they label it partial remission. And, as pastor Mark preached this morning, please also pray that we continue to be committed to believing and trusting in his goodness regardless of the ups and downs that our certainly to remain in future weeks and months.
Thanks to all who celebrate and rejoice with us in the healing that has taken place!
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