The Oncologist Says …
February 16, 2024
I have an email that just popped into my inbox with the header: Best news ever! Your HelloFresh Box was delivered! Well, I have even better news than that. We have just returned from my appointment with a much lighter heart than we’ve had for the last few weeks. Cutting to the chase:
- The cancer under my arm is the only cancer that has been found. Caveat: We still don’t know about the brain but in any event whether there is or whether there isn’t, it won’t change things going forward. We will know more about that in a few weeks.
- There is no evidence of cancer on my skin (odd because melanoma always starts there … but not unheard of) I’m getting an appt. with the dermatologist for an exam.
- Treatments should NOT interfere with the potential of getting the WATCHMAN implant to address my AFIB without the use of the blood thinners (which may have contributed to the brain bleed)
- The GOOD news is that treatment will be done by immunotherapy (no chemo, no radiation, no surgery). The Doc seems confident that this will shrink the tumor and it will disappear. Immunotherapy will consist of a 2-2.5 hour IV infusion of two drugs every three weeks for 12 weeks and then just one drug every two weeks for another 20 treatments. She expects that after a year, the cancer shall have been vanquished and afterward we will check things with ultrasound/scans every several months.
- More GOOD news: While the immunotherapy drugs do carry a slight risk of some unpleasant side-effects, that risk is rather minimal and the side effects are treatable.
- Even more GOOD news: Treatment should not interfere with my ability to function; drive, sew, kiss, play Minecraft and Oregon Trail with my grandkids, and think (not necessarily in the order of importance).
- I start treatment on Tuesday of next week. … the next leg of this journey
My girlfriend and I are so grateful for the prayer support and encouragement of so many. It is a blessing to know of your care for us.
About author:-
6 comments on “The Oncologist Says …”
Rob Tyler
February 16, 2024 at 4:24 pmWell Tim, I am reminded that the Lord’s ways are not our ways. Why all the fuss and relief? The Lord knows.
Glad to hear the good news and see that your sense of humor has not failed you. We will pray for Linda as she deals with your exciting treatment schedule. And for you, of course.
Rob
Sheryl Bennington Vaughan
February 16, 2024 at 5:43 pmTim that is very good news
Praying for your treatment to be successful!!
Paul Thyren
February 16, 2024 at 5:53 pmThat is really good news, Tim. I’m grateful for God’s grace and the oncologist’s assessment of things. We’ll keep praying though – it’s still a journey. You’ll have quite the calendar full of treatments. May God open doors for you to share the Gospel, encourage others, and be encouraged yourself.
Sharon Day
February 16, 2024 at 11:55 pmPraise God from whom all blessings flow!!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Debra Stubbs
February 17, 2024 at 10:29 pmWonderful news Tim!! Thanks for sharing, I am blessed to know you and Linda are so blessed. What an amazing God we serve that He allows us to share our journeys through this life together.
I continue to pray for you both. By the way, you and Linda are our “Missionaries of the month”, so we were already praying for you before we knew all that you were dealing with in your health.
Debra
thjeske
February 18, 2024 at 9:44 amThanks so much, Deb. Please greet the folks at the church for us and convey our love and appreciation for their involvement in our lives and ministry!