Much love, Teresa xo
Friday, September 6, 2013
Wonderful news!!
Quick post because we are exhausted! Today went better than we could ever imagine. They were able to take out the entire lymph node! And the best part, it was encapsulated!!!! This means it was contained in an egg-like-sac and came out completely whole. Both the surgeon and our oncologist were thrilled with these results. Dr. Pili came by to visit and told us the tumor has already been inserted into three mice. We cannot thank God enough for this amazing blessing!!! We know it was Him that kept this tumor encapsulated over the last year. And it was because of all of your prayers that He answered us! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! I'll keep you posted over the coming weeks with Chris's progress. In the meantime, we are going to enjoy our days and praise God for our blessing!!!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Surgery Time
Chris and I have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at six. We are hoping surgery will take place early in the morning. Please pray that everything goes well and that God will watch over and guide the surgeons. Hopefully, I'll be able to update Chris's progress tomorrow afternoon.
Love and blessings, Teresa xo
Friday, August 23, 2013
Surgery Re-Schedule
Well, apparently our ducks weren't in a row! Chris's surgery date has been re-scheduled to Friday September 6th. We will know the time on the 5th, so check back. Instead of an operation, we will enjoy a relaxing Labor Day weekend and the close of summer! Hope you all will too.
Love and Blessings, Teresa xo
Love and Blessings, Teresa xo
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Surgery Scheduled
Hello Everyone!
I didn't want to post information until we had all of our ducks in a row. When working with the medical profession, things can change so quickly, I didn't want to give out dates that could change! With that said, Christopher is scheduled for surgery Friday August 30th to remove his very pesky lymph node!!!
Many of you are probably thinking, "but I thought they said this was inoperable?" We thought that, too. However, our wonderful oncologist never said it was inoperable. A surgeon at the very beginning of this (not a thoracic surgeon, a urology surgeon) said it was inoperable. Please let this be a lesson...don't settle for an answer from just one doctor! Seek other opinions. Pray and look for the answer you're willing to accept. My beautiful husband is living proof that God answers prayers. And I will always be so very grateful to our Lord and Savior for this beautiful blessing.
But I digress, the Chief Surgeon of Thoracic Robotics will perform the sugery. Yes, you read that right, robotics! Chris will have a robotic surgery to remove the lymph node. He will be in the hospital overnight, if everything goes according to plan. He will be home the next day!
The really cool part about all of this...I asked our oncologist if there was a way to hold on to this tumor. I've read about research being done to create cancer vaccines and other treatments from the original tumors that people had in their bodies. Our doctor explained that they need to have a living part of the tumor in case they are able to develop any of these modern treatment conceptions. So, our onocologist will take part of Chris's tumor and place it in a mouse in his research lab! Isn't that amazing?! Unfortunately, they need a lot more money to develop these new treatments. Kidney cancer isn't a cancer you hear about all the time. Hopefully through this blog, I'm helping bring awareness to this horrible disease that deserves just as much acknowledgement as other more common discussed cancers.
Please pray that everything goes well and that the surgeon is able to get all of the lymph node, tumor, and any surrounding lymph nodes. Please thank the Lord for the healing that He has already granted Chris and that He will continue to heal him.
We won't know what time surgery is until the 29th. Please check back next Thursday. I will post the time, so we can have as many people praying as possible during surgery. I'm determined to have God make sure the surgeon is able to get all of it out safely!
Love and Blessings, Teresa xo
I didn't want to post information until we had all of our ducks in a row. When working with the medical profession, things can change so quickly, I didn't want to give out dates that could change! With that said, Christopher is scheduled for surgery Friday August 30th to remove his very pesky lymph node!!!
Many of you are probably thinking, "but I thought they said this was inoperable?" We thought that, too. However, our wonderful oncologist never said it was inoperable. A surgeon at the very beginning of this (not a thoracic surgeon, a urology surgeon) said it was inoperable. Please let this be a lesson...don't settle for an answer from just one doctor! Seek other opinions. Pray and look for the answer you're willing to accept. My beautiful husband is living proof that God answers prayers. And I will always be so very grateful to our Lord and Savior for this beautiful blessing.
