We got the results of the PET scan today. The bad news is that the tumor is now bigger than its was on March 2009. It is now 108X55 mm compared to 60X35 mm previously. The good news is that there is no other cancer activity.
Dr Wong suggested that Nicole consults Dr Ngoi to see if the tumor could be removed by surgery. Dr Ngoi is not in Singapore and will be back on Nov 28.
Another option is for chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and then surgery.
Given that the tumor is not bothering Nicole, Dr Wong suggested that we wait to see Dr Ngoi.
We asked about Nicole having a low dose of chemo meanwhile. Dr Wong prescribed a combination of Endoxan and Methotrexate for 2 months.
We are indeed facing a complex situation as pointed out by Dr Wong. There is no sign of the tumor causing any serious problem and yet the tumor is growing. Do we wait until there is some complication or do we do something now- surgery to remove it, if possible; high dosage of chemo?
We shall consult Dr Gonzalez and Hufeland clinic for more guidance.
We thank God that there is no life threatening development and pray the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Nicole is of course worried. She is feeling the pressure of the tumor.
I am also worried but I remind myself of the talks from the Simonton Session. Conventional doctors have a tendency to be alarmists. I am saying to myself that there is time to consult Dr Gonzalez and Hufeland clinic before we decide on the appropriate course of action.
Another day ends.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Day 1037 Singapore November 19, 2009 - 22.29hrs
We are back in Singapore. Nicole had a blood test last week. The CA marker readings are higher. Dr Karmen Wong recommended that Nicole has a PET scan. Initially Nicole did not welcome the suggestion as she felt there was no need for such a scan.
However, since the beginning of the week, she has been feeling some pressure in her lower abdomen. We consulted Dr Gonzalez who recommended a PET scan. So tomorrow Nicole is having the scan and we shall see Dr Karmen Wong on Saturday for the results.
Coming back to Singapore has made us aware again that Nicole's illness is still there. We have had a few months during which we were able to live a "normal" life, not having to worry of medical checks and whether the cancer is progressing or is under control.
Since the beginning of the week, we both have been worried that the cancer might be gaining ground. We shall have a clearer picture by Saturday afternoon.
I keep reminding myself that God is giving us the gift of life every morning when I wake up. However, it is not easy to have to constantly make the effort to fight for life, take all the capsules, follow a strict diet and still feel that there is no progress being made.
We keep reminding ourselves of the lessons learned at Hufeland clinic and Carl Simonton workshop. Each time, I am worried, I do mindful breathing and challenge my thinking with healthy thoughts.
It is going to be three years since we found that Nicole has cancer. It was in November 2006 that Nicole started feeling some pain in her ribcage when we were in Mauritius. We were on our way to New York to spend Christmas and New Year with Bert and Greg.
God has blessed us during these last three years.
However, since the beginning of the week, she has been feeling some pressure in her lower abdomen. We consulted Dr Gonzalez who recommended a PET scan. So tomorrow Nicole is having the scan and we shall see Dr Karmen Wong on Saturday for the results.
Coming back to Singapore has made us aware again that Nicole's illness is still there. We have had a few months during which we were able to live a "normal" life, not having to worry of medical checks and whether the cancer is progressing or is under control.
Since the beginning of the week, we both have been worried that the cancer might be gaining ground. We shall have a clearer picture by Saturday afternoon.
I keep reminding myself that God is giving us the gift of life every morning when I wake up. However, it is not easy to have to constantly make the effort to fight for life, take all the capsules, follow a strict diet and still feel that there is no progress being made.
We keep reminding ourselves of the lessons learned at Hufeland clinic and Carl Simonton workshop. Each time, I am worried, I do mindful breathing and challenge my thinking with healthy thoughts.
It is going to be three years since we found that Nicole has cancer. It was in November 2006 that Nicole started feeling some pain in her ribcage when we were in Mauritius. We were on our way to New York to spend Christmas and New Year with Bert and Greg.
God has blessed us during these last three years.
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