New News is Old News: The Fourth Scenario

Dearest Friends, Family, and Colleagues:

Today is a wonderful day for three reasons:

(1) Christine and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary.
(2) It is my dad's 89th birthday - Norman Charles Myette.
(3) We are surrounded by wonderfully amazing friends, family, and colleagues!

And now for news from my appointment this morning with Dr. Zu.

The fourth scenario, or the one a wiser person suggested this morning prior to my appointment:

The "curve ball" that concerned Dr. Zu so much has been there for a while. Radiologists who view and report on my CT scans simply did not "see it." Say what?????? Because the focus during my CT scans has been on the tumors on my pancreas and liver, the radiologists did not detect the presence of this growth. A careful 'reexamination' of past CT scans revealed that this growth did not just show up in the three months since my last scan which is what initially concerned Dr. Zu so much.

Dr. Zu described the growth as the same type as the ones on my pancreas and liver, but added that it is somewhere between 'malignant and benign,' one of those funky TSC/neuroendocrine/cancer things that make my case so 'interesting.'

He recommended following the same course of treatment that we have followed, successfully, for the last four years:

• Afinitor (pill) daily 
• Sandostatin (injection) monthly
• CT Scan/MRI every three months

Of course, in addition to my benign brain tumor, bone sclerotic (benign) on one of my ribs, a calcification on my kidney, and the neuroendocrine tumors on my liver and pancreas, he will track the status of this 'new' tumor in that area we will call the 'in-betweenis.'

He added that surgery or zapping it (1) will not cure my condition; and (2) will only cause additional complications.

So, the good news is that, yes, I have a cancer-like growth I did not know about, but which can be managed.

I have got to write a book! By the way, Dr. Zu and Dr. Lajin have discussed my case and agree that they should document it because, in all likelihood, they can apply what they learn from me to help others. And, this to me, is so important.

Next up:

Blood work (yes, tomorrow or Friday).

Sandostatin injection on Monday. A shot in the glute has never looked so good, let me tell you!

Christine and I did discuss celebrating life, love, and friendship. Perhaps a bonfire is in order! Stay tuned for details. 

With relief, belief, disbelief, release of grief, gratitude, love, respect, and heartfelt thanks,

Andrew and Christine