More Chapters

The other day, Quentin was telling us about a school writing task called a “small moment.”  As he was discussing his topic options he said, “I really wanted to write about Dad’s skin cancer stuff, but this is supposed to be a ‘small moment’ and that story is more of a chapter book.”  Well… that’s the damn truth!  I love his honest insight and believe Q hit the nail on the head with his analogy.  So, in the spirit of chapters… it is time to write the next few chapters in Jim’s book.

Last week, Jim had a planned follow up with his dermatologist.  At that appointment the doctor shared with us that he has been watching the research for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), specifically with Jim in mind.  Unfortunately, there has been no new research for SCC, so our treatment options remain the same.  BUT, there is new research in the area of basal cell carcinoma, which leaves us hopeful that maybe SCC will be next.   After examining his hands, the doctor froze every questionable spot that was small enough to treat through freezing.  In all, Jim had 33 spots frozen on his hands, 2 on his arm, and 1 on his face.  Truthfully, it was horrible to witness.  I was blown away with how tough and resilient Jim was that day and has been throughout this entire journey.  I would have had tears flowing like a river, but Jim just took deep breaths and carried on as the liquid nitrogen can repeatedly assaulted him.  Next, the doctor zeroed in on two spots that required biopsies.  At this point, I got my buns out of there!  I figured the last thing Jim needed was me succumbing to the nausea that was creeping up.  Jim endured the two biopsies, one on each hand.  His strength, tenacity, humor, and determination are absolutely incredible.  

And then…. We waited.  I would say that is the worst part, but my eyes have been opened to more of the trials of Jim’s journey and can only imagine the pain of biopsies and the 7 surgeries he has had thus far.  Of course, healing from this many frozen spots was the pits, too.  Jim’s poor hands looked like they had lost a battle, with many spots blistering, swollen and painful.  Now, he is mostly scabby with a few blisters.

This week, Jim got the call from his doctor’s office that begins, “I’m so sorry.”  Well, both spots are positive for squamous cell carcinoma.  Since the spots are not on the same hand, it will require two separate surgeries.  Jim will head in for one hand on October 27^th and will return a second time (or technically a NINTH time) on December 7^th. 

Jim's right hand.  Current SCC spot is under the bandaid.
Dark spots are from the freezing.
October 2, 2015

Jim's left hand.
Current SCC spot is between the pinky and ring fingers,
in scar tissue from first surgery.
Dark spots are from freezing.
October 2, 2015

I have contemplated what else to say about our lives lately and figured it might be good to share and answer some frequently asked questions.  So….. here we go:

Do they know what is causing this?

No.  The doctors do NOT know why this keeps happening to Jim.  The popular theories involve his Crohn's medication (which he is no longer on, but took for a LONG time), radiation exposure in the military, and a job stint doing game studies near Hanford.  Any one of these could be the culprit or all combined could contribute to his situation.  Of course, being of Irish decent, fair skinned, blue eyed, and previously a little lax about sunscreen hasn’t helped.

Can’t they do anything else?

Our options are surgery and topical chemotherapy.  Traditional chemotherapy would not be effective in treating this kind of cancer.  Additionally, radiation is an option for some, but our doc feels it could make Jim's case worse.

What if you did nothing?

Well... that's not an option we are entertaining.  If we did nothing, the cancer could spread deeper and then eventual surgery would be more invasive.  Our doctors, whom we trust completely, have been very clear that complacency would be the worst option.  

Could the cancer be anywhere else?

At this point, my two biggest concerns would be anything affiliated with his Crohn's disease or lymphoma.  Jim is up to date on all of his Crohn's tests and he is in really, really great shape.  Concerns regarding lymphoma came up early because of the connection with the medication he had been taking.  He has NO symptoms of lymphoma.

So, how are you doing?

We are really, truly doing ok.  It stinks, it is so discouraging and frustrating, but we are ok.  We know he will live through this and maybe they really are building his clone bit by bit in the lab.  Of course the world needs two Jim's!  We did get to relax and enjoy Jim's time of being cancer free.  We handle each day with humor, a drink or 4, some profanity, a whole lot of love, and just keep swimming.