My diagnosis was confirmed on September 20th, 2005 as stage IV adenocarcinoma with mets to lungs, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. This was determined by a routine CT after my CA19-9 came back extremely elevated as compared to my most recent, prior CA19-9 values. I was not in any pain and was going about life normally with a lot to look forward to.
I am presently participating in a trial at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, consisting of gemcitabine, avastin and oxaliplatin. I receive this treatment every 2 weeks.
As of this posting, I just received treatment 10. I am evaluated every 4 treatments and my most recent evaluation has shown everything to be stable.
My user name stands for BUTCH from MADison. It does not mean that I am angry.
I have a terrific support group, of people I had completely forgotten about.
My wife and children have been extremely wonderful. It's been extremely
humbling, the way people have come out of nowhere and provided unwavering
support for me and my family as we procede down this path.