Liver Mets Lead to Lorlatinib
Encouraged by the positive prognosis shared previously on the blog, we plunged into activity, optimistically facing the daily ups and downs.(Activity Amusement & Adventure) After barely two weeks, pain arose in Geoff’s left side which gradually worsened until it became entirely debilitating. (Meandering Medical Musings) Amazingly, recent changes in treatment have achieved the best outcome healthwise since Geoff’s diagnosis. (This post)
Liver Mets Lead to Lorlatinib
Early in November, a long-awaited CT scan on Geoff’s chest, abdomen and pelvis, provided the first direct comparison to the dismal picture of his initial cancer diagnosis four months earlier. In light of the inconclusive results from the last brain and spinal column MRIs plus the knowledge that continued treatment on the second generation targeted drug, Alectinib, depended on clear evidence of it’s effectiveness, we had hoped the CT scan would show definitive improvement.
Disappointingly, although two of the largest tumors had decreased in size, the report noted multiple new mets seen throughout the liver. In spite of Geoff’s physical and mental condition seeming to indicate the contrary, the oncologist concluded that overall the cancer was progressing. He suggested trying a new third generation targeted drug, Lorlatinib, as the only remaining option whilst warning us of possible dreadful side-effects. Having just endured a week of awful liver capsule pain, Geoff was understandably apprehensive. This cloud was soon surrounded by a silver lining for we discovered that Lorlatinib had only become available through the PBS since August. How perfect is God's timing and His ways beyond our understanding!
Only days into the new treatment, Geoff developed an unusual symptom. Initially, lifting his left arm caused a pain in his back. Soon almost any arm movement resulted in serious discomfort which curtailed physical activities.
Quietly accepting his situation and capitalising on improved mental clarity, Geoff spent hours finding encouragement in devotional reading and reviewing theological books relevant to his writing projects. Mysteriously, with no intervention, the pain resolved and Geoff's health entered a wonderful period of stability!
One Sunday afternoon, Geoff felt so well that we set off to visit some elderly friends. To spend time with one dear gentleman was a more precious blessing than we had realised. "Until we meet again" for he is now* in his heavenly home, dwelling in the place of no more pain in the presence of the Lamb of God.
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