Tuesday, May 29, 2012
NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS
Well, we just pulled in from M D Anderson, and we are not particularly happy with the news we got from Dr. Phan.
The biopsy shows the lymph node in Judy's neck is positive for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. We hoped for a negative result, but if it had to be cancer, we are glad it is at least the same kind we already have. But, the progression of the cancer indicates that the current treatment is no longer effective. We will need to add another element to our treatment regimin. Now. here's where our choice of treatment alternatives becomes tricky.
The best choice for an addition to the Sandostaten shot is a drug called Everolimus. It has been effective in about 5% of the patients who are on it (that in itself, is disapointing to us). Even at that, the drug has not been approved for Carcinoma. So, there is a 50/50 chance that Medicare will not approve payment for the perscription. The cost is $30,000.00 per month. So, if Medicare dosen't cover it, we certainly can't afford that.
Another possibility is to take a drug called Interfuron. The results are not much better, but the side effects are much more severe, causing fatigue, constant flu-like symptoms, and a good possibility of causing Judy to become a diabetic.
Finally, there are a couple of Clinical Trials using the Everolimus drug, but the one has half the participants on the drug and the other half on a placebo. The other two trials are just in Phase 1 or 2, which means they have very little data to start with. Additionally, the trials will be administered at MDA, and will mean going to Houston every 2 to 3 weeks.
Our prayer is that Medicare will approve the Everolimus, and we can start that treatment right away, here in Dallas. Please pray with us to that end. If God has a different idea, we are ready to follow, no matter where it may take us. His way is always the best way.
Your Brother and Sister in Christ,
Ronnie and Judy
Saturday, April 7, 2012
GUATEMALA
Judy and I went to Guatemala with a group called Serving Him. We also did this same trip last year. As you know, Judy had surgery on Feb. 13 and I have been dealing with an angry sciatic nerve. We were anxious about our chances of making the trip, but God intended for us to go...thank you Lord. I didn't perform all that well, but Judy made everybody look weak with her super energy.
We were privileged to work with a wonderful, Godly team of Dentists, Doctors, and nurses, who pulled hundreds of bad teeth and performed 54 surgeries for the indigenous Mayan descendants. We also built stoves, latrines, and delivered about 400 food baskets to some very impoverished people. To top it all off, we saw several children and adults come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
Since her surgery, Judy has not experienced pain and has even gained seven pounds! We want to thank all of you for your continued prayers. Please also pray for our good friend, Jan Richardson, who was in a horrendous auto accident a couple of weeks ago. They had to amputate her right foot yesterday. Many other badly broken bones will keep her in Baylor Hospital for the next month or so.
God is good...His love is everlasting. Come what may, He will always be by our side. What a wonderful God we serve.
Judy and Ronnie
We were privileged to work with a wonderful, Godly team of Dentists, Doctors, and nurses, who pulled hundreds of bad teeth and performed 54 surgeries for the indigenous Mayan descendants. We also built stoves, latrines, and delivered about 400 food baskets to some very impoverished people. To top it all off, we saw several children and adults come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
Since her surgery, Judy has not experienced pain and has even gained seven pounds! We want to thank all of you for your continued prayers. Please also pray for our good friend, Jan Richardson, who was in a horrendous auto accident a couple of weeks ago. They had to amputate her right foot yesterday. Many other badly broken bones will keep her in Baylor Hospital for the next month or so.
God is good...His love is everlasting. Come what may, He will always be by our side. What a wonderful God we serve.
Judy and Ronnie
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
POST OP WITH SURGEON
We met with the surgeon yesterday and went over the pathology report and surgery notes.
They removed more than we first thought. Along with 12 inches of small intestine, they also took 6 lymph nodes around the tumor. The pathology reported they were all neuroendocrin carcinoma. It also showed additional cells in the area around the small bowel. That was a surprise to us...The surgeon said that it would be too extensive to try to get all of it. Nevertheless, we accomplished our goal of getting rid of the bad symptoms that Judy had been experiencing.
Recovery has been quick and encouraging...Judy has already gone back to work. Who wudda thought it? We will meet again with our Oncologist next week to go over all this and adjust the medication, if necessary. We both feel a renewed excitement going forward, ready to see what marvelous blessings God has in store for us.
Again we never want to fail to thank all of you for your prayer support. Will report again when anything new comes up.
