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, October 27, 2005

Still observing

Dr. Rodriguez-Bigas wants to keep waiting on this spot. It does seem to be changing, but I am not an expert and cannot tell if it is getting better or worse. Even thought it is still there, he is reluctant to start poking my mangled abdominal wall with needles just yet. I am becoming more convinced this is not cancer-related. I am going to have my local oncologist take a look at it on Monday. The anti-climactic end of treatments continues...

By the way, the last post was inadvertently closed for comments. My faithful administrator, Rollin, has looked into the problem and we think it should be resolved now.

I am surprised that the 'stros were so soundly beaten by the Sox. I'm wondering if you Houston die hards are in great mourning, or generally pleased with the season, or perhaps still in shock...

Monday, October 24, 2005

No progress on spot

The antibiotics have not had an effect. I can still feel the bump and it is red at the skin over it. My surgeon is considering the situation and will get back with me - probably Tuesday. He still thinks it is just an infection, but they might want to do some needle probing. I hope he's right. More waiting...


Meanwhile, has a simple bad call ever had more of an effect than last night? By my reckoning, the score was Astros 6, Umps 4, Sox 3. Gotta figure these Astros are far from finished.


Friday, October 14, 2005

Mostly clear

We spent all day yesterday meeting with docs at MD Anderson. (I was told "MD" is short for for "most-of-the-day" - because that's what you spend there once you walk through the doors)

We got the results that my scans are mostly clear. The reason for "mostly" is that there is an area that is growing near the ab wall. In fact, it can be felt from the outside. The scan suggests it is liquid, but they cannot be sure. The first doctor to look at it was somewhat concerned. Later (a long hour), when we met with my surgeon, Dr. Rodriguez, he reviewed the situation and seemed convinced it is an infection related to an old surgery stitch or a slight tear in the big hernia I have. To a cancer patient, stuff like infections and hernias are in the good news category. There was some talk about staying in town for a biopsy, but they decided to just give me oral antibiotics for 14 days and just see if it goes down. They are holding off on scheduling checkups until this is resolved.

We'll be able to watch the situation from Dallas, so we're heading home.. with cautious optimism.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Quick update

I made it through a couple of rough tests this week and am now waiting. We go tomorrow to visit the doctors and find out the results. One good result so far - my CEA blood level is a normal 2.4 - could be a foreshadow of a good report tomorrow.

I am continuing to grow closer to two companions, pain and waiting. I have a hard time figuring out just who they are and what they want. I enjoyed lunch with Nils today. We discussed the meaning of suffering in the life of the disciple of Jesus, "who for the joy set before him endured the cross." No conclusions yet - we're still working on it.

cross.jpg
"Cross", by Ashley, 15-yr old MD Anderson cancer patient