But I digress, the Chief Surgeon of Thoracic Robotics will perform the sugery. Yes, you read that right, robotics! Chris will have a robotic surgery to remove the lymph node. He will be in the hospital overnight, if everything goes according to plan. He will be home the next day!
The really cool part about all of this...I asked our oncologist if there was a way to hold on to this tumor. I've read about research being done to create cancer vaccines and other treatments from the original tumors that people had in their bodies. Our doctor explained that they need to have a living part of the tumor in case they are able to develop any of these modern treatment conceptions. So, our onocologist will take part of Chris's tumor and place it in a mouse in his research lab! Isn't that amazing?! Unfortunately, they need a lot more money to develop these new treatments. Kidney cancer isn't a cancer you hear about all the time. Hopefully through this blog, I'm helping bring awareness to this horrible disease that deserves just as much acknowledgement as other more common discussed cancers.
Please pray that everything goes well and that the surgeon is able to get all of the lymph node, tumor, and any surrounding lymph nodes. Please thank the Lord for the healing that He has already granted Chris and that He will continue to heal him.
We won't know what time surgery is until the 29th. Please check back next Thursday. I will post the time, so we can have as many people praying as possible during surgery. I'm determined to have God make sure the surgeon is able to get all of it out safely!
Love and Blessings, Teresa xo
Monday, July 22, 2013
Praise the Lord!
It is with a joyous heart that I write this post!
Chris had a scan last week and his lungs are clear!!! The lymph node continues to be stable! And there is no cancer anywhere else!!! I cannot tell you how blessed we are feeling! God is amazing!
For the first time, Dr. Pili is now discussing other options to get rid of this pesky lymph node. We will talk to him this week. In the meantime, we are praying that God lead us down the path for complete healing. Thank you for all your love and support. We are certainly not done yet, but our path is looking brighter! I will keep you posted on treatments as we figure out the next step in our journey.
In other news, Chris and I are having a relaxing summer. This is the first "official" summer that I'm not working (I don't count last summer because that wasn't much of a summer anyway.) We are enjoying waking up and letting the days come to us. We've been working on small decorating projects, gardening, bike riding, pool hopping, cooking, and of course playing with the pups...quite a busy job in itself!
Chris's family have been in town and it has been wonderful getting to visit with all of them! With everyone spread out over the country, it's hard to get together. We were able to have many cookouts, lunches, and visits in which we were able to see all the extended family at one point or another! It's been terrific getting to know my new Irish roots and learn that Mary is a very popular name among the Irish!
I'll sign off this happy post with a picture of Chris, Stella and I from the Fourth of July. It was hard to keep her still because we were at my parents house with all her pup cousins! She didn't want to miss out on any of the action!
love and blessings,
Teresa xo
PS Please continue the prayers! God is listening!
Chris had a scan last week and his lungs are clear!!! The lymph node continues to be stable! And there is no cancer anywhere else!!! I cannot tell you how blessed we are feeling! God is amazing!
For the first time, Dr. Pili is now discussing other options to get rid of this pesky lymph node. We will talk to him this week. In the meantime, we are praying that God lead us down the path for complete healing. Thank you for all your love and support. We are certainly not done yet, but our path is looking brighter! I will keep you posted on treatments as we figure out the next step in our journey.
In other news, Chris and I are having a relaxing summer. This is the first "official" summer that I'm not working (I don't count last summer because that wasn't much of a summer anyway.) We are enjoying waking up and letting the days come to us. We've been working on small decorating projects, gardening, bike riding, pool hopping, cooking, and of course playing with the pups...quite a busy job in itself!
Chris's family have been in town and it has been wonderful getting to visit with all of them! With everyone spread out over the country, it's hard to get together. We were able to have many cookouts, lunches, and visits in which we were able to see all the extended family at one point or another! It's been terrific getting to know my new Irish roots and learn that Mary is a very popular name among the Irish!
I'll sign off this happy post with a picture of Chris, Stella and I from the Fourth of July. It was hard to keep her still because we were at my parents house with all her pup cousins! She didn't want to miss out on any of the action!
love and blessings,
Teresa xo
PS Please continue the prayers! God is listening!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Thursday already!?
