Odds Shmodds

Hi Everyone!

We have wonderful news to share with you!

Dad had his 3rd PET scan on Monday, the results are in, and are delightful. Remember... the smaller, the less active, the better... we are happy to report that the tumor in Dad's left upper lobe is smaller, as well as less active! It's size in July was 8.4 x 5.7cm, with an uptake level (energy) of 22.2, and is now 7.8 x 4.5cm, uptake 14.6!!

Some changes since the last update, we have a new oncologist, Dr. Levitz. It was a tough decision not to follow Dr. Roa to her new practice, ACOHA, in September. Dr. Levitz has big shoes to fill, and hasn't skipped a beat. We are very excited to have him on our team.

Dad worked hard for these results, he spent most of the summer with a great deal of nerve pain. I would assume this confirms our theory that the shrinking tumor, which butts up to the 3rd and 4th rib, is pulling the nerves with it. After weeks of trial and error, Dr. Levitz prescribed Dad Neurontin, which is helping to numb the nerves. On a scale of 1-10, after two days taking Neurontin, Dad's pain level went from a constant 7-12 to less than 1! Dr. Levitz is so pleased with the results that he wrote Neurontin for 3 more patients - way to pave the path, Dad!!

In other accomplishments, our team "4 the love of mike," for the Free To Breathe Lung Cancer Walk raised to date $5,343! Kellie was recognized as the top fund raising individual with an impressive $1,795. As a team, we received honor for being the biggest team in the history of the walk, and for coming in with the 2nd highest grand total! A big thanks to everyone who contributed!

My Dad is officially beating the odds, as we enter our 9th month since his diagnosis. We thought it appropriate to give him a theme song, Michael Jackson's "Beat It." It was 9 months ago that I started repeatedly blaring this song in my car to get pumped up to fight, rather than being down about everything. I'm so happy that he can call it his own now.

Once again, thank you all for your continued support, prayers and positive energy.

Keri

(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

A great resource I used to find answers about Dad's pain: GRACE. I posted a question to the site and heard from 5 oncologists who offered great insight on treating his nerve pain. I brought this information to our oncologist, and it was assuring that he was right on target with us. I recommend passing this site to anyone you know who is touched by cancer, it's a wonderful resource.

High Maintenance

After an anxious day of waiting, this afternoon we got new PET and CT scan results. For some reason, this time, more than the last, I felt overwhelmingly nervous for the news. To save you from feeling the same, I'll start this update off with a sigh of relief:

Dr. Roa: "we're in a good place, we're really crusin"

*sigh*

The tumor in Dad's lung has not decreased much in diameter from the scan in May, however, the center has become photopenic (less dense where light can filter through; consists of floating dead cells; is breaking up and is visually much like a donut hole, or perhaps swiss cheese). Most important - no new spots!

Doc says we have reached a point of "maximum response" and now our plan is to maintain this progress by reducing chemo treatment based on how Dad is feeling. At this point, the toxicity of treatment can become greater than the benefit, therefore Dr. Roa has taken Dad off Carboplatin and has given us 3 options:

1 - Gemsar + Erbitux

2 - Erbitux

3 - Tarceva (an oral treatment similar to Erbitux, very new - need to read up on it)

Dad has been getting some pain on his left side, arm and chest - he's passed all tests to rule out any heart condition, we also thought maybe it's scar tissue forming around the IV port. The CT shows bone erosion from the part of the mass that butts up to his 3rd & 4th rib. On Friday, he will go to Morristown Memorial (outpatient) for radiation to "zap" that area and get the pain under control. He will not receive Gemsar during radiation because Gemsar makes radiation very powerful. We will know more Friday about his radiation schedule.

While today was another positive meeting with Dr. Roa, the reminder of "it's not curable, it's treatable" has been hard to chew. However, there is something to be said about my Dad's strength and courage. Instead of putting it in my own words, I will share his:

"whatever I need, I can take it"

"give me more fatigue, I can take it"

"...in for the long haul - whatever it takes"

"I can tolerate a lot"

I say my son is my hero... so is my Dad.

Thank you everyone, over and over for everything. We are feeling the love for sure.

peace and love,

Keri

(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

MorristownPatch (donate blood, get a free movie ticket)

Free To Breathe: Fundraising for lung cancer research and awareness

National Lung Cancer Partnership

A Whole Lotta Love

Happy summer, everyone!