They removed more than we first thought. Along with 12 inches of small intestine, they also took 6 lymph nodes around the tumor. The pathology reported they were all neuroendocrin carcinoma. It also showed additional cells in the area around the small bowel. That was a surprise to us...The surgeon said that it would be too extensive to try to get all of it. Nevertheless, we accomplished our goal of getting rid of the bad symptoms that Judy had been experiencing.
Recovery has been quick and encouraging...Judy has already gone back to work. Who wudda thought it? We will meet again with our Oncologist next week to go over all this and adjust the medication, if necessary. We both feel a renewed excitement going forward, ready to see what marvelous blessings God has in store for us.
Again we never want to fail to thank all of you for your prayer support. Will report again when anything new comes up.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Report on Surgery
Judy had a very successful surgery on Monday at Baylor University Medical Center.The Docs removed the primary tumor located in her small intestine. The procedure was flawless and done laparoscopically. The took out about 5 inches of the small bowel, inspected the entire intestine and found no secondary tumors there.
This surgery does not change the prognosis, but should remove all the bad symptoms she was experiencing, such as abdominal pain, nausea, bloating. The decision to do the surgery was based on improving her quality of living.
We came home from the hospital on Thursday morning. Since then, we have both rested a lot. It was so good to have Judy at home and back in her bed. I don't like being at home at nite without her. Thanks again for all your phone calls and cards, and especially your prayers. May wherever we go from here, be to glorify God.
Judy and Ronnie
This surgery does not change the prognosis, but should remove all the bad symptoms she was experiencing, such as abdominal pain, nausea, bloating. The decision to do the surgery was based on improving her quality of living.
We came home from the hospital on Thursday morning. Since then, we have both rested a lot. It was so good to have Judy at home and back in her bed. I don't like being at home at nite without her. Thanks again for all your phone calls and cards, and especially your prayers. May wherever we go from here, be to glorify God.
Judy and Ronnie
Monday, February 13, 2012
Successful Surgery
If anyone had asked me to write out the way I would want Judy's surgery to go, it would have been exactly as it turned out today. I just put her to bed in room 1133 Roberts at Big Baylor. She looked so beautiful and contented. God doesn't do His will halfway. He does it perfectly.
Surgeon Jeffrey Lamont seemed very happy at how things went. We have been extremely impressed with him. If Judy can take liquids tomorrow, she can go home. thanks to all who came to the hospital today and for all our balcony friends who have been so faithful to pray...what can we say. We love you,
Ronnie and Judy
Surgeon Jeffrey Lamont seemed very happy at how things went. We have been extremely impressed with him. If Judy can take liquids tomorrow, she can go home. thanks to all who came to the hospital today and for all our balcony friends who have been so faithful to pray...what can we say. We love you,
Ronnie and Judy
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Surgery Update
Surgery check-in will be 2:30 PM on Monday, instead of 1:30, Roberts Bldg, 2nd floor. Thanks to all for your prayers.
Ronnie
Ronnie
Thursday, February 9, 2012
GOD IN THE FAST LANE
Wow!! We just saw the surgeon today and are now scheduled to have surgery on Monday. I had just tongue-in-cheek suggested we could be ready on Monday...never really thought it could happen that soon. Normally, God is trying to teach us patience, so we were a little shocked to get this news.
Dr. Lamont (surgeon) told us that her symptoms are indicative of a blockage in the small intestine. They would not be related to the lymph nodes or the liver. Removing the tumor should alleviate the abdominal pain and nausea and diarreah (sp). He will do a laproscopic procedure, which is much better than abdominal surgery. He said she could probably go home the next day, as long as she can take liquids.
The speed of it all is a little scary, but we have put it all in God's hands. He really likes that and He promises to lead us all the way. What a great and mighty God we have on our side! Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and especially your prayers.
Judy and Ronnie
Dr. Lamont (surgeon) told us that her symptoms are indicative of a blockage in the small intestine. They would not be related to the lymph nodes or the liver. Removing the tumor should alleviate the abdominal pain and nausea and diarreah (sp). He will do a laproscopic procedure, which is much better than abdominal surgery. He said she could probably go home the next day, as long as she can take liquids.
The speed of it all is a little scary, but we have put it all in God's hands. He really likes that and He promises to lead us all the way. What a great and mighty God we have on our side! Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and especially your prayers.
Judy and Ronnie
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