The Prognosis

Well, there she is. That is Dr. Linda Lukman, Roy's Oncologist. Jack described her as one of the most genuine, sweet women he has ever met. He said it made him feel comforted and reassured of the hands that his Dad's health was in. The quote he gave me was: "As long as you will let me, I will treat your Dad as I would have someone treat my father." That was all Jack needed to hear. He was convinced this is the doctor for his Dad.

I will try to relay the information the best I can as Jack described it to me. Roy's liver and pancreatic cancer are both extremely advanced. He has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in both organs. The cancer is an extremely aggressive form, as it has made it to Stage 4 in less than a 3 month time frame. When cancer is this aggressive, advanced, and at Roy's age, the option to attempt to "cure" the cancer is not really a feasible option. Dr. Lukman would like to try to improve Roy's life expectancy and quality by a type of Chemotherapy called Gemzar. Again, this is not designed to cure it, but to extend both quality and length of life. Dr. Lukman said that she intends on treating him with this type of Chemotherapy every 2 weeks, or until it begins to make him sick. Roy will be fitted with a port just under the skin to help with the Chemotherapy infusion in order to save some veins from collapsing and to help with pain of injection site. I know some of you are asking, so here it is: Roy was given an average life expectancy of 6 months to 2 years to live. Liver and pancreatic cancer are both known for the intense pain they cause, so Dr. Lukman will be also sending Roy to a Pain Specialist to help alleviate some of the inevitable pain associated with these cancers.

The last issue at hand is Roy's jaundice. He is extremely yellow, and Dr. Lukman is quite concerned about this. She is not sure why it has gotten so bad so quickly, but blood tests have been ordered to understand. They should be available by tomorrow or Wednesday. Dr. Lukman gave a possible option for the problem. She may put in the liver a stint to relieve some of the pressure and natural flow. She wonders if the liver ducts may be blocked, thus causing the jaundice. We will have a definite answer and solution when the blood tests come back.

I really saw a sense of relief in Jack's face when I came home from work today. Yes, the end is inevitable and near, but it doesn't look as grim as it did yesterday. Roy and Sheila are celebrating their 50 year wedding anniversary next month on September 10th. We all feel fairly sure Roy will get to celebrate with his beautiful bride the life that so many of we married couples only pray to experience. 50 years - WOW. What an example of love and commitment. What a love that I want to live.

The journey is upon us. It is not easy, but God is NEVER failing, and He is NEVER too far away. I fell asleep praying for Jack's comfort as well as his family's last night. My heart is hurting for this man; my husband, the person who is my very best friend, my confidant, my rock. I see his pain, I feel it. He cares so very deeply for his parents, and wants to do so much more than he humanly can. I awoke knowing that God is right where He said He was going to be; beside me, beside Jack, beside Roy and Shi, beside us, beside all of you. He is NEVER failing. Thank you God for being You. Just what I need.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.