05/09/2024
Cancer Recovery Update 05/09/2024:
We have returned from my 3mo follow-up in Houston with really good news. The visual exam again confirmed that there are no longer visible signs of any tumors. And the PET scan also confirmed no signs of cancer in my tonsils or lymph nodes. By all indications, it appears the oral cancers are all gone! This particular cancer has a specific DNA marker that can be seen in blood work, and it’ll take a couple weeks for the results, but doc is pretty confident it will read Zero.
The PET scan did, however, find a very small nodule in my lungs that wasn’t seen in any of the prior scans (Chest CT & PET). All 3 docs we followed up with agreed that it’s most likely nothing & it’s only 6mm, which is small enough to fit “between the cuts” in the prior scans, so it’s possible it’s been there all along & just not seen before. We have to follow-up just to make sure it isn’t growing, so I have another couple of CT scans scheduled for August 2nd to coincide nicely with my 6mo follow-up appointments. Also, the bloodwork for the cancer DNA markers that we expect to come back at 0 will further confirm that the small nodule is nothing to be concerned with. If, however, the test returns a value anywhere above 0, then there is reason for concern and we’ll immediately address it rather than awaiting the 6mo appointments. Again, this is not the expectation, just the precaution.
Regarding ongoing side effects from the radiation and chemo, it seems there has been significant damage to my salivary glands and thyroid, but nothing beyond expectation and probably less damage than normal. Hearing damage has remained unchanged & likely will not improve from here, but the damage isn’t bad enough to be concerned with and practically speaking, I can’t really tell much of a difference except for a pesky ringing in my ears that occasionally intensifies to a bothersome level for a few minutes before subsiding back to a barely noticeable level. We’ll follow-up with these 3 points at 6mo to see how it’s going. As far as other side effects are concerned, everything is progressing really well – above the curve so to say. Taste buds are still improving (salivary glands will help here), weight loss has leveled out and I’m maintaining a healthy weight, swelling, nausea, gut stuff, discomfort, exhaustion, stamina, etc is all much better and only mentioned for a praise report as I continue to strengthen & progress daily.
As far as the blood clots and treatments are concerned, they have taken me off of the blood thinner for now and ask that we be mindful to watch for any symptoms returning. It’s possible that the clots have all dissolved and may never return or may return just as quickly. Since this has been a minor issue for years, there’s a possibility that I may have to deal with it for life, but that should be as simple as managing it with blood thinners & paying attention to symptoms, etc. Guess we’ll see how it goes from here.
Prayer requests are primarily Praise for everything God has done and how He has walked with us through everything so far. We know He will never leave us, but it’s really cool to experience it in the moments! Please also pray for the DNA marker to return that Zero that we’re looking for, that the nodule is nothing as we expect, that tastes continue to improve, salivary glands heal, thyroid heals, and that I continue to strengthen daily as I try to walk in obedience to His will.
As I’ve said before, thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and for all of your prayers. I appreciate your prayers, concern, support and encouragement. I am truly humbled and blessed to experience how God has used every one of you to help me & my family through this difficult journey.
Thanks again,
Greg Hayner
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