October 29, 2004

Two Doctors and a Nutritionist

Wednesday included an extended visit to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance—Fred Hutchinson site. Marilyn and I had an appointment with Dr. John Thompson who is the expert in immunotherapy for kidney cancer. We had a good conversation with the conclusion that my type of kidney cancer is papillary cell sarcoma. This is the less common kidney cancer occurring in 8-10% of cases. It is not responsive to immunotherapy so the protocol for treatment is to have scans every three months for the first year to determine if it has metastasized in another location. Then it may be treated with surgery or radiation. There is a 50% chance that I won't have a recurrence of the cancer in the first year. I'm shooting for those rather favorable odds. Next we met with Dr. Celestia S. Higano to discuss my prostate cancer. She is one of the most gracious and delightful persons one would ever want to meet. She suggests radiation therapy for the prostate and lymph nodes in the abdominal area. I asked why surgery wasn't an option. Her answer made sense. Major surgery depresses the immune system and the type of cancers I have thrive in those conditions. I will arrange for radiation here in Bellingham Then we met with a nutritionist who helped us determine the proper amount of calcium and Vitamin D supplements for my diet. My hormone therapy with Luperon can be a cause of osteoporosis so we want to keep the bones strong. She also counseled exercise and an appropriate diet. During the morning I had a blood draw, received my flu shot, and a three month Luperon injection. We left with a sense of appreciation for the cordial and welcome treatment by all the staff at SCCA. My questions were answered and I feel that I am a full participant in my treatment. Strangely, the information I receive isn't particularly disturbing. It is an accurate report of what is happening in my body. I am grateful for that information and feel wonderfully supported by friends, the prayers of many, and the deep consolation of the Holy Spirit. The journey continues to be interesting and eventful. Posted by Donel at October 29, 2004 03:06 PM

Thank you for posting this information, Donel. It answers questions for me as well--and again, I am grateful with you that you have such competent doctors accompanying you on this journey.

I am always impressed and inspired by your philosophical and peaceful acceptance of what has and is happening to your body. God will be with you and you can count on all of us legions who care about you to be continuing to direct our prayers for healing your way.

Marilyn

Posted by: Marilyn Gorsuch at October 31, 2004 08:54 PM

Amen
PS Erin and I love you!!

Posted by: Janet at November 1, 2004 10:59 AM

Hello Don,

I will be praying for you in my fashion.

Bill Becker

Posted by: Bill Becker at November 7, 2004 10:27 AM

Donel,

I trust you are continuing to gain strength and endurance. I take lack of blogging to be a sign of being too busy with the normal things of life. An excellent sign. All good wishes and cheer.

Love,
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Kennell at November 20, 2004 06:05 PM

I've been praying for you in my own way too. You're a wonderful human being and an inspiration. Thanks for the blog. Being that my computer got very ill in June (made wheezing noises that no amount of healing energy could affect) and crashed completely a coupla weeks ago, I've basically been offline for 5 months. Surprisingly, it was quite liberating (think it may have been the 2000+ unread emails that called to me daily), but recently have found myself borrowing computers in order to catch up w/the world. Was sorry to hear of your continuing struggles; cancer therapy is no fun. But the good news is that there are talented, caring healers all around us and you've got some of the best--from both within and outside of the medical profession. See you soon, I hope. 'Tis the Season! Lots of love, Gwen

Posted by: Gwen Hunter at November 23, 2004 01:36 PM

Since there are no recent postings I will assume that all is going well. (Mother taught me "no news is good news.") Blessings to you all at Thanksgiving. Knowing you is one of the things I give thanks for.--Maria

Posted by: Maria Barbee at November 24, 2004 08:16 PM

Dear Donal, You may remember we are parents of Brent Guinn. Bellevue First Cong. remembered you in our Sunday service. We feel badly that you are having this unfortunate "bump in the road of life". One never knows why! We understand all your radiation and chemo treatments. They are almost worse than the disease. We want you to know you are in our thoughts. Loving friendship, Elinor and Les Guinn

Posted by: Elinor Guinn at January 25, 2005 11:24 AM
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