Today�s meeting with the chief Doctor of radiations oncology produced a new required direction. I am looking at the photo images of the PET scans, nice color photos of my skull and soft tissues. The original location of the tumor shows nothing that there ever was a tumor. This tumor was in the roof section, left side of the mouth - near the tonsils. The tongue is sore and damaged from the radiation, the under muscles are stressed and this damage created an eating problem because of the pain, up until this day. The back of the throat is sore. When I swallow, there is a slight pain, but 20% better than a week ago. I have a discharged from my mouth, the came up negatives for infections. I have to rinse my mouth 15 times a day with Bicarbonate soda. In the past weeks two endoscopes examinations have been performed. One through the nose and one through the mouth down to the upper chest and throat. Both visual endoscope examinations were negative of anything suspect. One biopsy was performed to the left side of the mouth, in the area where the tumor was. The biopsy results are due tomorrow (10/6). Today the PET scan photos show a new area of concern, down the throat, out of the direct hit range of where the radiation field was applied. This area of concern appears like a glowing diffusion of light on the photos. The Doctor has no idea what this is. The manufacture of the PET scan can only say that it is an area of concern. The Doctor says that the only way to determine the reason for the area of concern is to perform a Biopsy of the exact area showing the light in my photo of my throat. Prior to the start of the entire procedure, there was no indication of the spread of the cancer to other areas. The new area of concern is a new devolvement, not visible in any examination prior. The Doctor is puzzled. We have the procedure of the biopsies of this new area to set a new agenda. The Doctor advised that I contact the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York for a review and opinion. I phoned the owner of the Genolier Clinique and he told me that the treatment, once determined, can be either in Switzerland or in New York. He said the Sloan Center is one of the worlds leading arenas and advised I seek a review with them in person. Now, a day to day plan starting with biopsies and a review of where and how to address a new attack plan and backup second opinions.
The doctor further said that he finds this all no normal and unusual. Mainly his reasoning is my general good health, facts about never smoking or drinking, and my age. Second tier reason was my rejection of the Chemo, severe and immediately the Doctor had to stop the treatment in order to continue the radiation. The third reason was the fact that we have a new area of concern, outside of the directed treated radiation area, further away than the tumor. This new concern would be a further rare occurrence, given its development during the treatment process.
Although I am tired, I will continue to fight this. Now I am asking everyone to for combined intercession, it is now time to focus clearly and positively follow God�s directions through our prayers.
So, starting tomorrow I will be checking air fares to NYC, and gaining strength for the rest of the battle. Tomorrow they pick the grapes from the vineyard, I will try to sneak out and be there. It looks like a great year, no rain and cool nights.

Thank you for letting us know what is happening to you Christopher. It is difficult when you get a setback, but noone seems certain from what I understand of your letter.

I have heard on the acor list that Sloan Kettering are very knowledgeable in assessing people and giving a treatment regime.

Make sure you have lots of fluid with you for that plane journey. Good luck.

You are in my prayers. I had prayers from all over the world. I also used this prayer list myself when I felt really down. http://www.internetprayers.com/

http://www.internetprayers.com/message-board-forum/forum-1.html

The prayers vary from those fighting for their life or praying their loved ones will survive to those who have mental torture from a broken destructive relationship etc.

Pauline