Dad finished up his 5th series of chemo today with low blood counts; platelets (10) & red (7.4). Hemoglobin (red blood), should be above 10 and platelets should be closer to 100. Tomorrow he will receive 2 pints of blood and 1 pint platelets to increase his levels. Anemia has been a trend in series 4 and 5, and I thought it is time to send out a message for energy & prayer for Dad.

As we know, chemotherapy eliminates cancer cells, however, it can also attack healthy red blood cells and have a negative impact on the production of new healthy cells. Not to worry, 7 out of 10 chemo patients develop anemia during the course of their treatment, and it's treatable. However, it does place extra demands on your body and can cause excessive tiredness and fatigue.

It's time to band together again and get Dad's counts, spirits and energy back up where it needs to be. Also, we're looking to schedule his next PET scan for mid-July and we are looking forward to more great results. I believe that with the energy from all of you, we will celebrate another positive milestone in Dad's fight.

Did you know that Lung Cancer is called "the silent killer?" I find myself cringe anytime I read or think about this. How dare they call something that my Father is fighting and beating "the silent killer!" All of you know my Dad, and some of you know me, and know that we will NEVER be silent about this disease. It's not going to to win! It's not going to be quiet anymore if we have something do with it!

First step is fighting, second step is spreading awareness. This year, we will participate in MorristownPatch and Free To Breathe. We ask that you take a look at all 3 links, even just one and either read, participate, donate or send on to your friends and family. Knowledge is power!

MorristownPatch (donate blood, get a free movie ticket):
http://morristown.patch.com/announcements/donate-blood-get-free-movie-ticket

Free To Breathe: Fundraising for lung cancer research and awareness:
http://participate.freetobreathe.org/site/TR/RunWalk/General?pg=team&fr_id=1441&team_id=14220

National Lung Cancer Partnership:
http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/

From my heart to yours, here's to a happy, healthy summer.

Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

The results are in....

Dr. Roa: We are all here, we have very good news!
Mike, Peg, Kellie, Keri: YAY!!!!!! (clapping, high fives...happy tears)

Through the tears of relief and the smiles of hope exchanged with each other, the rest of the visit was a blur, aside from a few key points, shrinking & less active. As promised, here is my full report:

One hour prior to a PET scan (a more detailed CT), a glucose tracer is injected into the blood circulation. Cancer loves sugar, during the wait the tracer becomes concentrated in the tissues of interest, thus feeding the cancer which will show up on the scan as active hot spots. The intensity of these hot spots are then measured for size and how active the cancer is. The less active, the smaller, the better.

The mass in Dad's upper lobe on an uptake scale of 0-30 was a 23 and is now a 15/16! The mass size was 9.5cm and is now 6cm! With an uptake level of just 3 on his spine, it could now just be preexisting arthritis and no longer cancer!

Dad started his weekly Erbitux treatment last week and is beginning to develop the expected rash side effect. At first thought you may feel as if a side effect is something we would prefer to dodge, but not with Erbitux. The development of the rash is a sign that the drug is working and Dr. Roa expects an increased shrink rate with this treatment.

Leading up to the scan, our nerves were high - we said things like "when we get the good results" and "why worry, everything is going great." I'll admit, sometimes I would think to myself and hope that I wasn't just fooling myself, that maybe I was in the denial stage again. Today, I feel stronger than ever, that a positive outlook and perspective on life is the fuel the feeds our little engines that can, that will, that are.

Thank you once again for all your prayers, energy, love and support. We look forward to sharing more good news with the next scan.

A few more of my favorite quotes of the day:
"Once you choose hope, anything is possible" -Christopher Reeves
"Never thought anyone would ever be so excited about a rash" -Mom
"I haven't been so pain free in my life, since I started working" -Dad

Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

...and we are all together

I hope everyone enjoyed the true Spring weather yesterday - I'm seeing buds and flowers popping up everywhere, which is making me really happy!

Dad was discharged Sunday and is home safe and sound. He spent 5 nights at St. Clare's for his "tune up." He ended up getting a blood and platelet transfusion (oil change), because his counts were very low - which explains the low energy level, and he had a bladder infection - which explains the fever.