I apologize! I know that I have wonderful, dedicated followers that check my blog daily when we are in the middle of treatment. I've been a very bad blogger this week. It's funny to think back a year ago when we began this journey. We were so scared and nervous. When we entered the hospital the first time, we had no idea what to expect. We read as much as we could trying to prepare ourselves for what was to come, all the while making ourselves more and more nervous. At this point, it's more of a routine. That scared feeling no longer exists. We know what to expect, we know what we are dealing with, and we enter the hospital ready to fight this disease with faith, strength, and a positive attitude! The nurses are so sweet. They seem to be quite impressed with my knowledge of the simple things. I can turn the blood pressure monitor on/off, measure liquid intake, convert temperatures to Fahrenheit from Celsius, and predict whether or not Chris will get the next dose! We are veterans at this point, receiving our induction into the 3 cycle IL2 group! We are very proud.
On a happy note, tomorrow is Friday!!! Chris is doing fantastic! He's tired, swollen, red, but he's gotten six doses and is praying for a seventh. According to the best nursing staff EVER, this is an amazing accomplishment during the last round of treatment. I personally believe God is making sure He gets Chris the doses he needs and seven sounds like it might be the blessed number.
Thanks for checking to see how we are doing. Many of our friends are off tomorrow. Enjoy the long weekend. I'm very grateful that I get to spend Monday at home with my family! This finish line is in our sight!
much love, Teresa xo
On a happy note, tomorrow is Friday!!! Chris is doing fantastic! He's tired, swollen, red, but he's gotten six doses and is praying for a seventh. According to the best nursing staff EVER, this is an amazing accomplishment during the last round of treatment. I personally believe God is making sure He gets Chris the doses he needs and seven sounds like it might be the blessed number.
Thanks for checking to see how we are doing. Many of our friends are off tomorrow. Enjoy the long weekend. I'm very grateful that I get to spend Monday at home with my family! This finish line is in our sight!
much love, Teresa xo
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Happy Birthday Christopher!
We are home! Chris is feeling fatigued, but okay. He did great this week and was able to get a total of 7 doses. Being discharged today was the perfect birthday present! I've posted a photo of Chris reading up on his present from me! A Nikon camera, so he can capture our beautiful family moments! Happy Birthday my love! You're an amazing husband.
Much love, Teresa xo
Much love, Teresa xo
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Happy Hump Day
Hi Everyone! Chris is doing well this week. He spends a lot of time sleeping off the side effects and I spend a lot of time watching reruns. I'm very happy it's Wednesday because after today, we are on the down slope for the week. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We are confident in our prayers and know that God's will -healing- is happening inside of Chris!
One additional note, it's Nurses Week! Throughout this blog I've talked about how wonderful the nurses have been during our journey. They are wonderful at what they do. We've developed friendships with many of them along the way and I cannot express the gratitude I have for everything they've done for Chris and I. They have made us comfortable and relaxed during this experience. Doctors could not do what they do without them. Happy Nurses Appreciation Week! We love you all on 5 West!
Much love, Teresa xo
One additional note, it's Nurses Week! Throughout this blog I've talked about how wonderful the nurses have been during our journey. They are wonderful at what they do. We've developed friendships with many of them along the way and I cannot express the gratitude I have for everything they've done for Chris and I. They have made us comfortable and relaxed during this experience. Doctors could not do what they do without them. Happy Nurses Appreciation Week! We love you all on 5 West!
Much love, Teresa xo
Friday, April 26, 2013
April Results
Forgive me for my late response. While I enjoy writing to all of you, I get tired of writing about illness. One of these days, I'm going to write on this blog just to write! We got some great news. The lung nodules are shrinking and disappearing while the lymph node is stable! It wonderful. We are very happy. This means we are going to Roswell to do a FINAL round of IL2. They will only allow three rounds because the drug is so toxic. We will go in on May 6th for a week and then return on the 20th for the final week of treatment.
Chris and I have really been focusing on our spiritual healing. We fully understand that God is behind this process and He is healing Christopher. We pray daily and I wanted to include one of my favorite Scriptures with all of you:
Matthew 18:19 "Agree with someone for your healing."
19. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. God is listening and He hears all of our wonderful friends and family praying and asking for our healing. It is because of you that our prayers are being answered!
I promise to write throughout treatment. Come back and visit the blog!
Much love, Teresa xo
Chris and I have really been focusing on our spiritual healing. We fully understand that God is behind this process and He is healing Christopher. We pray daily and I wanted to include one of my favorite Scriptures with all of you:
Matthew 18:19 "Agree with someone for your healing."
19. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. God is listening and He hears all of our wonderful friends and family praying and asking for our healing. It is because of you that our prayers are being answered!
I promise to write throughout treatment. Come back and visit the blog!
Much love, Teresa xo
Friday, February 22, 2013
Almost there...
We've made it! It has been a difficult two days, but we are finally at the end of this road. Chris is swollen, tired, and very ready to go home. He did a great job!
Christopher will go home and rest for the next week before returning to work. We are excited to go home and be reunited with our four-legged babies, Sophie and Stella! And we are thrilled to return to normalcy for the next eight weeks. Even though this treatment is grueling, it's really only ten days of hardship. We feel very fortunate for that.
Chris and I will return to Roswell in mid April for the results of the treatment. Please continue to pray that it is God's will to heal Christopher! Thank you for all your love and prayers!!!! We couldn't do it without you.
Much love, Teresa xo
Christopher will go home and rest for the next week before returning to work. We are excited to go home and be reunited with our four-legged babies, Sophie and Stella! And we are thrilled to return to normalcy for the next eight weeks. Even though this treatment is grueling, it's really only ten days of hardship. We feel very fortunate for that.
Chris and I will return to Roswell in mid April for the results of the treatment. Please continue to pray that it is God's will to heal Christopher! Thank you for all your love and prayers!!!! We couldn't do it without you.
Much love, Teresa xo
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Good bye Day 3
Good morning!
I'm sending a quick update while Chris gets a morning dose of IL2. He did great yesterday. He was able to get an afternoon dose. He did a wonderful job walking yesterday. He's becoming very swollen and walking helps to disperse the fluid from his hands and feet. After the walk, he sat in the recliner and watched the 11 o'clock news. Thank you to the Buffalo Sabres for their decisions yesterday. You gave my husband a terrific distraction!
While I'm very happy it's Thursday, we still have to get through this agonizing day. Sometimes the closer you are to the finish line, the longer it takes to get there. Thank you for your texts, comments, and cards. As usual, it helps the time pass by.
Much love, Teresa xo
I'm sending a quick update while Chris gets a morning dose of IL2. He did great yesterday. He was able to get an afternoon dose. He did a wonderful job walking yesterday. He's becoming very swollen and walking helps to disperse the fluid from his hands and feet. After the walk, he sat in the recliner and watched the 11 o'clock news. Thank you to the Buffalo Sabres for their decisions yesterday. You gave my husband a terrific distraction!
While I'm very happy it's Thursday, we still have to get through this agonizing day. Sometimes the closer you are to the finish line, the longer it takes to get there. Thank you for your texts, comments, and cards. As usual, it helps the time pass by.
Much love, Teresa xo
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Delayed Day 2
It's Wednesday morning! The beginning of our halfway day!
Chris was able to get two doses yesterday. One at 10 last night, thus my delayed blog post. It was very difficult and the side effects hit him hard. Luckily this morning, he is feeling much better.
We skipped this morning's dose and are using the time to recharge. Chris just ordered breakfast and I'm awaiting my dad's arrival with Starbucks! I'm in desperate need of it after last night.
We hope you have a happy Wednesday.
Much love, Teresa xo
Chris was able to get two doses yesterday. One at 10 last night, thus my delayed blog post. It was very difficult and the side effects hit him hard. Luckily this morning, he is feeling much better.
We skipped this morning's dose and are using the time to recharge. Chris just ordered breakfast and I'm awaiting my dad's arrival with Starbucks! I'm in desperate need of it after last night.
We hope you have a happy Wednesday.
Much love, Teresa xo
Monday, February 18, 2013
We're Baaack
Hi Everyone!
