Met with oncologist (Dr Stephen Clarke) this afternoon. Diagnosis further confirmed, yes it’s still cancer. Through testing for certain genetic markers they have excluded any immunotherapy at this time.
However the chemotherapy is all systems go. Before that certain steps need to happen.:
1. Some more tests to rule out or open up specific treatment options.
2. Insert a porta-catheter, in about a week, to facilitate safe and effective chemotherapy delivery. Information about that is here.
3. Ideally get a third COVID booster before chemo begins, as this should happen when the immune system is strong. Chemo weakens the immune system so best to get this done now.
Because of these steps in the process, plus the Australia Day holiday, actual chemo (which is a day procedure) most likely will start the following week.
The other advice was to keep working (if I want, which I do), keep exercising, and don’t lose weight. That includes no major dietary changes.
The chemo is highly unlikely to remove or cure the cancer. But the idea is to shrink any tumours down to improve the possibility for successful surgery.
Dr Clarke by all accounts is a master of his craft. He is also a nice guy with a genuine concern to know the person as well as the problem. We have a number of people we know in common, including an oncologist on his team.
As a family we are concerned, wanting to get chemo going, and convinced that God is king.
Oh and happy 37th anniversary Fi! After all these years we still love each other.
