Chris’ Cancer Update – May 2013
It’s been a long time since I posted an update on Chris’ Cancer. Unfortunately, it isn’t because there wasn’t anything to tell – but it’s been more of a case of me being overwhelmed.
The cancer cells in Chris’ lung are “stable.” This means that they aren’t growing and they aren’t shrinking. The tumors that were in his lung are essentially gone but there is still cancer cell activity. Much of the activity is in the pleura (the lining/sack around the lung). For now the doctors will watch and see what happens. But they do expect that, at some point, it will become a “hot spot” of activity.
The area of most concern is Chris’ brain. There are four stable tumors in his brain. They are watching those and will treat them with radiation (again) if need be.
The side-effects from the drugs are still quite bothersome for Chris; I know he could do without the gastrointestinal upset and the fatigue.
In June there will be an announcement about a new drug being used to treat Lung Cancer. This drug is a “Plan B” drug for Chris – he will go on it when the drug he is on stops working and the cancer in his lung starts to grow. So there are new options for Chris, when we get to that point.
Meanwhile, he is still working full-time. And, things are continuing as they have been.