Christmas and New Year was a whirlwind of events, celebrations, get-togethers, just like any other Christmas Season. There was hardly anything different in our home and activities from Christmases of the past. No clue at all that we continue to wage a battle against such a dreadful disease.
Ernie's Dec PET/CT showed regression in size and biological activity of the lung tumors but progression in bone lesions. In short - mixed response to chemotheraphy. Our beloved oncologist - Dr Charity, as always, has very kind and encouraging words (bless her big big heart). She says that lung response is good and that bone metastesis is far less dangerous and that an adjustment of theraphy will be the next strategy.
She changed medication to oral chemo (Iressa-targetted theraphy for lungs but with benefit too for bones). This is so welcome as oral chemotheraphy is less toxic and a little less expensive (very costly too nevertheless) than intravenous chemotheraphy. And true enough, Ernie continues to do very well, no side-effects, nausea, weight or hair loss, depression, pain or any kind of difficulty. Praise God! HIS FAVOR is upon us! In fact, Ernie was super active in church, community (emceed Christmas Party for the whole Philam Homes Village) and family activities never losing even a small degree of his energy, enthusiasm and upbeat spirit during the season just passed! Again and again, he continues to amaze me, Ryan, family and everyone who sees him.
I am reading Suzanne Somers (breast cancer survivor) book on "MDsThat CURE Cancer"...and find it very very uplifting and encouraging. Alternative MDs today are working to make cancer a "livable" disease just like diabetes. Patients will have to be on maintenance drugs (low dose chemo???) make major lifestyle changes on diet and regular de-tox and live a normal life!!! What a wonderful idea. In my heart of hearts....I truly want to believe that!! With GOD on our side, anything is possible!
I ordered 2 more books from the US which was highly recommended. I want to devour information and arm myself with the new and cutting edge science on Integrative medicine - having the best of both worlds-conventional and alternative medicine. Perhaps one day I will truly become an expert in this field, having learned from 2 real life challenges - Ryan and Ernie.
Here's to a 2012 filled with GOD's Graces and Favors! All Praise and Glory to HIM! - Olive
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