Here We Go Again

Lauri and I visited MD Anderson today to get the results of CT Scans, Blood Tests, and X-Rays taken the day before. You might remember that two months ago we had a similar checkup that found a 4 mm nodule that had not been there in previous scans. The scans taken yesterday served as a second data point to see if the nodule was growing or was staying the same size. Growth would indicate cancer, while no growth would indicate something benign - like scar tissue.

Unfortunately, the CT scan showed that the nodule, located in Lauri's right upper lobe, has grown to 7 mm in size. Our Oncologist looked into previous scans and knowing the location of the nodule now, she was able to see a spec in the same location as far back as February 2008. If there is any good news to be taken from this it is that the growth of the tumor is fairly slow, only growing to 7mm over 10-12 months. Further, only one spot was found.

Since we are within 1 year of the last surgery, our Oncologist says that chemotherapy is not required. We are instead proceeding directly to surgery. Surgery to remove the mass will take place sometime in January. Our Surgeon who completed the last two surgeries, called Thoracotomies, will be doing this surgery as well. He was brought up to speed on Lauri's case today, and agrees with our Oncologist's treatment plan. The scheduling team at MD Anderson is working on a final date for the surgery.

Our Oncologist believes that we have likely not seen the last of Lauri's Sarcoma. It will probably become more of the norm to continue to battle this cancer for the rest of her life, with the constant goal of ridding the body of all the cancer cells. While there is certainly no guarantee that the cancer will return again after the surgery in January, there is no guarantee it will not either. Since it has returned after her previous round of surgeries, it does make it more likely for it to return again. There is always a chance it will be gone forever, so we will keep praying for the chance, no matter how small...

The reality is that we are now assessing the prospect of having to pick up with life with cancer. Knowing that the disease is here, possibly to stay, means that you have to take advantage of every moment, never let your head fall, and keep a positive attitude in the face of great stress and adversity. Sounds easy, right? If there is anybody who can do it, Lauri's the girl. And if she is gonna do it, then I better figure out how to do it too...

Having a family is very important to us, and plans for that family have obviously changed due to the latest news. We discussed family planning with our doctor, and there are great risks that Lauri and I have to evaluate before we can have the blessing of children. To give you an idea, Lauri would have to risk her life to have children. Our Oncologist will not be able to run her scans to monitor Lauri's condition during the pregnancy. We would have to rely solely on symptoms: shortness of breath, excessive coughing, labored breathing - to get an idea of if the cancer is growing. The cancer would need to grow significantly to show symptoms, and may be so advanced that the doctors can do nothing to fix it. In our favor is the fact that Lauri's cancer growth has been slow to this point. While we have no reason to believe that rate will change, there is always a possiblity that it could.

Bottom line, if Lauri and I decide to give children a go - the world will know. And we will make that decision using the best data, knowledge, and medical opinions available - along with a little soul searching...

That's about it for now. In for another round? Here we go again...