The Final Four Started Today!

Today began Cycle 5 / Day 1 of my adjuvant chemotherapy, or more simply, treatment 9 of 12. My attitude, remains strong and we are committed to a successful outcome. We are focused on #crushingit. After this treatment, I have 3 more to go!  The final four has begun.

Why I’m Riding 100 Miles To End Cancer

Last night, May 4th, Heather and I attended a Catholic Mass for Cancer Patients. The Mass was led by Fr. Michael Lumpe, a colon cancer patient who recently crossed over his one year anniversary of diagnosis.  He spoke of the prayers that were committed to him by friends and family upon his diagnosis and throughout his journey.  And, he went on to say that these prayers directed to him were felt throughout his journey despite not being in the presence of the prayer giver.  In hearing these words, it reminded me how incredibly generous so many friends and family have been to us during this challenging episode and furthermore, that everyday I sense and feel their prayers, positive thoughts, and energy.  Together, these gifts lift me up to focus, fight, live and ultimately win.

Matt Sanders @ Deseret Digital Media in Salt Lake City, Utah visiting Columbus last month, and delivering Prayers, Positive Thoughts and My new favorite T-shirt from the team at DDM.

Chemotherapy Update:

I’m currently undergoing a revised regimen of chemotherapy drugs.  After the 6th treatment on March 26th, the doctors and I agreed to eliminate Oxaliplatin from the regimen.  Oxaliplatin is a anti cancer chemotherapy drug with side effects, including a neuropathy that causes numbness and tingling in the hands and feet as well as cold sensitivity that increases the numbness and tingling and also effects the throat.  Essentially, we decided the risk of extended, or permanent neurological side effects was unnecessary given the efficacy of Oxaliplatin beyond six treatments (3 cycles).

This change revises the regimen to be a combination of Leurcovorin, a reduced folic acid that enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, and 5-FU (Fluorouracil), an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. The revised regimen has resulted in a reduction of some of the side effects which is excellent.