Quick update/prayers
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Jean Jastillana
Mar 14, 2009, 12:44:16 AM3/14/09
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Dear family and friends,
I wanted to take this time to update all of you and ask for your prayers. I would like to share what has been going on lately in regards to my dad, Roland.
Lately, he has sought a second opinion regarding the carcinoma in his lung, the growth of which had been significantly reduced by the oral chemo drug Tarceva. His current oncologist had toned down the dosage considerably since the side effects of the drug could have some rather uncomfortable consequences such as leg cramps and fatigue. The results, however, we're quite remarkable as it reduced the size of the lesion in his lung.
What we didn't know was that cutting back on the dosage of the drug would result in it being less effective and efficient in combatting the lesion's growth. Dad had been taking the drug regularly, going to his follow-up appointments, and getting x-rays done when recommended. From what I have heard from my parents, the doctor cut back on the Tarceva because of the side effects that it was causing my Dad.
As it turns out, the oncologist in question may have made a decision that might... not exactly have been so wise.
After seeking aforementioned second opinion with another oncologist, a specialist who focused on lung cancer, they instantly had him scheduled for a PET (positron emission tomography) scan, which was done today. Long story short, the results (most likely a product of the reduced Tarceva dosage) are... not what we wanted, to say the least.
The lesion's increased about 9mm in size from what it had been (about 20mm). Millimeters may seem like such a small number, but when it comes to lung carcinomas, any kind of growth like that is alarming. What's more is that the oncologist whose second opinion he asked for has strongly recommended that he do a combination of (intravenous and no longer oral) chemotherapy and radiation for five days a week, for 12 weeks.
His original oncologist has strongly advised against that form of treatment as he thinks it's too aggressive while the other one thinks that it is absolutely the way to go. Part of me is... incredibly displeased, to put it lightly, at the original oncologist who basically put the treatment plan in reverse and am struck by how gung-ho the second oncologist when it comes to mapping out a rather forceful treatment for my Dad.
If there's one thing I know, from a medical standpoint, given my Dad's advanced age and other health issues, I'm not quite sure if that one extreme (doing an intense round of chemo/radiation for 3 months straight) would be the way to go. I am now hastening the pace, seeking other possible alternatives. I also can't help but feel quite angry... being human... I just wonder why the original doctor would reduce the dosage, knowing that it could affect my father's health this way... it really makes me want to be present for all future appointments, just to hear and see what really goes on during those visits... but part of me also knows and does believe that, for everything that happens in your life, there is a reason behind it. But then again, I can't help but think that this could've been prevented in some way...
I apologize if I am rambling. The whole point of this e-mail to you guys is to ask for prayer, and lots of it. This is a huge decision for this family. I am hoping and praying for a sensible medium, where this lesion could be treated and prevented from growing any further (which had been the case before) at little or no cost to my Dad's overall health and quality of life.
Moreover, I am holding on to my faith. I will admit that it's a struggle; I will admit that this news is disheartening, but I also know in my heart that I've got to stay strong. I am praying for lots of wisdom on this one.
In closing, I want to ask each and everyone of you to PRAY, and PRAY HARD. I am thankful to God that so far, this lesion on his lung is benign (localized to one place) and not malignant (growth that spreads). Most of you know my Dad through me as one of my friends, as a former deacon/school board member/ministry leader at Grace Christian in Saipan, as an uncle, a brother, and as family friends. I ask that you support us in prayer at this time for the journey ahead.
I will keep everyone updated as much as I can. Thanks and God bless.
Jean
--
Jean Jastillana
Medical Secretary/Scheduling
(Tyler Gluckman MD/Geoffrey Wilson MD/Jennifer Drew PA-C)
Columbia Cardiology Associates
9427 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 498
Portland, OR 97225
503.297.6234 ext. 140 (phone)
503.595.6341 (direct line)
503.819.5961 (cell)
jean.ja...@columbiacardiology.com
I wanted to take this time to update all of you and ask for your prayers. I would like to share what has been going on lately in regards to my dad, Roland.
