Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Recurrence

What follows comes from an email we sent this morning to our nearest and dearest, and that does the job of cutting to the chase. I’ve decided to post it here rather than trying to find some other way to say essentially the same thing. There’s so much I do want to say, but that can come later. At this time, I just want to rest, pray and listen carefully to whatever God has to tell me. More soon.

Dear friends: As some of you know, we've been to Portland the last two days for my quarterly scans and a consultation with Dr. Curti, my medical oncologist. I'm afraid we got bad news this time. The melanoma has recurred aggressively in my brain and spread to my spine. This news comes as a shock but not a surprise, if that makes sense to you. I've lived with melanoma for years and in the absence of serious symptoms, figured I was good for many more miles. Well, maybe not.

Treatment in these circumstances would typically be a form of radiotherapy called Gamma Knife, but my doctors have concluded that the cancer is too extensive to treat without causing grievous damage to my brain function and at any rate wouldn't prevent its recurrence. I would likely lose part of my sight and motion. I might spend months in rehab, during which new mets would likely form. The prognosis is dire, but we are not without hope. Ellen and I and rest of the family are in prayer for God's guidance and we're at peace with whatever should happen. We'll be making a decision in days ahead whether to pursue other options or not.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

9 comments:

grsmouse said...

We join with you in prayer....

Skeezix said...

Prayers and guardian angels for you.

Peter McQuaid said...

Peter- 'It's certainly been a long time since I saw you back in the old Diagnostic Imaging Magazine days. I have been reading your blogs and they usually bring tears to my eyes and I admire your strong will and humbleness towards God. Your faith will serve you well as you prepare for a tougher run than you expected. Please know that many of us are praying for you and the entire family. God's peace my friend, Peter McQuaid

Kim said...

Peter,

You are giving many of us a wonderful gift by sharing your insightful, authentic thoughts and feelings as you continue your journey. Thank you.

I appreciate the honor to pray for both you and Ellen. I'll pray for wisdom and sense of God's love and peace.

Kim Flom

Titus 2 Thandi said...

Prayers and love to you, Ellen and everyone else. The future really seems dire. Words fail me at this time. May you be symptom free for a long long long long time.

Emily Hayes said...

Peter I am very sad to hear this news of recurrence. I will be thinking of you and wishing you well. Emily

Steven K. Wagner said...

Peter -- Prayers coming to you, Ellen, Allie and Nick many times daily. Rest in the Comforter, He will not fail you whatever the future may hold. We will talk soon.
Wags

Nancy said...

I didn't want to believe the news of recurrence when you shared the news with your nearest and dearest, and I don't want to believe it now. So begins another chapter in the wonderfully spiritual and inspiring story you have been sharing with us over the years that you have journeyed with cancer. Where is NED when we need him? Peter, Ellen, family, I pray for peace and God's guidance. Much love, Nancy

Eric S. said...

Peter, my heart is filled with grief with this latest news of your condition. Of course you are in my prayers. I feel ashamed that I have not been a better friend these past many months. I will make it a point to come by soon and visit like we used to.

Eric S.