Test Results: DIAGNOSIS
(Written by Becky. In shock, so quick and just the facts.)
Today, we met with the oncologist who confirmed that Mom has stage 4 cancer in her lungs. It is Adenocarcinoma. It falls under the category of non-small cell cancer which is less rapidly growing than small cell cancers. It is not curable and surgery isn’t an option because it isn’t contained and has spread throughout her body. The oncologist recommended chemotherapy using the following three drugs: Taxol, Carboplatin and Avastin. The Avastin is a drug that reduces blood vessel growth and tumors need new blood vessels to grow. He said all three of these drugs are usually well tolerated.
The oncologist also ordered an MRI to make sure that it hasn’t spread into her brain, because treatment recommendations would change if it has (radiation). He also wants to check samples of the biopsy for EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) a mutation found in 10% of non-smokers and Asian’s. If this growth factor is present, treatment recommendations would change to a pill instead of chemo and there is usually a good response to it.
Later this evening, my parents, brother, and dear friends Bill and Linda met with Mom’s Primary Doctor, Dr. Bob. We had a long discussion of interpreting the results and began to discuss ideas for treatment planning. Mom wants second opinions as well as research into alternative / homeopathic options. For the last two weeks, she’s been on a strict organic raw foods diet with some special oxygenated water and reports that she is feeling much better. Her cough is almost gone and she reports more energy, which gives her more desire to research alternative options.
In summary, today we learned that Mom has stage 4 lung cancer and the average life expectancy is 6-8 months, with or without chemo. Our doctor said that this cancer is so serious and advanced that chemo probably won’t help. It may give us a few more months, but Mom’s quality of life would suffer dramatically.
We are numb and in shock. We need your prayers.
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Comments
Dear Richmond Family,
My heart cries out to the living God. Your mother (wife) is one of the most wonderful women the Lord has blessed me with in my life and I as well as our entire office of Bird Realty are broken over this news. We know that we serve a mighty, risen God and we fight the enemy and his schemes to seek and destroy on a daily basis. The battle belongs to the Lord and we will raise up an army oh God for your mother. I want to be able to come to see her, hold her in my arms and pray with her, but I will wait until the family says it is ok.
Our love and prayers, Tom, Donna, Tommy Bird, our family and all who love you at Bird Realty.
Posted by: Donna Bird | May 7th, 2011 10:07
I refuse to accept this. Cancer has no idea who it’s messing with. It picked the wrong family!
Posted by: Becky Boo | May 7th, 2011 19:09
Dear Chris and family,
I have been listening to and studying Wade Taylor’s teachings on the Table of the Lord. Wade is founder of Pinecrest Bible and good friend of Jay Francis.
When we take the Table of the Lord “as often as you do this” we are proclaiming that we literally are detaching from the Tree of Knowledge and reattaching to the Tree of Life.
Wade at 87 is literally getting younger. He has the Table with the Lord at least 2 times a day and proclaims the above each time. It is not a symbolic activity; it is literally regaining life which was stolen by the reliance on the Tree of Knowledge.
God will give you life and we stand with you! Love of Christ, Bob
Posted by: Bob Pierce | May 8th, 2011 06:37
Chris, I just posted on your Treatment blog about the Table of the Lord. It literally is the secret to Life – it literally reconnects us to the Tree of Life and disconnects us from the Tree of Knowledge which leads to death.
We will be praying along these lines for you each time “you do this in remembrance.”
Posted by: Bob Pierce | May 8th, 2011 06:45
Dave shared the news with me last night regarding your mom’s prognosis; shock came first and prayers came immeditatley after. My father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer three years ago and they gave him 6 to 8 months to live, if he did chemo; he walked out and never returned to that doctor again. My fathr lived 2 1/2 years more and did everything naturally (he was a chiropractor and used many supplements through Standard Process) My dad past away 9 days shy of his 85th birthday. I believe your mom is detrmined enough, strong enough, and having the power of the living God dwelling in her,that she can work through this naturally with a better quality of life . Please don’t hesitate to call me (877-7532) if there is anything I could do to be of any help or if you have any questions on what my father did. Dave and I are praying and will continue to pray. Love, Kathy
Posted by: Kathleen Triller | May 8th, 2011 15:15