01/03/2005 - Update on my Condition
The surgery to remove the tumor last November was successful and I have since fully recovered and returned to work. Last month I traveled back to Indianapolis to see Dr. Einhorn and Dr. Foster for my post-surgery / pre-chemotherapy appointments. I wasn't surprised by anything that I was told but it put everything in a very real context.
The tumor that was removed was an "undetermined sarcoma". This is not an abnormal progression for a yolk-sac germ cell tumor (which was in my prostate). The only curative procedure for a Sarcoma tumor is surgery. The margins were clear and Dr. Foster believes he has removed all the cancer. However no surgeon can remove microscopic cancer cells. Dr. Einhorn puts my chances at 50/50 that another Sarcoma tumor will present over the next year. The areas of concern are my pelvic area and my lungs. I'm going to begin 4 rounds of Adriamyicin chemotherapy next week in the hopes that those odds can be improved. The risk is that the next Sarcoma tumor could be inoperable or be in a location that could result in long-term post-surgery side affects. The good news is that if I can make it a year without a new tumor my odds increase to 95% that I will be cancer free.
I want everyone to know that even though this information isn't overly optimistic (I wish I could tell everyone that it's over) I'm not letting it slow me down one bit. That is the definition of "LiveStrong", cancer survivors facing their disease and fighting it every step of the way. I look at every day as a gift to be enjoyed with my family and friends. I cannot put into words how much the love and support from everyone has meant to me throughout this ordeal.
I was given a stationary trainer for my bike this Christmas so I can begin training for the 2005 Ride for the Roses!
The tumor that was removed was an "undetermined sarcoma". This is not an abnormal progression for a yolk-sac germ cell tumor (which was in my prostate). The only curative procedure for a Sarcoma tumor is surgery. The margins were clear and Dr. Foster believes he has removed all the cancer. However no surgeon can remove microscopic cancer cells. Dr. Einhorn puts my chances at 50/50 that another Sarcoma tumor will present over the next year. The areas of concern are my pelvic area and my lungs. I'm going to begin 4 rounds of Adriamyicin chemotherapy next week in the hopes that those odds can be improved. The risk is that the next Sarcoma tumor could be inoperable or be in a location that could result in long-term post-surgery side affects. The good news is that if I can make it a year without a new tumor my odds increase to 95% that I will be cancer free.
I want everyone to know that even though this information isn't overly optimistic (I wish I could tell everyone that it's over) I'm not letting it slow me down one bit. That is the definition of "LiveStrong", cancer survivors facing their disease and fighting it every step of the way. I look at every day as a gift to be enjoyed with my family and friends. I cannot put into words how much the love and support from everyone has meant to me throughout this ordeal.
I was given a stationary trainer for my bike this Christmas so I can begin training for the 2005 Ride for the Roses!
posted by Andrew Molenda at 1:13 PM
1 Comments:
I'm wishing you the best, Andrew. I've read as much as I could about you and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I look to your success and positive attitude as inspiration for my own daily life.
I was diagnosed with estragonadal retroperitoneal germ cell tumor with metasteses to my liver and both lungs in June of '04. I was treated with Bleomycin, Etopiside, and Cisplatinm (four rounds). I went into respiratory failure from Bleomycin and had a severe blood infection. I was in the hospital for 4 months. By the end of September, I had lost all my hair, lost 43lbs (I got down to 88lbs), had 3 surgeries, and a blood clot in my lung. The doctors told my family that I probably would not make it thru my final round of chemo two times. But I did make it. I'm fine and I'm back at work now. I've had two CAT scans since I went into remission in Oct of '04 and so far I am clean. The doctor tells me that my chances for recurrence are greater than 70% because they cannot resect the dead tumor cells in my lungs becuase there are too many. But like you, I see everyday as a gift and something to treasure and really feel. I've never met anyone with our type of cancer, so it was nice to find you online and hear a story that I can relate too. Like I said, I'm wishing you the best, and will try to send healing vibes your way. Thank you for sharing your story and your inspiration. These are the stories that get me through each day when I feel that no one else in my life can really understand. If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at dave63@adlephia.net
Post a Comment
<< Home