Did your week go as fast as mine? Hopefully many of you will be reading my blog posts from your laptop on a beach while sipping an adult beverage! Unfortunately, our winter break will be spent overlooking the wind turbines along the Buffalo waterfront. But with much hope and faith, it will all be worth it in the end!
I've actually spent the majority of today looking for a vacation destination for our spring break. We will be on a cancer treatment reprieve. We are thinking the puppies, along with Chris and I, deserve a getaway! Hopefully, I'll be able to find the perfect spot. We haven't given ourselves much time to browse!
We've been welcomed back to Five West. Honestly, it feels like the summer was only yesterday. It really is amazing how quickly time goes. Not that this blog post should be an advice column today, but take advantage of every moment. Yes, many times it's easier said then done, but it's so very important to live in the moment. It really does your body good. Not that I want to live in this moment, I know it will help shape our future selves.
Back to my patient. He got his first dose of IL2 at 2 pm. Although he didn't rigor, he has spiked a nice high fever. He's very uncomfortable. My prediction: no dose at 10. But one never can really tell. These weeks turn out to be very unpredictable.
On a happy note, Christopher's platelet count is nice and high!
Have a beautiful night. Soon I can cross today off of our week. I know some of you don't want this week to go fast. I wouldn't either if I had a glass of wine in hand and was watching the sunset on a beach somewhere. From our little hospital room with my cooling tea in hand, I'd really like it to fly by!
Much love, Teresa xo
Did your week go as fast as mine? Hopefully many of you will be reading my blog posts from your laptop on a beach while sipping an adult beverage! Unfortunately, our winter break will be spent overlooking the wind turbines along the Buffalo waterfront. But with much hope and faith, it will all be worth it in the end!
I've actually spent the majority of today looking for a vacation destination for our spring break. We will be on a cancer treatment reprieve. We are thinking the puppies, along with Chris and I, deserve a getaway! Hopefully, I'll be able to find the perfect spot. We haven't given ourselves much time to browse!
We've been welcomed back to Five West. Honestly, it feels like the summer was only yesterday. It really is amazing how quickly time goes. Not that this blog post should be an advice column today, but take advantage of every moment. Yes, many times it's easier said then done, but it's so very important to live in the moment. It really does your body good. Not that I want to live in this moment, I know it will help shape our future selves.
Back to my patient. He got his first dose of IL2 at 2 pm. Although he didn't rigor, he has spiked a nice high fever. He's very uncomfortable. My prediction: no dose at 10. But one never can really tell. These weeks turn out to be very unpredictable.
On a happy note, Christopher's platelet count is nice and high!
Have a beautiful night. Soon I can cross today off of our week. I know some of you don't want this week to go fast. I wouldn't either if I had a glass of wine in hand and was watching the sunset on a beach somewhere. From our little hospital room with my cooling tea in hand, I'd really like it to fly by!
Much love, Teresa xo
Friday, February 8, 2013
Day 4 and the beginning of Day 5
Yesterday was a quiet day. Chris's platelets are not in the mood to cooperate. Translation; his body is nearing its IL2 limit. We did not get any doses on Thursday, but just got one this morning. It was his seventh dose. We were able to match the amount from our first week in July. Chris has felt pretty good. He was able to eat here and there throughout the week. Overall, he's tolerated everything pretty well.
I think this will be our last dose. We will use the rest of the day to recover and prepare to go home tomorrow. We will continue our diet throughout treatment, hoping that it will help starve the tumor. Most importantly, we will continue to have faith. We will pray that God continue to guide us down the path to healing. The path meant for Chris and I. As my friend Julie beautifully said, this was meant to be part of our life story. Lent begins on Wednesday, a reminder of how important God is in our journey.
Thank you for all your loving support. Chris and I, as always, appreciate it more that words can ever express.
Much love,
Teresa xo
I think this will be our last dose. We will use the rest of the day to recover and prepare to go home tomorrow. We will continue our diet throughout treatment, hoping that it will help starve the tumor. Most importantly, we will continue to have faith. We will pray that God continue to guide us down the path to healing. The path meant for Chris and I. As my friend Julie beautifully said, this was meant to be part of our life story. Lent begins on Wednesday, a reminder of how important God is in our journey.