We decided that while he was there he should have an IV port inserted (keyless entry?). This will avoid the game of hide and seek between nurses' and veins - now they can simply plug him in for chemo (service). The port was a surgical procedure done on Friday, Matt and Mom were there with him while Kellie and I relied on text message updates at work. What's really cool is, Kellie and I both got a "nervous heart" feeling at the same time - we were emailing each other and both sent a text to Mom and Matt. Come to find out that the feeling we got in our heart must have been the same feeling Mom and Matt got and at the same time, because it was when the doctor came out of surgery to tell us Dad did well. "I am his, you are his, we are here, and we are all together..." feeling very lucky to be a part of such a close, wonderful and loving family... coo-coo-ca-choo (Beatles reference for anyone wondering)

The best part - we have our Dad back! He's back to telling us stories, cracking jokes his smile is back - which lights up our hearts.

Thank you all for your love and support, once again.

Keri

(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

High-Fives for Dad

We met with Dad’s doctor yesterday and after viewing his chest x-ray, he showed a possible infection (aka pneumonia). The doctors decided to keep him in for a few more days and watch for possible signs of pneumonia. Dad said last night something “clicked” and he felt better again. He had a good day yesterday but a better night. This morning he had physical therapy today and did very well. The doctors have started him on a little physical therapy to get him moving around easier. Tomorrow they plan to do some stairs with him. His blood counts were low when he was first admitted but today have shown improvement. He will begin taking Aranesp which is used to treat anemia to keep his blood counts high. The doctors expect him to stay in St. Clare’s until Saturday just to be sure everything is improving.

A Tune Up

Hi All,

Dad spiked a fever today (between 100.2 and 100.6) and has been feeling "listless" for a few days. He also coughed up some blood earlier, which we are concerned about. We went to our weekly visit with Dr. Roa, and she decided to admit Dad for 1-2 days to run some tests and keep an eye on him.

He's at St. Clare's for his "tune up". He received fluids for hydratation, had a chest xray to rule out pnemonia and urinalysis to check for infection.

We don't have any answers tonight, but thought you all should know. I won't send out a mass message with updates, but I will be updating as we get results.

Deep breathe....

Keri

(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

Breath of Fresh Air...

Let's hear it for Dad!!

We are very pleased to share with you that Dad's PET Scan came back with NO surprises! The cancer was not hiding anywhere we couldn't see on the CT, and it did not spread! Tears of joy filled our eyes this time around.

Dr. Roa was in contact with Sloan last week, she posed Dad's case to one of the doctor's there who agreed with our decision to start treatment when we did, and also suggested the same chemo regimen she scripted. A clinical trial just closed in the city that Dad would have qualified for that administered a drug, Erbitux, with chemo cycles. They found that it worked well in these patients and Dr. Roa will be adding this to Dad's next cycle.

Erbitux happens to be one of our accounts at work, so I have access to information about it. I've got some reading to do this week before we meet with Dr. Roa again next week. But, what I know so far is that it's a type of biologic therapy (antibody drug), that is designed to kill cancer cells, while minimizing damage to the healthy cells.

Overall, Dad is looking great, feeling better and has a true light shining around him. The light is hope, strength, love, determination and company; all of you, all of us and everyone we know shining down from the skies. He's had minimal to no side effects from the chemo, and is showing signs of tumor breakdown with a cough that the doctor is happy about.

Let the good news begin!

Thank you once again for everything.

Love,

Keri

(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

First Chemo Treatment

Dad started his chemo today. First, we met with the Nurse Practitioner (NP), who reviewed the side effects, the process and the what ifs. We learned today about a drug, Aranesp. This is used if Dad's red blood count gets below 10, it is given to lessen the need for red blood cell transfusions. Aranesp stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. They will be monitoring his red, white and platelet counts during the process.

Seems to me like Dad could make some new friends during treatments. It is an open room with recliners for patients with a visitors chair for each "station". The nursing staff is very nice, very happy and very attentive. I noticed that one nurse called each patient by their first name and seemed as if she had really taken the time to know everyone being treated.

As for next steps, tomorrow is the PET scan and Tuesday will be the next treatment, plus a follow up with Dr. Roa. We have canceled our appointment (or taken a raincheck) with Sloan so we could start up chemo and start killing the cancer cells. We will set up another appointment with them when this series is up.

Here is a prayer courtesy of Pat Briscoe and Pudge, St. Peregrine, who is the patron saint for people with cancer. Thank you Pat and Pudge for sharing.

O St. Peregrine, you who have been called "the wonder worker" because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when human power could do no more: you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from his cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you (names of those for whom you are praying). Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall praise God for his great goodness and mercy. Amen.

