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.

Monday, December 13, 2004

Some good news

Some good news.

The scan results are in. The chemo is shrinking the lower abdomen tumor. This is not a given with my type of cancer so it is encouraging. We are not taking this for granted and thus are very thankful.

The longest dimension reduced from 2.8 to 2.0cm. A little 3-D math tells me that could be a reduction to half the previous size (I don't know the other dimensions). Dr. Hoff said it shrunk pretty remarkably given I've only had three rounds.

Now it is time to talk to a surgeon. Dr. Hoff and Dr. Vauthey have decided that Dr. Rodriguez is the best surgeon to do this. The problem is that it is an unconventional surgery, thus he may not want to do it. Typically, for colon cancer, surgery is only done on the primary tumor and on the liver if it has spread. As I've said before, Dr. Hoff thinks with the new chemo drugs that have come out in the last couple years, there is some hope that beyond those locations, the cancer may still yet be stopped. It is also a difficult surgery. But I am young and (relatively) healthy and am willing (actually eager) to do it. These things Dr. Hoff said are significant. He said to hope for "goodwill" on the part of Dr. Rodriguez. So there's my prayer request. The next thing that has to happen is for Dr. Rodriguez to agree to perform the surgery. If he does, we're probably looking at a mid-January operation.

I'm trying to get a meeting arranged with Dr. Rodriguez tomorrow, when he is in clinic. Dr. Hoff said it would be good to meet with him face to face about this.

I begin round four of the chemo today this afternoon. Dr. Hoff wants to keep pounding on the cancer - no breaks allowed.

Step by step certain things have to happen, and they have up until now. This is yet one more step.


8 comments:

Nils said...

Praise the Lord. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to hear news of the scan results.
Will pray for favor with the surgeon.

Karen said...

Praise the Lord for the encouraging news. As always, you and Christine are in my prayers.

Bob & Linda McKenzie said...

Greg, As usual, our home is open to you and Christine, your folks and the rest of your family as needed. Best wishes

Denise said...

Greg, i so enjoyed seeing you and and Chris during Thanksgiving break, however brief. We will miss your presence during the Christmas holiday. This shrinkage is good news.....our love and prayers go out to you and Chris always.

Davo said...

Keep pounding away oh much carved one. Hey, was at the MIT Media Lab today seeing Roz Picard. It should be against the law to be so nice a person and so stinking smart. Did you know Roz? She's a co-chair for our Cambridge dinner/discussion, etc. Keep swinging big man.

Josh Geiger said...

Great news, Greg! We are praying for you during this treatment! The Geigers

Carl said...

I recall Moses having to keep his hands raised in prayer until the Israelites defeated the enemy in battle. Your prayer warriors are doing the same with Jesus at their sides until you have won.

Martha g said...

Dear Greg, thanks for sharing with us some good news. I will also be praying as you talk face to face with the surgeon and together you decide the best next step in your treatment. I know God is in control of this situation and He will continue to keep you in the palm of His hand. Greg, thank you for being such an inspiration and encouragement to us all.