New Treatment

I was anxious to hear from the oncologist. I wasn't excited to see the surgeon, he had crushed me, given me news that hurt me to my core. That night I didn't sleep, I sat next to him held his had through the night. I watched him sleep. How could this be happening? Why? no one had answers, I didn't either. But I needed to stop with all my negative thoughts and be positive. He will read my actions, my emotions and react to them I thought I cant be negative.

It was early in the morning when the surgeon walked in, my heart sank. God please he doesn't need o hear the bad news all over again. The surgeon directed his attention to Michael . How are you doing? I'm ok I guess, he said I could be better but this is what I'm dealt with. Yea I know, I'm sorry Michael I tried but the circumstances didn't let me. Do you have any questions?, Do you understand what is going on? Michael said she told me what you found but I don't get what happened. My scan was less than a month ago, I was clean, there was NO trace of cancer. Now you are telling me its spread all over. I just don't get it. What happened?

The surgeon looked at Michael and said I don't know. We did a biopsy on some of the tumors around your stomach. The oncologist will be able to explain this better than me. I have been in constant communication with the oncologist, he saw the results of surgery and has the biopsy results and from what he told me he has a plan ready for you.  YES! I thought, he knows what went wrong and he has a plan! I was excited to see his oncologist I knew he had something for us. The surgeon went on to apologize to me and Michael. I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions and told you to have him placed in a hospice. Based on what I saw I told you that, but speaking to the oncologist I know now that this can be treated as well. It may be harder than before but its your choice, not mine.

Michael needed to hear that, I'm glad he said those words to him. He shook our hands and left. See I told Michael oncologist has a plan. I thank God for that doctor daily he gave me hope. Michael was a bit more excited more encouraged. Lets see what he says he told me. I know that this new adventure for lack of a better word is going to be harder, I know I replied. We got this, you got this I said.

Through everything family kept visiting, praying in the room. Giving him words of encouragement. His friends stopped by after they heard the news, it was overwhelming. But I'm glad they came, he needed his spirits to be lifted. The next day finally the oncologist came in. I was so damn nervous, I was shaking, my hands where ice cold and sweaty. I need some good news today I thought. He looked at Michael and shook his hand and mine. So I know you guys are in shock because I am.

I saw the results of the biopsy and the surgeon told me how it looked. Discouraging? yes, based on all the information you have been receiving. I will tell you this Michael I have never seen cancer this aggressive and spread in a way it has. It has only been a month since you stopped chemo. Did you feel any pain at all? Michael said no, I felt so much better, I never expected this. The only pain I felt was my gallbladder but never did I imagine I would end up worse than before.

Well Michael it is worse. Because you have a genetic deficiency that caused the cancer to spread the first time, well this time those same genes caused the cancer to mutate. It has metastasized it is on your colon we found several tumors, there is one around your gallbladder, and on the lining of your stomach. I am being very honest because you both need it and you both need to know what you are up against. This is bad, you are now in stage 4. Basically the highest stage with colon cancer. My heart sank, his expression changed as well.

But Michael if you are willing to fight, I have a plan. I believe you will do good. Based on how your body reacted the first time around with chemo this time I suspect the same will happen. But its not going to be easy, the treatment is only given to those that qualify because it is much more stronger, and you are a candidate. If you want I can start the process working so we can get you started as soon as possible. Also he said, because now we know how you cancer works, chemotherapy might be a life ling treatment. You might have weekly breaks but if this helps you will have treatment for the rest of your life.

The rest of my life? Michael replied wow I never expected to hear that. Well the oncologist said its a possibility, I can give you both time to talk and see if this treatment is something that you want Michael. Michael quickly responded I'm ready , I'm going to fight this. Get the process rolling. The oncologist looked at him and said ok, but again this treatment is stronger than the one before, you need to be ready for it.