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start" -Nido Qubein

Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

Chemo starts Tuesday

Hope everyone enjoyed the "spring preview" weather yesterday! 75 degrees!

Dr. Roa (oncologist) has a call out to Sloan to compare notes, but has not heard back yet since he was in clinic. She and Dr. Goldberg (radiologist) advised we set up an appointment for chemo for next week, just in case. So we are scheduled for Tuesday @ 10am to start. The treatment will be a Carboplatin/Gemzar combo. He will receive treatments 2 weeks on, 1 week off.

During treatments his progress and blood counts (white, red & platelets) will be monitored and evaluated to be sure it is effective, and make tweaks along the way if not. The Gemzar side effects are slight fatigue, not much hair loss (thank goodness!) and no nausea. He will be given an Iron IV with treatments to be sure he doesn't become anemic. This is because the part of his stomach that was removed for his gastric bi-pass surgery would have absorbed iron.

This is the plan as we know so far, unless we hear from Sloan and things change, but we have a good feeling that this will be the plan of action, then we can see Sloan after it's complete.

Next week:
Tuesday @ 10am - chemo
Wednesday @ 2pm - PET Scan
Friday (time TBD) - follow up with Dr. Roa

Thank you again everyone for your continued support, prayers and kind offers of help and hope. We appreciate you all.

Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

The Fighting Irish (St. Pat's Update)

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a jolly St. Patrick's Day!

A few updates. Dad finished his radiation treatments on Monday (3/14), the pain in his back was relieved as planned. He now, however, has a hip pain that he can't seem to shake. It's very difficult for him to get comfortable because of it. The doctor put in a script for a hospital bed, and we are searching for a flat, supportive recliner for him as well. It's very important that he gets his rest to keep his immune system strong.

As we search, we are open to any other suggestions to help with this. Seems as if sitting/laying in the same position for too long triggers the pain that shoots down to his knee, all on his right side. We've noticed that chairs with soft contoured cushions do not do much good for him. Does anyone in the area have a tempur-pedic mattress that he could lay down on for a little while to try? We think it might help him since it will conform to his body - but laying in a store bed for an hour, with a hovering salesperson seems less than helpful.

We got an appointment for my Dad at Sloan Kettering in NYC for 3/29 which we are very excited about. Sloan is the #2 top rated cancer center in the US. They have very strict guidelines and we cannot see them if he is currently getting chemo. We, of course, do not want to risk anything spreading while we wait - so our oncologist is calling for us to discuss his case and determine if we can wait or not. I should hear from her tomorrow and will update.

We have some great news! The cancer has NOT spread to Dad's spinal cord! There are tumors ON his spine - but NOT in! We are very happy about this. We have also learned that it has not effected any organs besides the left lung. This is good news.

Dad is scheduled for a PET Scan next week (a more intense CT, basically) and that will detect where the cancer is in more detail. Please keep those prayers, wishes, thoughts, vibes - however you do it - keep them coming.

Thank you again for all your love & support. We feel truely blessed for each and every one of you.

Love,
Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)

Blindsided

As you have all already learned, my father, Mike Smith, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. (Skima Cell Carcinoma, non-small cell; subtype - squamous).

He was being treated for back pain when blood test results sent him to the hospital. Doctors thought it might be an infection in his lower spine, started him on antibiotics and did a biopsy from the affected area.

We waited all weekend to find out the type of infection, when Monday we were blindsided and learned it to be cancer. But where did the cancer start? Monday night he went for a cat scan focused on the chest, stomach and pelvic regions; Tuesday a bone scan. And then Wednesday, lung cancer...

Dad has a tumor in his left lung and it has spread around his windpipe and down parts of his spine. He started Radiation treatments Tuesday, which will continue every weekday ending March 14 and are marked to shrink the tumors on his spine. This has already started to relieve him on his back pain and he was discharged from the hospital today! Chemo therapy will begin after radiation is complete and will be once a week, 3 weeks on, 1 week off for however long is needed.

It comes to no surprise, however, that we absolutely have the greatest family & friends we could ever wish for. The support you have all given us is absolutely heart warming. I am not one to agree with any war, but in this case, and with army... watch out cancer, because you're about to get your ass kicked!

We will be sending out updates on this blog, literally keeping us all on the same page. We encourage you all to comment on posts and send us inspiration - we will post it.

"A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ" -John Steinbeck

Chin up! We're gonna beat this.

Keri
(peaceofkeri@gmail.com)