Stage IV and continuing on

freeio · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 6:21 pm Post subject: Stage IV and continuing on

The next phase of this cancer event seems to have started. Today I returned to Kirklin Clinic to have some more blood tests, and to see Dr. Posey. Most of the blood work showed expected things, caused by the chemotherapy (lowered hemoglobin level, fewer platelets, and such). However, the CA19-9 tumor marker had more than doubled since the May 7, 2007 tests. The CA19-9 was 160 last time, and this time is 349. This is a sign that in spite of the aggressive chemotherapy, the tumors have been growing rapidly. The road through the valley has started, and the end is in sight.

One new side effect of the chemotherapy is that I can taste just about nothing now. Food has textures, and a tiny bit of smell associated with it, but even that is fading. When my dear sweet Monica asks what I want to eat, I do not know what to say, because the food I remember is not what I will experience. Last night was typical: we had to eat in a hurry, and stopped at Burger King. I had a Whopper with cheese, and the only thing with any taste whatsoever was the pickle, and even that was barely there. Eating an onion could just as well be eating an apple, and I would not know it, other than the different texture.

What shall I do? I will trust my Lord and Savior, and not worry about a thing. When He calls me Home I am ready to go. Until then I will work as long as I am able. I have served Him all these years, and I am certainly not going to stop now.
_________________
-------------------------------------------------
whipple procedure, Oct. 21, 2004
28 days of radiation
56 days of Chemo using Xeloda
diagnosed as progressive recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Stage IV) Jun. 20, 2006
was treated with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and tarceva, which all failed.
Cancer blog: http://diehlmartin.com/cancer.html

brainman · Last edited by brainman on Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:39 am; edited 1 time in total

Freeio, I am so sorry your treatment did not work as you and we had hoped. I will not try to be your "cheerleader" because I don't think that is what you want right now. I think your question "What shall I do?" is only partially answered by trusting in the Lord. Certainly, that is fundamental. However, "What will I do with the remained of my life?" is a more basic question. What would you like to do? Where would you like to go? Who would you like to spend some extra time with? Make a dream list of things you want to do with whatever time you have. My prayers and my heart are with you, Marty. You have been and continue to be a valued member of this community.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Big Sister · Experienced user Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 68

Hello, Marty -- Your news is not good and I am sorry.

Although I don't know you, have never met you, wouldn't know you if I ran into you at the Burger King, you have been the inspiration to us all.

How many of us have come and gone on this forum only to find Freeio the constant source of comfort?

How many of us finding this forum whined and cried on these pages, hoping against hope that what we knew to be true wasn't, and found your clear voice - sharing a story, sharing facts, offering something to hang on to?

And how many of us ultimately held slim remainders of loved ones in our arms, raging into the void and against unfairness, but remembering something said by Freeio, some small measure of hope mentioned by Freeio, which allowed us to let go?

It's been six months since my brother died. He is missed every day by me, by his wife and his children. Next week his family will travel from Pennsylvania where they live to New York, where I have a cabin by a small lake. Geoff loved to fish there each summer; and although he never caught much or cared about it either, he held sacred the precious memories of those long lazy days in the boat, when sunrise melted into twilight and problems were left on shore.

When the family comes, his gear will be handed off to one of the local boys who always helped him clean his catch. We will take Geoff's ashes out in the boat and sprinkle them into the water near his favorite fishing spot. We will eat sandwiches and drink cold beer and tell stories. At the end of summer, I will sell the cabin. The loons will keep a watch over him forever.

God speed to you, Marty, you have been a good and faithful servant.

And a good pickle always makes my day!

Pat

friend2 · Regular Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 25

Freedo, I am sad to hear that the treatment hasn't been what you expected. Thank you for the info you gave me. You helped me alot.
April

reenie · Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: Stage IV and continuing on

Hi Diehl, So very sorry this aggressive chemo didn't perform as you had hoped. My wish is that you are comforted to know how very much your support has meant to so many. I am in awe of your unselfish spirit. When I think of all you have endured and the grace and kindness with which you have shared with so many of us; I cannot help but know you are doing His work. Reenie

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