Update

Well, it's been a while since I blogged, but everything seemed to be going well. However, the last visit with our Oncologist gave us some consternation.

To refresh you a little bit, the once-a-month shot that Judy gets is to try to keep the seratonin and cromogranin A levels low, indicating the cancer tumors are staying in check. A couple of weeks ago when we had a follow-up, with labs and CT scan, the Dr. reported that the 5HIAA and Cromagranin A levels had jumped up considerably. So, does this mean the cancer cells are becoming more aggressive? It seemed so.

The doctor called us last Friday nite on our way to a football game in Springtown. However, prior tho this Judy and I and some of you had started praying about whether we should seek another Oncologist. We like our current one fine, but neither of us felt comfortable with his knowledge and ability to deal with Judy's rare type of cancer.Judy got a recommendation from her Gynocologist and her boss, Dr. Sanders. Interestingly enough, they both independently suggested Dr. McCollum at Texas Oncology Group. This seemed to be a confirmation for us to proceed to try to make an appointment with him.

Now, for the good stuff...we saw Dr. McCollum yesterday and were completely blown away by him! He was extremely personable and wanted to know all about our family and our activities. Then, he said "I have reviewed your chart and scans", and believe me, it seemed like he had memorized the chart! I then asked what kind of experience he had with NEC (neuroendocrine carcinoma), and he said "A ton". He had studied NEC in Boston under the leading doctor in the country, and he felt that NEC was his specialty. He then proceeded to allay our fears about the abnormal lab results. He said that through his extensive experience, he doesn't even use those tests to determine activity in the cancer cells. What he wants to monitor going forward, is any excessive weight loss (he's not concerned about that at the present), extreme fatigue, chronic abdominal pain, and a CT scan of the lower abdominal and pelvic every four months. He may also increase the dosage of her monthly shot at some time.

Our next appointment, including labs and scans will be in six weeks. In the mean time, look out for Judy...she's clicking on all cylinders again. Praise Jesus! He is so good to us and we know this all comes from Him...He has heard the many prayers and favored us, unworthy as we are. We are not healed of the cancer, but we are healed by His blood. And that is what matters most.

Thank all of you for your kindness and especially your prayers,

Ronnie and Judy