Although there’s never a good time to have cancer, this is an exciting era with scientific breakthroughs becoming increasingly common that extend the quality of life for survivors. I have hope that a cure for the disease will be found in the near future. Researchers continue to make great strides in understanding the biology behind cancer and developing new ways to deal with it. Treatments that didn’t exist just a few years prior to my husband’s diagnosis saved his life. He achieved “no evidence of disease” three times, and he lived six years instead of just six months.
In June 2016, the FDA approved the use of liquid biopsies from blood samples to screen for certain mutations of lung cancer. This allows physicians to quickly identify the gene and determine individualized treatments known to work. This is less risky for the patient than lung biopsies. Some patients may be too sick to withstand a tissue biopsy, or the tumor may be located where obtaining a tissue sample wouldn’t be safe. A collapsed lung is always a risk during a needle biopsy.
By participating in these groundbreaking studies, my husband helped advance science to fight the disease. For that, I am thankful, and so was Chris. There must be a special place in heaven for people who participate in clinical trials to help find a cure that will benefit others, risking their own health. Yes, the patients may benefit from the studies, but not always. The drug dosage could be too low or too high. They could have a toxic adverse reaction to the medication. Frequent monitoring is required through x-rays, brain MRIs, CT scans, and blood work. Radiation, contrast dye, and chemo can damage the organs and possibly cause other cancers. Even blood work or chemo ports can cause blood clots or infection.
I’m thankful for all those who are working diligently to find cures for the disease. God bless the doctors and nurses who press on despite the discouragement they must face every time a patient dies. Please take time to thank your medical team.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
—Psalm 150:6
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. My late husband’s birthday is also in November. In honor of both, I will be offering free shipping within the United States on all purchases made via my website for the entire month of November. (Use the promo code LUNGCANCERMONTH at checkout.) I will also donate 10% of the profits to LUNGevity for lung cancer research.
Click on the “Home” tab to order Cancer on Two Wheels and His Love Carries Me.