This is a brief cancer update.  In my last update, I shared some data from a recent PET scan. The recurring rib tumor had responded well to the chemo I’ve been going through for the last few months.  I pointed out some random green spots in one of the images that at the time I thought were random background spots.  Upon meeting with my oncologist, however, it appears that these spots are actually new tumors.  There are perhaps 6 in all, most quite small. 

The most predominant of these is a tumor in an intercostal region between 2 ribs on my right sight.  I actually had radiation treatment on this new tumor last week.  I have a chemo infusion later this week that will change things up and be more aggressive than previous infusions.  I had a Next Generation Sequencing blood test that might have helped determine the genetics of the new tumors. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite sensitive enough to detect the small number of tumor cells now in my blood.

As you know, new tumor activity for a cancer patient is usually not a good sign.  In spite of this, I’m still feeling optimistic for reasons I will share in a future post.  Continue to pray for wisdom for my doctors and for us.

Don’t fear, but be smart,
Erik

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