With the Oncologist 2/27/12

We met with the oncologist, Doctor Stinnett and his staff today.  Sheila’s cancer was classed as a stage 2A.  We had thought that we were in the grey area between the end of stage 1 and the beginning of stage 2.  The actual rating is a T3,N0,M0.  This roughly means that the cancer because of size, shape, penetration past the colon muscle into the colon layers, was classed as T3, there was no migration into the lymph nodes, and there was no evidence of metastases.   We are awaiting the blood test results that will be checking the level of the cancer marker against the original marker blood test when the cancer was present.  They will also be sending in a test for the microsatellite instability (MSI) this week.

The present recommendation of the doctor, pending any adverse information from the 2 incoming tests above, is to NOT proceed with Chemotherapy.  Vigilant surveillance is recommended which means a blood test to look at the cancer marker every 3 months, a CT scan every 6 months, and a colonoscopy every year for the next few years.  While some of the vigilant surveillance testing is uncomfortable, we feel that the side effects are much less than those from Chemo!

We have certainly received many great blessings during this ordeal, and while it is not over yet, we are pausing to ponder the blessings we have received from our friends and from above.  Thanks to all of you who have helped by taking care for our children in many ways, by helping with our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  The outpouring of love, compassion, and kindness has been truly staggering and humbling.  How blessed we are to live among those who are truly saints!  Blessings have been pronounced and very many prayers were offered in our behalf and we have felt the power from these!!