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Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Latest On My Dad

Here is a not-so-good update on my dad; sure wish I had better news to share.

From the last update I posted about my dad he did have the PET scan done on his liver. He was told the sugar solution in the IV would light up any cancer tumors and the spots on his liver didn't light up, so the report read there was no spread to the liver. He was told the cancer was Stage 2B or 3A.

On the 14th he went to the Moffitt Cancer Center for a repeat endoscopic ultrasound and cat scan. From that appt he was told the cancer had 'infiltrated' the portal vein and he most likely wouldn't be a candidate for the Whipple procedure. He had an appt with the surgeon scheduled for the 20th, but after the results of the endoscopic ultrasound that was canceled. My dad thought maybe after doing chemo and having it shrink from the portal vein they might be able to do the surgery after that.

On Thur he had an appt with the chemo dr at Moffitt. That dr asked my dad if anyone had given him the results of the cat scan that was done on the 14th; no one had yet.

He went over the cat scan and compared it to the original cat scan (the one that showed the spots on the liver and prompted the PET scan). This dr said the spots have not only increased in size, but increased in number and based on that this mean the spots in the liver were indeed cancerous...it has spread to the liver and is now classified as Stage 4.

I really don't understand all of these results; how the PET scan report determined the spots on the liver weren't cancerous because they didn't 'light up' but now the 2nd cat scan showed more spots, so it means it has spread.

I'm just in shock from thinking it hadn't spread to other organs and being Stage 2, to having it metastasize and being Stage 4.

I think my dad is starting chemo this week; and he also qualified for a clinical study that is just starting at Moffitt, but has been in use at other facilities.

My dad is trying to have a positive outlook on his prognosis and not accepting the 'timeline' that he was given. I'm trying to follow suit and remain positive as well.

I greatly appreciate any prayers you can offer up on my dad's behalf.

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32 comments:

Carol N. said...

A prayer from Canada for your dad and your family.

Molly said...

Praying!!!!!

Ellen said...

Oh, Michelle, I'm so sorry to read this latest news. Your family is in our prayers.

Maureen said...

Oh Michelle, I am so sorry for this news. Keep positive as you said. I will be praying for you all!

Beck said...

Oh Michelle. I'm so very, very sorry.
Praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I wish I could hug you tight in person. I can only imagine how tough this has been for you and your whole family.

I'm praying for positive healing!

xoxo

Living Life Happy said...

Aw, I really wish the news was better. I am so sorry. I am praying for all of you!!

Tina said...

Sending prayers up now. (((HUGS)))

Mom/MIL said...

Sweetheart I just don't know what to say. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Dad! I love you.

My name is Sarah said...

Praying in Ohio.

much more than a mom said...

Oh Michelle, you know I know how that feels and it sucks. Thanks for the update. Totally praying for you all.

Renee said...

Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Erin said...

Ugg :( Praying for your fam!

Chelsie said...

Lots of prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hugs and positive thoughts coming your way! So sorry to hear this news. We've had some news of our own but I'm waiting till I have more definite info before I share it.... It's so hard to not know isn't it?

Nichole Fisher said...

Sending prayers to you and your family!

Kris said...

Oh no!

We're thinking about you and you are all in our thoughts & prayers.

Kris & Chris

Bonita said...

Michelle, I am definitely praying!

Mom24 said...

Michelle, I'm so sorry the news wasn't better, but you know, the world is full of stories where people faced terrible odds and beat it. Thinking and praying for you and your dad.

Nancy M. said...

I'm praying for you and your family!

Kim said...

So sorry to hear that. We are praying for your dad.

Bailey's Leaf said...

I am so sorry that the news on your dad isn't better. A timeline is a rough thought. My aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, was given no more than 15 months WITH treatment, and went on to live a wonderful 3 years. Obviously, we would prefer to still have her, but she had gone through an experimental study, to not only attempt to lengthen her stay with us, but to help research. Again, timelines are a shot in the dark. With my aunt, they were way off.

Prayers to all of you.

Shelley said...

Micelle - I am sorry to hear this - will pray for your Dad.

Sasha@ Blyssfulhealth said...

I am so sorry to hear this about your dad. As a daughter with a dad with cancer I can feel what you are going through. I will be sending prayers and thoughts your way.That's too bad that there seems to be a lot of different information given to you and your father for the different tests. It makes it confusing and stressful. On a positive note there is always hope and new treatments. I am giving you hope as my father is doing well and hoping for the same for yours.((((hugs)))

Beth said...

Wow - I am so sorry. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!!!

Cate said...

I'm sorry, Michelle. I wish the news were better. I'll be thinking of you and your dad.

Anonymous said...

I will keep your Dad in my prayers! I know how hard all of this can be. We went through it with my Grandmom.
take care!
love ya,
mimi

Beverly said...

so sorry. We will keep your Dad and family in our prayers

Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All Around said...

i'm so sorry to read this update and find that it is not good news! i hope and pray that the study he is going to participate in gives the best possible results! thinking of you and praying for you, your dad and your family!

Stacey said...

Praying for your whole family.

ParkerMama said...

I'm so very sorry to read this. Sending you great hugs.

Karly said...

I am so sorry, Michelle. Your dad and your family are in my thoughts.