After 2 weeks since identifying and testing positive for non small cell lung cancer during surgery, we got the lab results back from UVA yesterday and they are officially inconclusive on diagnosing beyond just that broad group. Frustrating to say the least. They labelled it some long name which means beyond atypical cells that look like non small cell lung cancer, we don't know what this is. They tested and tried to trend markings for Carcinoma, Sarcoma, Melanoma, and Lymphoma to no definitive avail. So, we are going to M D Anderson in Houston, TX. They are the #1 cancer research and treatment facility in the country.
There are 3 basic types of treatment which are chemo, immunotherapy, and drugs which have been discussed as possible options for my case. The trick is fitting the right treatment for the right diagnosis. There are cancers out there where chemo does no good in fighting the cancer and does do harm to the body, for example. At any rate, we are prayerfully optimistic that M D Anderson will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis.
On the bright side, Kelly and I continue to grow in our faith, we trust God with this, and we know that He will provide. He has answered so many prayers along the way, and has blessed us richly with family, friends, and especially time with each other in hospitals, doctors appointments, home improvement projects, taxes, walks, hot tub time, and so on. We give God praise for all of that!
Having been on the Ketogenic diet for the past couple weeks, I have dropped a few extra pounds that I was carrying around and feel great. As of today, I am the healthiest sick guy I know. We work, exercise, and move around a lot and it feels good to do that. I had no idea that eliminating sugar and carbs would help me sleep better, have a consistent energy level, and generally feel a lot better. The main reason for the diet is that sugar is processed at 10x the rate of normal cells by cancer cells. Cancer cells cannot make the switch to ketones, so if you eliminate their food, in theory you hurt the cancer.
Off to Houston to see Kelly's sister Kris who is an oncology nurse at M D Anderson. Always great to have family in the middle of this battle! I am also hoping that we also have some cool home improvement projects to do while there with Chris and Kris.
Our family is lifting you both up daily in prayer. God is in control. As far as the diet, good for you! I started clean eating last June - December (Jan - Feb was tough with my depression). However, I was AMAZED as well, when eliminating carbs, sugar and processed foods that my brain fog cleared and food cravings completely gone in 2 weeks time! Energy level was up and lesser dark days too! Fortunately, I was able to keep up my Yoga and Strength training to maintain my weight loss. Also, Cory is near ketosis these last few weeks since taking a Cross Fit class for school. It will be good motivation for me to get back to eating clean this Spring. God Bless You Both! Linda Chilton
ReplyDeleteGodspeed, Jim and Kelly. Our prayers go with you to Houston. Dad
ReplyDeletePsalm 121