Phillipians 4:13........

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. 





As I sat here this evening with a fire going in the fireplace, it was quiet as Pat was at the Halloween Parade serving hot dogs to Democrats and a few Republicans. This verse entered into my head as I thought of the next week or two that has evolved into what was suppose to be a quiet next two weeks to a busy, crazy, a biopsy, and trying to see if I am a candidate for the NCI MATCH Program. It was scheduled for two weeks from now but all has been moved to this coming Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov. 3 & 4). We will drive on the 2nd and catch some more beautiful fall foliage but it seems like we just got back from Texas yesterday (its been almost two weeks) and here we are leaving early Monday to get in the appr 12 1/2 to 14 hour drive.. That's the easy part ....for me. Not so easy for Pat who drives it all but is also the typical man who refuses to let me drive.

     I have been asking for a week if they will get the biopsy through my stomach like the other two OR through the back to get a piece of the lymph node. Well, today a man politefully told me they would be going through my back because the node is behind the intestines so I have to trust that all will go as planned and I will be in a hotel waiting out my 24 hour period before moving farther away from the hotel/hospital. They like for you to stay close by in case you are the slim percentage that has a problem afterwards and need to get to the hospital FAST! It will be a biopsy guided by a CT scan so that will help make sure they get to just the right location. I will be awake for the procedure but they did tell me I could be totally sedated but MOST people are not....so I will bite my upper lip and suck it up!

     The biopsy will be used for two things. One for the NCI MATCH Program and a piece for testing to see if I have the right sequencing for Immunotherapy. Kind of getting an added bonus by getting one biopsy for two different treatment plans.  I am not sure of how many "CHOMPS" they will have to take from the node but each one makes you wanna sit up and scream! L-O-U-D!  It sounds like a LARGE staple gun going off.  Okay.....maybe it's not quite as bad as I make it sound....but it's no picnic! There is a good chance I might not be eligible for either of the above mentioned program/therapy, but I refuse to leave any rock unturned with this cancer.
     There are some trials available if the above mentioned protocols fall through. It's a wait and see thing at the moment.  I did look at my schedule and I have appointments on Nov 3 & 4, then they want me back November 10th for a consult with a dr. Really?  I have requested it be moved to next week....if they won't give...then I guess we will bug our friends a while and see our favorite dog named Blondie Kate.
     To say I am a little apprehensive is an understatement. The best thing is....I am not afraid. I know God is with me and no matter what..... there is life after death. I also truly believe my time here on earth is not done. I am in the hands of some of the best doctors and surgeons in the U.S. ....so I will take a deep breath, and leave it all in the hands of a man higher than any of us. For He once spoke to me and said, "Do not be afraid for I am right beside you" and I know He is beside me.....every.single.minute!
     Prayers are appreciated and I will keep you all updated. Prayers for a safe biopsy and good results making me eligible for one of the protocols or that God leads me to the right treatment no matter where that might be.


     God is Good ALL the time~~~~~ ALL the time Good is GOOD!


Hugs,
Patty Corcoran

 



Time to Shake Things Up!!

As I posted on Facebook yesterday, there was no drumroll.....but it wasn't as bad as it sounded and maybe it sounded a little worse than it was (and I had NO intentions of making it sound that bad).
My bloodwork looks pretty fantastic and my CA 19-9 is at 5.7.  My scan on the other hand showed a little growth with the aortocaval lymph node that got me started on the BGJ 398 trial at MD Anderson. It is pretty famous for just starting to fade as far as efficacy after about 8 months....AND, I was no exception.


Dr. Javle came in and stated he went back to the CT when I started the trial and compared it to the one take this week. There was more growth than he thought and just thinks we need to try something different. The node is currently about 2 cm.


I have to be off the trial pill I was on for one month before we decide the best plan of action that fits my treatment/mutations....there's just some thought and research that goes into the process.


We drove to Hope, Arkansas last night and am getting ready to get back on the road. I will post more from home as I am on open Wi-Fi and I don't like doing this.


Things are ok.......even the radiologist I spoke with said my cancer is so slow growing....we have a little more cushion time so don't panic on me, my friends!!  This fat lady is not done singing!!!


I have not seen my last sunrise or sunset.......It's like a game of chess....time to move the pieces around and reposition them so I have the upper hand and not this cancer!


There is NO NEW Cancer......I want you to get that straight. It is just growing enough to concern the drs. So,,,,we will STILL March.....and march some more.


Italian Beef Night Fundraiser is this Friday night from 4-8 (October 23, 2015). Carryouts are available and just call the Olney VFW to place your order OR just show up and we will fix you up real quick so you can eat at home or at the football game.. That's where it will be held along with desserts. It is one of our main Relay for Life fundraisers so please try and make it. Since it starts at 4....you have time before the game to come grab a bite!  Hope to see you there!!


Thanks for all the prayers and I truly believe everything happens for a reason.....hopefully I will feel as good with the next treatment plan as I have had with this trial. One day last week, I felt so good I walked 6 miles.....so believe me...it's not over yet!!


Hugs and God Bless~~
Patty