Insurance: No news on the insurance front. I’ve got the VA insurance ombudsman in the loop, and he is doing an excellent job hounding on my insurance company. They have re-opened the case and are evaluating it again now.
Treatment (part A): I have a few subcutaneous (just under the skin) tumors that were growing and starting to irritate me. For your pleasure, I’m posting a picture of one of them now. You can see how the tumor grows through the abdominal wall and, as a result, is not amenable to being removed surgically. So…, I’ve begun treating it with radiation. We’ll see how this goes since pRCC doesn’t usually respond too well to radiation, but the radiologist is optimistic. I’m half-way done w/ treatments now (3 of 6).
Last week was a bit tough. I had a reoccurrence of ascites which was causing a lot of pain and nausea (including the first vomiting since my hospital stint). I spent quite a few days visiting Drs getting meds adjusted, etc. I went into the Hospital this past Monday to have the fluid tapped and --- good news --- over the weekend my body had absorbed the fluid and there was nothing to drain. I am feeling much better.
Treatment (part B): Last week I had a scan that showed some new tumors and some growth of the old ones. Here’s another picture of just some of the suspicious nodes (you can see 3 inside the circle). As a result, I’m looking to change drugs. You can be praying that I’ll make the right choice here; there are some new FDA-approved drugs that I haven’t tried yet; I can go back to some drugs that I tried earlier; or, I can find a trial of some even newer drugs. I’m researching it right now, and I’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, my spirits remain good, and I’m continually grateful for all your support. The word “thanks” doesn’t say enough. I love you all. -d
Hi Dave, Dad and I praying for you all the time. Stay positive (as you are now) and it will make this 'season' in your life possible.
ReplyDeleteWe know you will find the right drug.
Love, Dad & Mom
Dave, thanks for the update. We're praying for you. God has given you His tough love, which you're good at sharing :-)
ReplyDelete-John Elder
Hi Dave, Amazing pictures thanks for all you continue to do for Andrea despite your own needs. That represents Christ. May the Lord continue to comfort and guide you, may you have clear thinking and new inner strength and drive as you cintinue to seek life. What a heavenly gift life is! I am just now more thankful for the life and health I am experiancing beacuse of your words here. May God's best be yours Dave.
ReplyDeleteAdam Rupert sends in prayer.
Dave-
ReplyDeleteI love you, my brother, inside, outside, lumps and all. You make me laugh. God uses you to make me more of who He wants me to be. Thank you for your faithful friendship. Thank you for reflecting God's glory and mercy in the midst of your suffering. I will keep in God's ear on your behalf.
Love, Jude