Lately, he has sought a second opinion regarding the carcinoma in his lung, the growth of which had been significantly reduced by the oral chemo drug Tarceva. His current oncologist had toned down the dosage considerably since the side effects of the drug could have some rather uncomfortable consequences such as leg cramps and fatigue. The results, however, we're quite remarkable as it reduced the size of the lesion in his lung.
What we didn't know was that cutting back on the dosage of the drug would result in it being less effective and efficient in combatting the lesion's growth. Dad had been taking the drug regularly, going to his follow-up appointments, and getting x-rays done when recommended. From what I have heard from my parents, the doctor cut back on the Tarceva because of the side effects that it was causing my Dad.
As it turns out, the oncologist in question may have made a decision that might... not exactly have been so wise.
After seeking aforementioned second opinion with another oncologist, a specialist who focused on lung cancer, they instantly had him scheduled for a PET (positron emission tomography) scan, which was done today. Long story short, the results (most likely a product of the reduced Tarceva dosage) are... not what we wanted, to say the least.
The lesion's increased about 9mm in size from what it had been (about 20mm). Millimeters may seem like such a small number, but when it comes to lung carcinomas, any kind of growth like that is alarming. What's more is that the oncologist whose second opinion he asked for has strongly recommended that he do a combination of (intravenous and no longer oral) chemotherapy and radiation for five days a week, for 12 weeks.
His original oncologist has strongly advised against that form of treatment as he thinks it's too aggressive while the other one thinks that it is absolutely the way to go. Part of me is... incredibly displeased, to put it lightly, at the original oncologist who basically put the treatment plan in reverse and am struck by how gung-ho the second oncologist when it comes to mapping out a rather forceful treatment for my Dad.
If there's one thing I know, from a medical standpoint, given my Dad's advanced age and other health issues, I'm not quite sure if that one extreme (doing an intense round of chemo/radiation for 3 months straight) would be the way to go. I am now hastening the pace, seeking other possible alternatives. I also can't help but feel quite angry... being human... I just wonder why the original doctor would reduce the dosage, knowing that it could affect my father's health this way... it really makes me want to be present for all future appointments, just to hear and see what really goes on during those visits... but part of me also knows and does believe that, for everything that happens in your life, there is a reason behind it. But then again, I can't help but think that this could've been prevented in some way...
I apologize if I am rambling. The whole point of this e-mail to you guys is to ask for prayer, and lots of it. This is a huge decision for this family. I am hoping and praying for a sensible medium, where this lesion could be treated and prevented from growing any further (which had been the case before) at little or no cost to my Dad's overall health and quality of life.
Moreover, I am holding on to my faith. I will admit that it's a struggle; I will admit that this news is disheartening, but I also know in my heart that I've got to stay strong. I am praying for lots of wisdom on this one.
In closing, I want to ask each and everyone of you to PRAY, and PRAY HARD. I am thankful to God that so far, this lesion on his lung is benign (localized to one place) and not malignant (growth that spreads). Most of you know my Dad through me as one of my friends, as a former deacon/school board member/ministry leader at Grace Christian in Saipan, as an uncle, a brother, and as family friends. I ask that you support us in prayer at this time for the journey ahead.
I will keep everyone updated as much as I can. Thanks and God bless.
Jean
--
Jean Jastillana
Medical Secretary/Scheduling
(Tyler Gluckman MD/Geoffrey Wilson MD/Jennifer Drew PA-C)
Columbia Cardiology Associates
9427 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 498
Portland, OR 97225
503.297.6234 ext. 140 (phone)
503.595.6341 (direct line)
503.819.5961 (cell)
jean.ja...@columbiacardiology.com
Gene
Mar 14, 2009, 1:56:07 AM3/14/09
to the-...@googlegroups.com
Hi Jean,
We will keep praying for your Dad. Our God is able to do beyond that we could ask or think. He is ALL POWERFUL. We will seek His will and ask anything for His glory.
Pastor Gene
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