Lifesong: Mercy Granted

Friday, February 5, 2010

Mercy Granted

"The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9 (NIV)

I'm very glad to report today that it has been one year since my last surgery/recurrence. I am thankful that I have really been feeling well. I still continue my monthly treatments of Erbitux. I still have to deal with the bothersome, though not severe, side effects after each treatment. My doctor said it wasn't protocol to do it this way...but pretty much because my surgeon was insistent/desperate to find a way to slow down/stop this cancer, my oncologist agreed this might be a good treatment plan.

Who am I to say that over two years later, Erbitux might actually be doing what the doctors have desired to see. Though, my oncologist is fast to say that he believes God most definitely has a hand in recovery...and so do I! God has been so good, and I give Him all the glory that I can share this post...that I have come this far!

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My history of cancer

*SCC recurrence of tumor on right base of tongue 12/11 and probable tumor on voice box. Declined very intrusive surgery and treatments. Choosing pain management through hospice.
*SCC tumor successfully removed robotically in Birmingham from right base of tongue 5/11, quick tests done during surgery showed clean margins. Dissection of tumor after surgery showed cancers cells along bottom of tumor. Surgeon robotically removed another layer of entire area on 7/1/11, pathology report showed biopsies had clean margins with no signs of cancer remaining.
*SCC spread to far back of tongue on right side, surgery to remove what was thought to be scar tissue 3/11, pathology report confirmed SCC, further consults and tests at MD Anderson Houston to determine a plan. PET & CT scans confirm tumor on base of tongue. Doctors at MDA agree chemotherapy not effective at this point, radiation no longer an option, advised to see surgeon in B'ham for robotic surgery.
*SCC spread to neck muscle through blood stream, removed tumor 4/10, involved removing some of the muscle, 11 lymph nodes removed-all clear, will continue monthly Erbitux treatments, repeat MRI 6/10 to check BB size spot on the right side
*SCC spread to inside of right cheek, 2/09 surgery removed area with wide clean margins, replace with skin flap, veins and arteries taken from inside left forearm, attached to blood flow with veins & arteries to left side of neck with 2 negative nodes removed, monthly Erbitux treatments continued
*SCC spread to neck muscle under tip of left clavicle, 8/08 surgery, radiation and continued monthly Erbitux
*SCC spread to neck and gum area, 12/07 surgery to remove 2 lumps in neck, one classified as a dead cancer, gum area-superficial, clean margins, 8 wks Erbitux, then long range monthly Erbitux treatments
*SCC spread through blood stream to knot in neck muscle, 5/07 surgery to remove knot involved removing muscle as well, no lymph nodes tested positive, 6 wks radiation & 8 wks Erbitux
*SCC spread to gum area, 12/06 surgery removing gum area & 2 more bottom molars, superficial and clean margins, no treatments
*SCC spread to lump in neck, 7/05 surgery, one lymph node tested positive, 6 wks radiation treatments to mouth and neck
*SCC spread to gum area, 1/05 surgery removing gum & 2 bottom molars, clean margins, no treatments
*Tongue cancer-Squamous Cell Carcinoma, 4/04 surgery, clean margins, no lymph nodes tested positive, no treatments
*Breast cancer, 11/2000 lumpectomy, clean margins, no lymph nodes tested positive, 6 wks radiation treatments