UPDATE as of 4/11/2011
Oncology Appointment
Ron was in our local hospital a couple of weeks ago. Dr. C., who is Ron's local primary doctor was very quick to respond to Ron's emergency needs. Ron was treated for dehydration and fluid accumulation (Ascites). An Interventional Radiologist came in from Little Rock and performed a "paracentesis" which is a procedure that is used to drain fluid from the abdominal cavity. The total drained was 5 liters. Six weeks earlier, he had over 5 liters drained at UAMS in LR. At this writing, we have no idea how often this procedure will be necessary. It could be that fluid develops again soon or it could be that it wouldnever develop again. It is a wait and see situation.
4/11/2011 Today, Ron saw his oncologist, Dr. Makhoul who gave us the reported results of Ron's CT and Lab which was done yesterday. The report was that labs are good & cancer is stable with showings of some improvement. This means that Ron will be able to continue the Afinitor (oral chemo pill) until the next scans. When quizzed about alternative meds and/or supplements other than vitamins. Dr.M. discouraged there use because they can sometimes intefere with a patient's metabolism or can cause other serious concerns. He also acknowledged that there are always new things that might bebeneficial if/when scientific evidence indicates that they are safe to use and studies have been done to veriful their usefulness. In addition,he discouraged the use of protein powder because Ron has a diseased liver and the extra protein could put an extra burden on Ron's liver.
Eventhough, Ron's disease has been characterized as "stable with some improvement", that does not guarantee anything. He still has a very chronic disease and could face death at anytime. Because of this realization, Ron & I both understand the need to be as dependent upon God now as since in other time in our lives.
NOTE: The reason for me providing the detailed & specific information regarding specific medicines or treatments is that many of our online carcinoid friends are interested in following this blog in hopes that they can learn something useful for their own carcinoid tumor/cancer journey.
As always, we continue to be thankful and grateful for your prayers, calls, food, help, cards, emails & other expressions of concern. We love you all.
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The Love of My Life!
2 comments:
thanks so much for the update, I know ya'll are doing everything you can do including taking care of your spiritual needs.Our hearts and prayers are with you two.
Love, Sis
Carolyn
Joyce, I know that it took a lot for you to post this at the end of 2 days of Labs, tests, and medical appointments at UAMS. However, I am glad that Dr. Makhoul stated the "labs are GOOD" and that the "Cancer is stable with showings of some improvement". I am always glad to see your posts that contain specific info about Ron's health & medications. I would think that all readers of this blog might feel similarly. We rejoice when you share positive reports like the above. But when these reports are not so positive we also want to share your grief as well. It must have taken a lot of courage on your part for the statement you included about the realization that Ron "still has a very chronic disease and could face death at anytime". I know that some days you both must have difficulty pressing on. I am glad to see your expression "Ron and I both understand the need to be as dependent upon God now...." I hope that you both continue developing this dependency upon God. But in addition to God know that you both have other loved ones that care about you. I speak of myself & Cheryl & no doubt many other readers of this blog. We love you both very much. Love, Dale
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