GOOD NEWS - after stumbling around the valley for a little over a month now, we had a beacon of light yesterday. The particular type of cancer Francisco has is a "wild type KRAS. "
"Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR, is effective in colorectal cancer, but its efficacy is significantly impacted by KRAS mutation status, with patients having wild-type KRAS tumors responding better than those with mutated KRAS tumors."
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But wait, WHAT? Francisco is ill?
Back in November, about Thanksgiving time, Francisco lost 30 pounds. He also had a tooth infection - well, 4 teeth, that needed extraction. So, anticipating sing histeeth for a long time to come, arrangements were made for implants just in time for his birthday.
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Life marches relentlessly on, and a nephew died. Francisco was at the visitation when he was struck with excruciating back pain, such that his sons insisted on a visit to the Emergency Room. THANK HEAVENS!
That night we learned via CT scans that Francisco had very well developed cancer, ultimately finding the point of origin was the sigmoid colon, metastasized to the liver, lungs and bones. (I personally did not have to believe any of that nonsense...until each following test confirmed the original diagnosis.)
2 liters of ascites (Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid collects in spaces in your belly (abdomen). If severe, it may be painful.) were extracted from his abdomen March 20, and another 2.39 liters today, which gives IMMEDIATE relief to abdominal pain from bloating.
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Weren't there signs? No. Did you get a colonoscopy? No, Humana sent Cologuard kits, which showed no abnormalities. One Emergency Room physician commented that colorectal cancer is frequently first diagnosed when someone comes in with severe back pain. Hmmmm.
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The offending teeth have gone away, and yesterday began his first chemotherapy infusion at UC Cancer Care and Hematology in Greeley, under the supervision of Dr. Douglas Kemme. Yesterday we (think) we learned that the type of cancer he has is neither genetic nor hereditary AND that Cetuximab pretty much targets the multitude of cancer cells that have metastasized AND the origination in the colon.
While the last month has been filled with apprehension, we are grateful for the abundance of prayers made and that continue - we are grateful for the more frequent visits with family, and we are most grateful to always abide in the presence of our Great Physician.
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At the end of the infusion, a cute volunteer came and offered Francisco a warming lap blanket, crocheted in the manner of Madre Cuca, plum and purple colored. I realized this morning, perhaps Madre sent a message "mijo, son, here is this blanket to keep you warm and remember me, stay there a while longer." I hope so.
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Please keep Francisco, all his family and the doctors and caregivers in your prayers, and remember, we always live in a time of miracles.
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We will update here as Francisco requests. 😊
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