My Unusual Problem

Here's the first line of the latest radiology report (Aug 2 CT): "Mr. Ward is a 46-year-old gentleman with very unusual problem related to metastatic underlying papillary carcinoma." "Unusual" appears to be the key word. The report is full of subjective comments related to how suprised the Doctors are that my cancer is responding the way it is -- specifically, that after the near total-body shutdown, that I have recovered as I have and, especially, that the ascites (abdominal fluid) has not come back. All of this, of course, is good news, and the fact that the Dr's are baffeled is a testimony, I believe, of the power of your prayers. THANK you!!

The report also said that I was "a slightly plethoric, alert, pleasant gentleman, in no acute distress." (I had to look up 'plethoric'). But beyond that, the report shows that in the 6 weeks between scans, there has been no significant growth in any of my metestatic tumors. That makes this the best radiology report since my first round of Sutent when it appeared that the cancer was actually shrinking. Anyway, while this report isn't as exciting as actual shrinkage...

Shrinkage

It's great news. So, we stay the course w/ Chemo every other week and I'll probably get scanned again in a few months (no set date yet). Also, for those who ask, I haven't yet talked to NIH. They called while i was in Chicago on business (yes, my first "solo" trip since being in the hospital), and I wanted to wait until the next scan before calling them back. I hope to talk with them soon.

Sorry for the long inter-post delays; there just isn't that much news between scans. Thank you all again for your prayers and support. I'll keep you posted...