Thank you for all your loving support. Chris and I, as always, appreciate it more that words can ever express.
Much love,
Teresa xo
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Day 3
Sorry for the delayed post. It was a long night. Chris and I are both quite tired. The days are starting to blend into one another. Chris was able to get two doses yesterday. His platelets are causing a problem once again. They keep dropping on us, preventing two doses in a row. We had to skip this morning's dose. It was disappointing because Chris feels good and was ready to endure it all again. Instead, we both got some sleep and will get up and walk the halls shortly. We are keeping our fingers crossed that his body will let us get in a few more doses before we are discharged on Saturday. Have a great day!
With love,
Teresa xo
With love,
Teresa xo
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Day 2
This post will be short. It is 12:30 in the morning and Chris is enduring a round of side effects from his 10 pm dose. Chris was able to get two doses in today. 2 pm and 10 pm. We had a nice reprieve this morning. Chris was able to walk two miles (31 laps on the floor is a mile) and take a shower. He felt good enough to have some breakfast too. His appetite will fade away as the week progresses. So here we are in the late hours of night, taking on another dose. Tomorrow is Wednesday, half way through the week...hooray!
Much love,
Teresa xo
Much love,
Teresa xo
Monday, February 4, 2013
Day 1
It certainly doesn't feel like seven months have passed since we've graced 5 West with our presence. The smells hit Chris and I instantly. The smells of disinfectant, disease, and courage. We were greeted with a beautiful, warm welcome as we crossed the threshold to our home for the next 5 days. The nurses were so happy to see us. They do want you to return, it means something is working! We were welcomed by a few adorable baby bumps. It's amazing how drastic lives can change in only a few short months. We were even more happy to find out our long lost caregivers, Jim and Theresa, signed up to take care of us for the next three days! It was even sweeter when we were told several nurses wanted to take care of us, but they scooped us up first. It is such a relief knowing we have such terrific people taking care of us. They truly are amazing.
Today felt like getting on a bike when you haven't been on one in a year. I was a little rusty at first, but it's all coming back pretty quickly. I'm remembering the drug names, the blood pressure cuff instructions, our side effect routine...
Chris got his first dose of IL2 at 2 pm. He tolerated it pretty well. Very mild rigors, body aches, and a headache. Now he is sleeping next to me, feeling as if he has the flu. Remember the side effects will get more severe with each dose and we won't get every dose in. Blood work will be taken and we will see if Chris is ready for a dose at 10 pm. It'll be a long night here on 5 West, but then it will be over, and we will be one day closer to going home.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!
Much love,
Teresa xo
Today felt like getting on a bike when you haven't been on one in a year. I was a little rusty at first, but it's all coming back pretty quickly. I'm remembering the drug names, the blood pressure cuff instructions, our side effect routine...
Chris got his first dose of IL2 at 2 pm. He tolerated it pretty well. Very mild rigors, body aches, and a headache. Now he is sleeping next to me, feeling as if he has the flu. Remember the side effects will get more severe with each dose and we won't get every dose in. Blood work will be taken and we will see if Chris is ready for a dose at 10 pm. It'll be a long night here on 5 West, but then it will be over, and we will be one day closer to going home.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!
Much love,
Teresa xo
Friday, February 1, 2013
Treatment Plan
Sorry for the post delay. Life has been a bit busy this week. It seems that to get into a clinical trial, you must be very sick. Christopher is not sick enough...and that's okay...I'd like it to stay that way. The study we were hoping to be a part of is looking for patients that have tried multiple treatments with no impact. Fortunately, that's not us. This means on Monday we will be checking into our old stomping grounds, 5 West at Roswell Park. Chris will undergo another round of IL2. While this treatment is grueling and absolutely icky, it is by no means the worst drug to have to take. I've been praying that God guide us to the best treatment, so IL2 it is. Check the blog, I'll be back to my daily updates as we continue our battle. I keep telling myself the sooner we get this started, the sooner we'll be finished. Please pray for us this week!
With love,
Teresa xo
With love,
Teresa xo
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A great appointment!
