The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Thursday, August 21, 2003

"Incredible"

I met this morning with Dr. Hoff and his crew to find out for the first time how the chemo is doing. The verdict is - the tumors are responding very well!


The doctor and the P.A. were using words like "incredible" and "remarkable" to describe how much the tumors had shrunk... and after just two rounds. As you recall, there was a 50-50 chance that the chemo would even work - and for me, it is working "so well", in Dr. Hoff's words. Both the primary tumor and the liver tumor have shrunk to almost half the size that they were just 6 weeks ago. The liver tumor reduced from 19x12cm to 12x10 and the colon tumor reduced from 6x4 to 3x2.5. As I looked at the scans it was indeed hard to believe just how much change can occur in the body in such short time. In addition, the entire liver had reduced back to a more normal size and it is functioning better as evidenced by the blood work. The lymph nodes looked less swolen (they are possibly cancerous) and the two small lung spots are no longer visible. The good news about the lung is that the spots are gone; the bad news is that they probably were cancer and not something else. Finally, the CEA blood marker, which was 123 the day before the first round and 14 the day before the second was 4.3 on Monday - almost normal level!
While the liver tumor has reduced consdierably, it is still not small enough to be operable, according to Dr. Hoff. But he is hopeful that the trend will continue and we will be ready for surgery after a few more rounds. "We need it to shrink just a little more," he said. It is good that I have tolerated the chemo well, so that we can continue full dosage. So the plan is to take three more rounds (9 weeks). Then if all goes well, we'll likely go to surgery to cut out all the bad stuff.
So once again I find myself in the odd position of being happy to take chemo. Tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 I take the intravenous goop and tomorrow night I begin the oral goop.
The road is long but it seems we're starting strong. I think it's like scoring three runs in the top of the first inning - there's still eight more innings, but it is a great start.
Meanwhile, Christine's migraines have been relentless and severe. As a result, she did not come down to Houston with me. This was very disappointing for both of us. My brother-in-law, Michael Murray, is flying down from Philadelphia this evening to care for me during the chemo and days after (and to play endless chess with me!)
There is more to share, but I'll leave it at the bottom line good news for now. For those praying, my request is that you please continue! Join with me in thanking the Lord for these results and pray for continued response to chemo, continued toleration of chemo in terms of side effects, and complete healing. Also, please remember Christine in your prayers.
The same words of Isaiah remain as our motto. Christine reminded me of these words late last night as we spoke on the phone and discussed my anxiety about today's appointment: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

24 comments:

Nils said...

Praise God for this good news. Distressed about Christine’s condition, but glad she is able to encourage you.

Dave said...

Greg, Cool cool news. Shrink those coconuts!

Syd said...

Greg,
We will continue to pray for shrinkage !!!!!
God is so good.
I have migraines too ;so I know how Christine is suffering. I will pray for her to get some relief so she can be with you. You need your "Honey " beside you. It's good therapy.

Josh Geiger said...

Praise the Lord! Greg, we share the gratitude that you and Christine feel for this great report. We will indeed continue praying, for you and for Christine. May the Lord bless and keep you both. Joshua

byron said...

praise the LORD, GOD is sooooo good!!

Jess said...

I cannot get over the kindness God has shown you through Christine's family. I love that her Dad came down and even shaved his head with you, and now that your brother-in-law is coming. Wow - that is really great.

matt boulter said...

greg, prayer works! the living stones who surround you in this cyber community work! praise god! bouquet & i are thanking ... and praying for christine. matt

Carl said...

Thank you Lord for the miracle first inning. We will look forward to God's Providence as it is revealed in all of our lives as we trust in Him.

richard sherard said...

Greg, I am ofcourse excited to here how well you are tolerating the chemo. I am even more amazed, but not surprised, by your and Christine's steadfast faith in the Lord. I know that you want to be where His will would have you. I count it as a personal blessing to know a person of your character. Since I have suffered from Migraines for many years, I can relate to Christine. Surely God has the right treatment out there for her and my prayer is that it will find her soon. God bless you and Christine. I still would love to get with you when you feel up to it. Richard

Sharon Segner said...

This is so exciting and encouraging. Know that you are being prayed for and that God is sovereign and kind. Praise God for the wonderful news.

sarah said...

Greg and Chris - wish we could be there to celebrate the fantastic news! I don't think I have heard my Mom so happy in a long time! Keep up the fight and have fun playing chess with Michael.

Terrie said...

Hi Greg, I talked to your Mom this afternoon, and
she gave me the good news!! Praise the Lord! I
will continue to pray for you both. Take care.
Terrie

Adam in Tokyo said...

Greg & Christine,
Fantastic news. Know that people 'round the world are part of you support family.
May God grant you both continued strength and perserverance through this test. You'll are a work of grace.

Jim MacNally said...

AMEN and AMEN............

John & Debbie Ciavola said...

Glory to Him!! Praise God, we are so happy for you!!

rick & sonya said...

Praise God! We love you both and are praying!!!

Madeleine said...

Praise the Lord for His goodness and healing. Your messages are full of encouragement. Praying for you both; thanks Christine, for reminding me of Isaiah 26:3 as well through your post.

Wendy Tavenner said...

Greg and Christine,
God is so GOOD! Early yesterday morning, (afternoon of the 21st for you) the Lord urged me to pray that you would have tangible evidence of the healing work He has begun in you. What a pleasure to pray on your behalf! Christine, Carson accidentally made a couple 5x7 blowups of a picture of you and I (thinking from the negative that it was he and I) so I'll send one your way. We love you -- our whole family is praying!

Ed & Mary Howard said...

Greg,
Great news about your treatment, healing process. We are praying for your continuation of healing each day. You are an inspiration to us. Give Christine a big hug for us. We are standing in her corner too. God Bless.
Ed & Mary Howard
Springfield, MO

Andrew Russell said...

Cool. very cool.
Wendy and I just returned from a week-long summer camp we were running for 14 and 15 year olds. There were some puzzles we wrote for the camp that you might find fun to work on. what e-mail address can i send them to you at?

Miriam & Andrew said...

Greg & Christine, praise God for this wonderful news! Please know that our Bible study in London has been praying for you. We know that there are people all over the world lifting you up in prayer. We will pray for continued victory against the cancer and the migraine attacks. Your website has been a blessing, inspiration and challenge to us over the past few months.
Love
Miriam & Andrew

curtis frodge said...

well greg all moved in here at UTA! very exciting, but i have to say not nearly as exciting as the way God is working in your body! outstanding! im very glad to hear things are working well. sad though to hear christine isnt feeling well, please send my love. ive already got you down on my prayer dry-erase board for 4pm! i think erase is the key word cas i know God will work greatly through this. well i hope to see you and talk to you both soon.
-curtis

mark said...

It is great to read such encouraging news, Greg. We'll continue praying for you and Christine

BoB Nichols said...

Great news from August 21 Greg. Last Tuesday I gave blood on your behalf. The Austin Blood and Tissue Center only provides vouchers. Will pick them up this week and post them. You and Christine remain steadfast in our prayers. When you get home remember to Hug Your Honey!