Good Week: Bad Week

What started out as a routine monitoring scan with my sarcoma and dealing with pain from a perceived muscle spasm issue has resulted in a few days in hospital and a whole lot of new information, mostly bad.

The mid to long term outlook of my sarcoma has always been been poor but the speed of progression and biology indicated that it was slow moving and this was very good, e.g. the single and only tumour in my lung they cut out in November was just .5 cm (after maybe 3 years growth); with slow growth they have lots of treatment options. When tumour pops up they just spot radiate/laser or surgically remove. Many people last 20 years with this approach. When you get metastasis spread (secondary cancer) of synovial sarcoma it seems difficult to cure but they are very good at delaying any spread.

Arrows identifying some of the Mets, round cricket ball
likely cause of pain issue

Bottom line; I now have multiple new tumours in and around both lungs, one very large 5 cm in right lung (See Pic) which is causing the pain issue and is also starting to impact breathing. The main issue is its aggressive nature and speed that this is developing and the limited options for treatment.

 
They've ruled out surgery and I am in palliative care; the aggressive nature of the tumours has opened one door on a chemo (Ifos) regime which is good at attacking fast growing tumours; I'm expecting to start this treatment next week. There is an outside chance of cure, but most likely this will just buy us some time. 

Heathier lung - Dec 2012

The medical team have done a great job settling things down and getting me on a new pain regime. Its still uncomfortable and I'm am very limited on what I can do physically, but its manageable and I'm enjoying life.  They believe the pain is being caused by the large tumour pushing the lung lining against the rib wall and catching nerves which are on the inside of the ribs. I do believe in miracles and if I'm due one I'm hoping it will come soon. 

But I have things to do and the fat lady hasn't started warming up her singing voice yet.
- Family holiday, assuming treatment goes well, beaches, heat, water and piña coladas sounds like a good idea, or maybe a holiday or two in a central otago or otematata crib.
- Family wedding, Nephew Tom and Jen are "going to get married ", thats going to be so much fun
- Few old mates incoming for property makeover (& a few beers and tunes)
- and finally my favourite thing; just time with Kat, the kids, whanau and friends.

How am I feeling?  Its a bit surreal, we've grieved and been sad at many times during this cancer journey. We knew the odds weren't great but certainly didn't think that it would accelerate like this.  I want to be in the best possible state (mind, body & soul) to again fight and overcome if possible. My Christian faith is providing me with a strong base and comfort as we face the next few months. Please add me and our family to your prayers. 

Life is such a wondrous and precious thing.

Gary