Hi everyone! Today is a wonderful day! On our way to Roswell, we saw the most beautiful rainbow. We took it as a good omen, and boy were we right!
I knew it was important to wait and discuss the scan with Dr. Pili! He has been working with us since May, and is very knowledgable in Chris's medical history. Although the radiologist says Chris's tumor grew three millimeters, Dr. Pili disagrees. He feels the last three scans show that Chris's disease is stable!!!! I felt it in my gut. I just knew this is what Dr. Pili would say.
With that said, we discussed treatment options. We would like to be proactive and see if we can get this stable disease to shrink, or better yet, disappear! There is a new drug, in the clinical trial stage, called PD1 antibody. Supposedly kidney cancer sends signals to the immune system telling it, "there is nothing here, so go about your business." This allows the cancer to grow. The PD1 antibody triggers the immune system to "wake up" and attack the cancer. It is showing a lot of promise and Dr. Pili believes it will be FDA approved within the next couple of years. I have found one trial that Dr. Pili is going to look into over the next week. He needs to find out if it is an open study, and if Chris would be a candidate.
If the trial is not available, we will do another round of IL 2 in February. It is the same treatment we had this summer.
We go back to Roswell on Monday to discuss the options. We are so very happy that the cancer has remained stable. Over the last week, I've prayed for God to help guide us down the right path to fight this disease. I truly feel he has answered my prayers. We will let you know Monday which treatment we will go with.
I really cannot express how much your love, prayers, and constant encouragement have helped Chris and I. Not all days are easy, but we've been so fortunate to have so many shoulders to lean on. The loving, meaningful comments written on this blog, as well as the constant text messages, conversations, and cards, mean more to us than you could ever know. You are helping us keep the strength to fight this battle!
With much love,
Teresa xoxo
I knew it was important to wait and discuss the scan with Dr. Pili! He has been working with us since May, and is very knowledgable in Chris's medical history. Although the radiologist says Chris's tumor grew three millimeters, Dr. Pili disagrees. He feels the last three scans show that Chris's disease is stable!!!! I felt it in my gut. I just knew this is what Dr. Pili would say.
With that said, we discussed treatment options. We would like to be proactive and see if we can get this stable disease to shrink, or better yet, disappear! There is a new drug, in the clinical trial stage, called PD1 antibody. Supposedly kidney cancer sends signals to the immune system telling it, "there is nothing here, so go about your business." This allows the cancer to grow. The PD1 antibody triggers the immune system to "wake up" and attack the cancer. It is showing a lot of promise and Dr. Pili believes it will be FDA approved within the next couple of years. I have found one trial that Dr. Pili is going to look into over the next week. He needs to find out if it is an open study, and if Chris would be a candidate.
If the trial is not available, we will do another round of IL 2 in February. It is the same treatment we had this summer.
We go back to Roswell on Monday to discuss the options. We are so very happy that the cancer has remained stable. Over the last week, I've prayed for God to help guide us down the right path to fight this disease. I truly feel he has answered my prayers. We will let you know Monday which treatment we will go with.
I really cannot express how much your love, prayers, and constant encouragement have helped Chris and I. Not all days are easy, but we've been so fortunate to have so many shoulders to lean on. The loving, meaningful comments written on this blog, as well as the constant text messages, conversations, and cards, mean more to us than you could ever know. You are helping us keep the strength to fight this battle!
With much love,
Teresa xoxo
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Mixed Results
Today was an atypical day. It began when we arrived for our appointment, only to discover we didn't have an appointment. This of course, enraged me because I had the appointment time written down. It got worse when we found out Dr. Pili wasn't even in town. So for those that know me, you know I was angry and let everyone know this was unacceptable. We were not going to leave without the results from the scan.
A nurse met with us and apologized for the mistakes made on their behalf. If we wanted, another doctor could read us the scan results and we could meet with Dr. Pili next week. We agreed and waited for the arrival of Dr. George and our results.
The spots in Chris's lungs have continued to stablilize. It appears that his lymph node has grown three millimeters. While we are pleased that the growth of the tumor has slowed considerably, we aren't thrilled that it has grown.
Over the next week, Chris and I will research the few treatment options available for metastatic kidney cancer and further discuss our plan of attack with Dr. Pili.
