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06/02/2006: "A Setback..."

Well we got the results of my PET scan and they aren’t as good as we had hoped. The good news is that the cancer has not spread anywhere else. And the numerous tumors in my lungs have not grown or gone anywhere.

The bad news is that the nasty one in my 7th vertebrae has gotten larger and seems to be hardening or showing “an increased sclerosis.” We were very disappointed and heart broken as I had hoped for some good news.

I should not be too surprised however as the pain in that area has increased the past month.

Still in good spirits and fighting hard.

Replies: 6 Comments

on Monday, June 5th, Ann de Vries said

Do you really see this last scan as a set back? Seems to me that no growth other than the neck problem is a great sign that it is possible to retard if not stop the growth and that's a good thing right? I was happy to read that you did the Mexico thing. I have been reading about the Chelation therapy and also about the Vitamin C therapy giving very good results. I do understand though that it isn't a one time shot especially the vitamin c. I just read on one of health news letters I get that one man gets it about once every six days or so. I think I read it in HSI news letter. I continue to pray for you and think of you often. I really appreciate your blog and your ability to keep it up even when the news is not perhaps as good as you would have liked to report.

on Monday, June 5th, Katherine said

Dear Doug,

Have just caught up on all that has happened in the last month. Reading through your writing brings out such a range of emotion. I was taken by your tremendous tribute to Jeannette, and feel such hope that you are doing all available to you to regain your health. I am so sorry for this setback but will await your next note about how you proceed. Undoubtedly it takes time to turn things around, like slowing a car down and then building up speed in a new direction. Do you keep in touch with the clinic now...what do they recommend based on these most recent results?
Thank you a thousand times over for sharing all of this. Your thoughts and words stay with me. Thinking of you all.

With love, katherine

on Sunday, June 4th, Cindy said

Hey Doug-I'm sorry you've had a set-back but know that this will not stop you or slow you down fighting the cancer. And i'm sure your treatments in Mexico had good positive effects to your body and your mental health. You are so proactive and positive in your fight. I'm in awe. As you said earlier, attitude is everything and yours is wonderful. Keep it up and kick some ass.

on Saturday, June 3rd, LindaU said

Doug,
Hang in there. Mark and I think and keep sending prayers your way. Let me know when you feel up to going to a BB game. I'll round up Tim and tickets.
LindaU

on Saturday, June 3rd, Mary Miller said

hmmmmm....but no growth in the other trouble spots, Rock, this is a miracle. I know that you know that. The one is your back...is surgery an option? I know the answer to that as I write...it is like sitting in a bbq pit or walking on glass....you are never far from our conversation or thoughts. Woody called a few days ago...we had hope d to see them this summer but it all get mushed up in 20 directions at once. He had AIS news and flotsom and jetsam of New England life...we spoke of you, as always....so what comes next? Is chemo a consideration? Can you do another treatment in Mexico? We will continue to do what we have done from the start....prayer right through the black hole and try really hard not to yell at God in the middle of the night...love you love you....Mary and Dave

on Friday, June 2nd, Montana Mike said

Hi Doug

Your courage to remain positive during this trying time is inspiring.Your battle to find peace and live life to the fullest moves me. I remember all the support you gave me when we worked together. I remember you always supporting me in my efforts to be a good father to my daughters. I still remember taking them up to your cabin in the mountains. Through your generious nature, I was able to provide my girls good times. As I read the about how you had to find inner strength to write Nick letters for the important times in his life, I was reminded of my own struggles as I lay in my easy chair after speaking with my doctor about having to go on dialysis and know exactly how you feel. I know you are doing all you can to fight, my prayers are with you and your family.

Mike