We are still hoping and praying that 2013 has some happiness and good health in store for us.
With love,
Teresa xo
A nurse met with us and apologized for the mistakes made on their behalf. If we wanted, another doctor could read us the scan results and we could meet with Dr. Pili next week. We agreed and waited for the arrival of Dr. George and our results.
The spots in Chris's lungs have continued to stablilize. It appears that his lymph node has grown three millimeters. While we are pleased that the growth of the tumor has slowed considerably, we aren't thrilled that it has grown.
Over the next week, Chris and I will research the few treatment options available for metastatic kidney cancer and further discuss our plan of attack with Dr. Pili.
We are still hoping and praying that 2013 has some happiness and good health in store for us.
With love,
Teresa xo
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Happy New Year
Happy 2013! I hope this post finds everyone well and that you had an enjoyable holiday season.
Chris and I have had a busy few months. To start, his scan was moved to mid January. We aren't sure why, other than it was God's will. December was a busy, hectic month and I think God knew that adding a scan to our plate was just too much.
We celebrated our first anniversary with a romantic weekend in NYC! My beautiful New York friend, Morgan, and her husband Mike, kindly took our tourist selves all over the city. When they released us to our own devices, we saw A Christmas Story on Broadway. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a rollercoaster first year of marriage. Sometimes I feel like we've been married much longer. Chris and I have done a lot of living in the two and a half years we've been together.
Chris and I both enjoy the holidays. We had a lot of fun decorating and getting our house ready for the festivities. Thanksgiving was spent in Niagara Falls. This year has put life in perspective, there were many things to be thankful for. I'm so very thankful that God chose me to be Christopher's wife. I couldn't ask for a more perfect partner. We've definitely lived through the "in sickness" and "in bad" portion of our vows. We look forward to experiencing health and good times together!
December was a bit of a whirlwind. As most know, Christopher's grandfather passed away before Christmas. Although we were so sad that he left this earth, we know we have an additional angel watching over us from heaven. He was an absolutely wonderful man. I'm honored that I was able to call him Grandpa.
To end 2012 on a happier note, we added a new family member to our Niver family. We picked up a puppy the day after Christmas! Stella is an adorable Irish Terrier. She is very busy, but has brought Chris, Sophie (our yorkie terrier) and I some much needed joy.
We happily said good bye to 2012 and are embracing 2013. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We know you'll be in our hearts in a couple of weeks as we go back to Roswell for our next scan.
With much love,
Teresa xoxo
Chris and I have had a busy few months. To start, his scan was moved to mid January. We aren't sure why, other than it was God's will. December was a busy, hectic month and I think God knew that adding a scan to our plate was just too much.
We celebrated our first anniversary with a romantic weekend in NYC! My beautiful New York friend, Morgan, and her husband Mike, kindly took our tourist selves all over the city. When they released us to our own devices, we saw A Christmas Story on Broadway. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a rollercoaster first year of marriage. Sometimes I feel like we've been married much longer. Chris and I have done a lot of living in the two and a half years we've been together.
Chris and I both enjoy the holidays. We had a lot of fun decorating and getting our house ready for the festivities. Thanksgiving was spent in Niagara Falls. This year has put life in perspective, there were many things to be thankful for. I'm so very thankful that God chose me to be Christopher's wife. I couldn't ask for a more perfect partner. We've definitely lived through the "in sickness" and "in bad" portion of our vows. We look forward to experiencing health and good times together!
December was a bit of a whirlwind. As most know, Christopher's grandfather passed away before Christmas. Although we were so sad that he left this earth, we know we have an additional angel watching over us from heaven. He was an absolutely wonderful man. I'm honored that I was able to call him Grandpa.
To end 2012 on a happier note, we added a new family member to our Niver family. We picked up a puppy the day after Christmas! Stella is an adorable Irish Terrier. She is very busy, but has brought Chris, Sophie (our yorkie terrier) and I some much needed joy.
We happily said good bye to 2012 and are embracing 2013. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We know you'll be in our hearts in a couple of weeks as we go back to Roswell for our next scan.
With much love,
Teresa xoxo
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